Top 10 Highest Paying Government Jobs in India (Salary & Post): According to the latest data, more than 13.4 lakh students appeared in the Civil Services Entrance Examination for mere 1000 seats. But what makes so many people leave everything and spend the golden years of their lives preparing for a government job?
Government jobs are generally considered boring, average-paying roles with pension security. This is not even half of the truth. There are many government positions that not only provide influential positions but also substantial monetary benefits, some even higher than the private sector. Let us dive deeper into the top 10 highest-paying government jobs in India.
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Highest Salary Government Jobs In India 2024
1. Indian Administrative Services (IAS)
IAS officers are at the top of the administrative pyramid and are paid the highest. The role is considered to be a lifetime achievement. IAS officers not only get a good salary, but other allowances like a residence, personal vehicle, travel allowances and medical coverage all come in handy with the post. They have enormous career growth opportunities and even the chance to experience different fields like administration, diplomacy and policy making. We need not to mention the respect and power they get. The starting salary of an IAS officer is 56,100 and can go up to 2,50,000 per month, excluding other allowances and benefits.
Apart From basic salary and perks, other facility and services allowed to an IAS Officer are:
- DA (Dearness Allowance)
- TA (Travel Allowance)
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) or official accommodation
- Yearly increments
- Vehicle for official purposes
- High security
- Subsidized bills
- Pension and post-retirement benefits
- 2 years of study leave
2. Indian Police Services (IPS)
The rank of an IPS is number 2 on our list of highest-paying government jobs because the upper limit is 2,25,000 compared to 2,50,000/- for an IAS officer. IPS officers also get many benefits like dearness allowance, travel allowance, and house rent allowance, and they may also receive personal staff and vehicles, depending on their ranks. The job of an IPS officer comes with a high prestige and challenging roles. Additional allowances may be offered for high-risk postings and special assignments. A lump sum amount is also given on retirement.
Apart From basic salary and perks, other facility and services allowed to an IPS Officer are:
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) gets a bungalow with house help, a gardener, and security
- Dearness allowance
- Free medical facilities and Provident Fund
- Travel allowance
- Annual education allowance for their children
- Official vehicle with security and driver
- House Rent Allowance
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Free electricity and phone bills
- Study leaves for 2 years
- Time-bound promotions
3. Defence services
Though no one chooses to be in the defence services for monetary benefits, it just comes along with a sense of pride and patriotism. The defence officers are given the best training and education, all at the government’s expense. A healthy lifestyle with numerous travel opportunities is a plus, too. Here, it is not just the personnel; the whole family can enjoy many additional benefits of the highest-paying government jobs in India. The salary range may vary hugely depending on the rank.
The monthly salary for various ranks in the Indian Army are:
- Lieutenant: Rs. 56,100
- Captain: Rs. 61,300
- Major: Rs. 69,400
- Lieutenant Colonel: Rs. 1,21,200
- Colonel: Rs. 1,30,600
- Brigadier: Rs. 1,39,600
- Major General: Rs. 1,44,200
- Lieutenant General: Rs. 1,82,200
- General: Rs. 2,50,000
Apart From basic salary and perks, other facility and services allowed to an Officer in Defence Services are:
- Flying allowance
- Dress or uniform allowance
- Dearness allowance
- High altitude allowance
- Free rations
- Transport allowance
- Children’s education allowance
- Siachen allowance
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Group insurance
- Canteen facilities
- Government accommodation
- Medical benefits for family and self
4. Scientists in DRDO and ISRO
This is the dream job for people interested in science and technology. While DRDO is into defence technology, ISRO is chosen by space enthusiasts. The salaries at both may increase to 1,82,200 per month depending on the person’s grade, role and performance. Like defence services, these personnel, too, work for the technological benefits of the country and are chosen by people with a sense of patriotism. The perks include TA, DA, HRA, medical coverage and other government-mandated benefits.
