If you are preparing for one of the biggest exams in India then it is just as important to know the UPSC salary structure as you would the syllabus. UPSC is one of the most followed government recruitment, and the UPSC salary packages are one of the best available in the whole country. Regardless of whether you are targeting the IAS, IPS, IFS or any other central service, this complete guide to UPSC salary for 2026 – basic pay, allowances, perks, and post-specific breakdowns have you covered!
What is UPSC? (UPSC Full Form Salary Overview)
The full form of UPSC is Union Public Service Commission. It is India’s highest constitutional authority that recruits candidates for Group A and Group B Central Government services. Before starting a discussion about the UPSC full form salary, one needs to understand that all the salaries in India are governed as per the 7th Pay Commission, which changed pay bands and introduced Pay Levels from Level 1 to Level 18.
As per most Group A officers, the UPSC Salary per month starts with Pay Level 10 (₹56,100/month basic) & goes up to Level 18 (₹2,50,000/month for Cabinet Secretary) In addition to such a basic pay, going by pay commission recommendations, you get Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA) and many more such benefits that boosts its overall in-hand UPSC salary for a government employee drastically.
Read Also:- Cyber Security Salary | Doctor Salary in India
UPSC Posts List and Salary 2026
Find out all about UPSC Posts list and Salary through main recruitment exams. This list contains UPSC jobs with salary for both technical and non-technical positions.
Table 1: UPSC Posts List and Salary (7th Pay Commission)
| Post / Service | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹/month) | Approximate Gross Salary (₹/month) |
| IAS / IPS / IFS (Junior Scale) | Level 10 | 56,100 | 75,000 – 90,000 |
| IAS / IPS / IFS (Senior Scale) | Level 12 | 78,800 | 1,00,000 – 1,20,000 |
| IAS / IPS / IFS (Super Time Scale) | Level 14 | 1,44,200 | 1,80,000 – 2,00,000 |
| ASO in UPSC (Assistant Section Officer) | Level 7 | 44,900 | 55,000 – 65,000 |
| UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandant) | Level 10 | 56,100 | 75,000 – 85,000 |
| UPSC CDS (Lieutenant) | Level 10 | 56,100 | 75,000 – 1,00,000 |
| UPSC ESE (Engineering Services) | Level 10 | 56,100 | 70,000 – 85,000 |
| UPSC CMS (Medical Officer) | Level 10 | 56,100 | 80,000 – 1,00,000 |
| UPSC EPFO (APFC) | Level 10 | 56,100 | 70,000 – 85,000 |
| UPSC Drug Inspector | Level 7–10 | 44,900 – 56,100 | 60,000 – 80,000 |
A quick snapshot of the UPSC jobs list with salary. Detailed post-wise breakdowns follow below.
Read Also:- Pilot Salary in India | Air Hostess Salary
UPSC Salary Per Month: Understanding the Pay Structure
Though basic pay is not the only part of UPSC salary per month. The effective amount in-hand you get is reliant on different components:
- Basic Pay – As determined by the Pay Level as per 7th pay commission
- Dearness Allowance (DA) – At present approximately 50% of basic salary (once in every six months, revised).
- House Rent Allowance(HRA): 8%,16% & 24% of Basic pay depending on city category(X, Y to Z).
- Transport Allowance (TA) – ₹3,600 to ₹7,200/per month + DA
- Madical posts, Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA)
- Other Allowances – Uniform allowance, kit maintenance, risk allowance (applicable for defence/paramilitary).
Table 2: UPSC Salary Per Month (Approximate Gross for Major Posts in 2026)
| Post | Basic Pay | DA (50%) | HRA (24% – Metro) | TA | Approx. Gross |
| IAS (Junior Time Scale) | ₹56,100 | ₹28,050 | ₹13,464 | ₹7,200 | ₹1,04,814 |
| CAPF AC | ₹56,100 | ₹28,050 | ₹13,464 | ₹3,600 | ₹1,01,214 |
| CDS Lieutenant | ₹56,100 | ₹28,050 | ₹13,464 | ₹3,600 | ₹1,01,214 |
| EPFO APFC | ₹56,100 | ₹28,050 | ₹13,464 | ₹3,600 | ₹1,01,214 |
| ASO | ₹44,900 | ₹22,450 | ₹10,776 | ₹3,600 | ₹81,726 |
Note: The above figures are approximate and may vary based on posting location, seniority, and updated DA rates.
Read Also:- CA Salary in India | Software Engineer Salary
UPSC CMS Salary 2026 (Civil Medical Services)
For medical graduates joining government service, the UPSC CMS salary is one of the most lucrative. The Combined Medical Services (CMS) examination is for recruiting Assistant Divisional Medical Officers, Junior Scale Posts in Railways, CGHS and other central health services.
UPSC CMS Salary Breakdown
| Component | Amount (₹) |
| Basic Pay | 56,100 |
| DA (50%) | 28,050 |
| HRA (24% Metro) | 13,464 |
| Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) | 8,415 |
| Transport Allowance | 7,200 |
| Approximate Gross Salary | ~1,13,229 |
UPSC CMS salary is inclusive of perks such as government accommodation, medical facilities, leave travel concession (LTC), and also many more things that make this job more lucrative with a defined pension scheme. The UPSC CMS salary witnessed high promotions with respect to the Junior Scale to the Senior Administrative Grade.
The UPSC Medical Officer salary is covered under the same Matrix as per the 7th Pay Commission but may also include risk allowances a department pays (for example, wards dealing with infectious diseases, remote posts etc.) Thus, the UPSC medical officer salary in 2026 is gross ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,20,000 per month approximately.
ASO in UPSC Salary 2026
The ASO which stands for Assistant Section Officer is the pay package offered to Candidates who are directly recruited through UPSC for ministries and departments of the central government.
ASO in UPSC Salary Details
| Component | Amount (₹) |
| Basic Pay (Level 7) | 44,900 |
| DA (50%) | 22,450 |
| HRA (24% Delhi) | 10,776 |
| Transport Allowance | 3,600 |
| Gross Salary | ~81,726 |
In addition to the monthly pay, the ASO in UPSC salary package covers health insurance in CGHS, GPF/NPS, and study leave provision. Apart from financial benefits, ASOs posted in UPSC HQ or important ministries like MEA or Railways also get non-monetary advantages!
UPSC CAPF Salary 2026
UPSC CAPF Salary is The salary of the Assistant Commandants under Central Armed Police Forces exam. CAPF comprises BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB,
UPSC CAPF Salary Breakdown
| Component | Amount (₹) |
| Basic Pay (Level 10) | 56,100 |
| DA (50%) | 28,050 |
| HRA | 13,464 |
| TA | 3,600 |
| Risk & Hardship Allowance | Up to ₹25,000 |
| Approximate Gross | ~1,00,000 – 1,26,000 |
As a UPSC CAPF, your salary is heavily dependent on where you are deployed. Even in high-altitude or insurgency-affected areas, officers on posting get special allowances. Along with the UPSC CAPF salary, candidates also receive free ration, subsidized housing/mess facilities, and medical insurance for entire family.
UPSC CDS Salary 2026
The UPSC CDS salary consists of officers recruited via the Combined Defence Services examination into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
UPSC CDS Salary by Rank
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹) | Military Service Pay (₹) | Approximate Gross (₹) |
| Lieutenant / Flying Officer / Sub-Lieutenant | Level 10 | 56,100 | 15,500 | 95,000 – 1,10,000 |
| Captain / Flight Lieutenant | Level 10B | 61,300 | 15,500 | 1,05,000 – 1,20,000 |
| Major / Squadron Leader | Level 11 | 69,400 | 15,500 | 1,15,000 – 1,35,000 |
| Lieutenant Colonel / Wing Commander | Level 12A | 1,21,200 | 15,500 | 1,60,000 – 1,80,000 |
Ration allowance (for all officers in India) Kit Maintenance, free accommodation (or HRA) and free medical for self & dependants also form the primary part of the UPSC CDS salary. When we look into UPSC CDS salary of defence officers, the job provides one of the best retirement packages starting from ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) and pension.
UPSC EPFO Salary 2026 (EPFO & APFC)
UPSC EPFO Salary is defined as the salary structure which UPSC follows while recruiting for Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation. There are two cadres in this here — These are Enforcement officer (EO) and Assistant provident Fund Commissioner (APFC).