Apart From basic salary and perks, other facility and services allowed to an Scientists in DRDO and ISRO are:
- Traveling allowance
- Dearness allowance
- House rent allowance
- Leave travel concession
- Merit-based promotions
- Allowances for higher education from prestigious universities
- Free canteen facility
- Medical facilities
- Bonus after six months
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Group insurance
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ISRO vs DRDO- Eligibility Criteria
| ISRO vs DRDO- Eligibility Criteria | ||
| Particulars | ISRO | DRDO |
| Educational Qualifications | Engineer/Scientist ‘SC’: Applicants must have a BE/B.Tech degree or equivalent in relevant engineering disciplines (such as Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science) with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or a CGPA of 6.84/10. Specialised Roles: For specific specialised roles, postgraduate degrees (M.Tech. or M.E.) may be required. | Scientist ‘B’: Applicants must have a first-class bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in Electronics & Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, among others, from a recognised university or institution. Postgraduate Requirement: For certain positions, a first-class Master’s degree in relevant science subjects or a first-class Bachelor’s degree in engineering, along with a valid GATE score, may be required. |
| Age Limit | General Category: The maximum age limit is 35 years. Age Relaxation: Age relaxation exists for SC/ST (up to 5 years) and OBC (up to 3 years) applicants. | General Category: The maximum age limit is 28 years. Age Relaxation: Age relaxation is provided for SC/ST (up to 5 years), OBC (up to 3 years), and PWD (up to 10 years) applicants. |
| GATE Score | While ISRO conducts its entrance exam for most positions, a valid GATE score in relevant disciplines may be required for some specialised roles. | A valid GATE score is mandatory for most positions. The score is used to shortlist applicants for further selection, which includes a personal interview. |
| Nationality | Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply. | |
5. Indian Forest Services
If someone is interested in managing and conserving forests and wildlife species, this is their role. IFS officers get VIP access to restricted areas like the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves. Apart from the lifetime pension, IFS officers also get government bungalows and fully funded leaves for higher education. The salary may range from 56,100/- per month to 2,25,000 per month based on rank and time in service.
Apart From basic salary and perks, other facility and services allowed to an IFS Officer are:
- Bungalow with house help
- Travel allowance
- Dearness allowance
- Medical benefits
- Payment of bills
- Official car with driver
- Study leaves
- Pension and retirement benefits
6. Indian Economic Services
Being an IES officer, you get the opportunity to impact the lives of millions of citizens of the country with your work. IES officers work on issues related to the country’s economy, such as finance, trade, markets, and developments. The role includes a lifetime of learning as many career and training programs are planned to enhance efficiency.
The expected salary of an IES officer is 56,100 to 1,77,500, depending on the role and responsibilities.
7. Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) executives
The top executives of the PSUs. Get more than 1,00,000/- per month, depending on the position and organisation.
This post is not just one of the highest-paying government jobs but is virtually risk-free. It comes with job security and many other benefits like allowances for phone, laptop, internet, furniture etc. Many internal seminars and workshops are organised for the personality development of PSU executives. These employees get the minimum rates of home and car loans, sometimes as low as 3-4% per annum.
- Traveling allowance
- Dearness allowance
- Children’s education allowance
- House rent allowance
- City compensation allowance
- Health and life insurance
- Free canteen facilities
- Free medical care
- Amazing accommodation
- Easy access to car and furniture loans
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8. Indian Foreign Services
IFS officers deal with other countries on India’s behalf. They can eventually become Indian ambassadors. The role includes managing India’s external affairs and is appropriate for people’s interest in international relations and global politics. Depending on the post and posting location, the allowances may even beat an IAS Officer’s allowances. The salary range is 56,1000/- to 2,25,000 INR. A dynamic work environment with diplomatic immunity is another feature of this role.
Apart from being one of the highest paying govt jobs in India, it comes with the following facilities and perks –
- Free medical treatments
- Official vehicle with driver
- Tax-free salary
- Free flight tickets for traveling to India
- 2/3 BHK accommodation with security and house help
- Free education for kids in the international schools
- Pension and retirement benefits
9. Indian Revenue Services
This post is not just one of the highest-paying government jobs in India but also comes with zero political interference. The monthly salary may increase to 80,000, starting from 15,600 for the lowest posts. Besides a free residence, a four-wheeler, medical, phone, and travel concessions, IRS officers also get many tax-free allowances. The work-life balance is even better than an IAS officer. This is a good option for Commerce graduates interested in taxation.
10. Assistant Professor
For people with a passion for teaching, this is the best option. The job allows you to research your interests and deploy your teaching methodology. The working hours are usually less than usual office hours, and one may work flexibly. The role allows you the freedom of teaching and is an excellent option to continue lifelong learning. According to the UGC norms, the salary of an assistant professor may range from 30,000 to 1,05,000/- depending on private and public universities.
With this, we end our list of India’s top 10 highest-paying government jobs. Several other roles have highly lucrative salaries, like State Services Commision Officers, RBI Garde B officers, ECGC PO, Submarine Engineer Officers, etc. One must choose the role only after analysing one’s interests and passion. No job fits all, so check the job role and eligibility criteria in detail before you plan to appear for any of the exams.
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