UPSC EPFO APFC Salary
| Component | Amount (₹) |
| Basic Pay (Level 10) | 56,100 |
| DA (50%) | 28,050 |
| HRA (City-based) | 8,955 – 13,464 |
| Transport Allowance | 3,600 |
| Gross Salary | ~96,000 – 1,01,000 |
Salary for UPSC EPFO APFC (2026) has its competitiveness with promotion options ranging from Deputy PF Commissioner, Regional PF Commissioner and higher. The UPSC EPFO salary of Enforcement Officers (Level 7) has a basic pay of ₹44,900 and a gross monthly salary of around ₹75,000–₹82,000.
UPSC ESE Salary 2026 (Engineering Services)
The UPSC ESE salary includes the wage of officers appointed through Engineering Services Examination in different departments, such as Railways, CPWD, CWC, MES, BRO, etc.
UPSC ESE Salary Breakdown
| Component | Amount (₹) |
| Basic Pay (Level 10) | 56,100 |
| DA (50%) | 28,050 |
| HRA | 8,955 – 13,464 |
| TA | 3,600 – 7,200 |
| Technical Allowance | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Approximate Gross | ~98,000 – 1,08,000 |
UPSC ESE salary increases steadily along with promotions. A Level 12 engineer you draw a basic of ₹78,800, which jumps to ₹1,18,500 at Level 13 (Senior Administrative Grade). The UPSC ESE salary also has project allowances as other departments.
UPSC Drug Inspector Salary 2026
For pharmacy and science graduates, salary is a key focus area, specifically the UPSC drug inspector salary. Drug Inspectors: Drug Inspectors are appointed so that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act is strictly followed in the whole country.
UPSC Drug Inspector Salary Details
| Level | Basic Pay (₹) | Approximate Gross (₹) |
| Level 7 (Entry) | 44,900 | 65,000 – 72,000 |
| Level 10 (After Promotion) | 56,100 | 85,000 – 95,000 |
The UPSC drug inspector salary is basic plus other government allowances and then field visits give a special kit allowance. Such officers have a crucial role in enforcement and are usually posted to state level operations.
UPSC Medical Officer Salary 2026
The UPSC medical officer salary is set for the doctors recruited under CMS or any other recruitment drive notified by the UPSC via its official website.
Key Highlights of UPSC Medical Officer Salary
| Component | Amount (₹) |
| Basic Pay | 56,100 |
| NPA (25% of Basic) | 14,025 |
| DA on Basic + NPA | 35,063 |
| HRA (Metro) | 13,464 |
| Transport Allowance | 7,200 |
| Approx. Gross | ~1,25,000 – 1,35,000 |
The UPSC medical officer salary is one of the highest (after NPA) level starting government salaries in the country. Packages are even higher for senior medical officers and specialists.
Read Also:- Investment Banker Salary | AI Engineer Salary
UPSC Salary: Promotions and Career Growth
The UPSC Salary provides for one of the major benefits by a gradually increasing salary with promotion settlements;
- Annual Increment 3% of basic pay annually.
- Promotions: Ape by either the APAR(Annual Performance Appraisal Report) or DPC(Departmental Promotion Committee) based.
- Promotions with Defined Time: MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) scheme offers financial advancement every 10, 20, and 30 years of service in the absence of regular advancement.
Table: Career Growth of an IAS Officer and Corresponding UPSC Salary
| Stage | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹) |
| Junior Time Scale | 10 | 56,100 |
| Senior Time Scale | 11 | 67,700 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | 12 | 78,800 |
| Selection Grade | 13 | 1,18,500 |
| Super Time Scale | 14 | 1,44,200 |
| Above Super Time Scale | 15 | 1,82,200 |
| Apex Scale (Secretary) | 17 | 2,25,000 |
| Cabinet Secretary | 18 | 2,50,000 |
Read also:- Data Scientist Salary | BSc Nursing Salary
Additional Benefits and Perks Beyond UPSC Salary
In addition to monthly UPSC salary, officers also get multiple benefits and perks:
- Government Accommodation – Type I to Type VIII quarters based on the rank.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)Alternate Travel Reimbursement of the family once in 2/4 years
- Medical Facilities – CGHS/ECHS/departmental hospitals.
- Study Leave — For learning and development in an education environment.
- Pension – The new joiners are under NPS; those who joined before 2004 are under the Old Pension Scheme.
- Government Vehicle and Staff — For important IAS/IPS officials.
- Security Cover – As per threat perception for officers of higher ranks
FAQs on UPSC Salary
Q1. What is the starting UPSC salary per month in 2026?
A: The Starting UPSC salary per month for almost all Group A Services (IAS, IPS, ESE, CAPF, CDS, EPFO APFC, CMS) is ₹56,100 (Pay Level 10). Including allowances, gross salary is around ₹95,000–₹1,10,000 per month. Q1. How much is the initial Basic UPSC salary per month in the year 2026?
Q2. What is the UPSC CMS salary in 2026?
A: The monthly salary of a UPSC CMS is around ₹1,10,000 to ₹1,15,000 includes NPA, DA and HRA for Junior Scale)
Q3. What is the ASO in UPSC salary?
A: The UPSC salary for ASO is initially at Pay Level 7 with a basic pay of ₹44,900 per month and a gross salary of approximately ₹80,000–₹85,000/month in the metro cities.
Q4. What is the UPSC CAPF salary for Assistant Commandants?
A: A Assistant Commandant in UPSC CAPF salary approximately ₹1,00,000–₹1,25,000 gross/month (Including risk and hardship allowances for field postings).
Q5. What is the UPSC CDS salary for a Lieutenant?
A: The UPSC CDS salary for a newly commissioned Lieutenant starts at Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 basic) plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500, making the gross approximately ₹1,00,000–₹1,10,000 per month.
Q6. What is the UPSC EPFO APFC salary?
A:The total salary of an UPSC CDS newly appointed officer will be ₹56,100 (basic) (Pay Level 10) + Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500/per month.
Q7. What is the UPSC ESE salary for engineering graduates?
A:The UPSC ESE salary is at Level-10 (basic ₹56,100) with a gross of around ₹98,000–₹1,08,000 per month. At Level 13, the base salary for a senior engineer is ₹1,18,500.
Q8. What is the UPSC drug inspector salary?
A:The UPSC drug inspector salary is at pay level 7 (₹44,900 basic) and gross of ₹65,000–₹72,000 per month; via level 10, it becomes upto ₹85,000–₹95,000 post promotion.
Q9. What is the UPSC medical officer salary in 2026?
A: The UPSC medical officer salary is roughly ₹1,25,000–₹1,35,000 gross monthly, including a Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) of 25% on basic pay.
Q10. How does DA affect the UPSC salary?
A: Current DA levels are approximately 50 percent of basic pay and it is revised every 6 months (January and July) This has added another huge chunk to the UPSC salary, and it is expected that this will go up further in the year 2026 as per AICPI data.
Q11. What is the highest UPSC salary in India?
A: The Cabinet Secretary of India, who is in Pay Level 18, earns the highest salary of ₹2,50,000 per month (without allowances).
Q12. Does UPSC salary include pension?
A: Officers inducted after January 1, 2004 are covered under NPS (National Pension Scheme). Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to pre-2004 recruits Both of them ensure financial security for life post retirement along with the other UPSC salary in service.
Conclusion
UPSC Salary 2026 is a one among the most lucrative pay structure in India. UPSC salary structure continues to be one of the most sought-after as it provides financial stability, career growth tracks, and an enviable share of perks no matter if you are preparing for CSE civil services, ESE engineering services, CDS defence services or roles like CMS, CAPF, EPFO drug inspector.
To know more about the UPSC salary per month to get hold over the components involved in calculating it like basic pay, DA, HRA, TA, NPA and special allowance will guide aspirants to make a wiser career decision. Considering the opinion of implementation of 8th Pay Commission by 2026 are so strong, UPSC Salary at all pay levels is likely to recommend an upward revision as well.
The UPSC salary is one of the many rewards for aspirants. UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) for the prestigious and social responsibility to serve the nation draws most aspirants in India. For official notifications, stay updated on upsc. for information on the latest recruitment cycles and salary structure changes.
Dalvi Goyal is a dedicated content writer at TheSalaryInfo.com, specializing in salary insights, career trends, job market updates, and workplace topics. With a strong focus on research and accuracy, Dalvi creates easy-to-understand content that helps students, job seekers, and working professionals make smarter career and financial decisions.
