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IAS Promotion Chart with Year, Designation, Salary Structure, Promotion

IAS Promotion Chart with years and salary assists UPSC aspirants in understanding the importance of various IAS posts. Check out the IAS Promotion Chart with years, Salary, and Designations.
authorImageAnil Solonki30 Jul, 2025
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IAS Promotion Chart with Years

IAS Promotion Chart with Years and Salary helps the candidate understand the promotion trajectory. Candidates must thoroughly comprehend the post before beginning their preparation for UPSC CSE. Officers must serve the country for a designated number of years to qualify for promotion to higher ranks. Specific regulations govern the promotion of IAS officers, recognizing and advancing meritorious officers to higher positions to take on greater responsibilities. The salary also increases proportionally with the level at which IAS officers are promoted. Reviewing the complete IAS promotion chart, including years of service and corresponding salaries, is essential to grasping the career prospects and challenges of becoming a civil servant.

Promotion of IAS Officer

 The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) offers a structured career progression based on seniority, performance, and years of service. Over time, IAS officers are promoted to higher levels based on their exemplary work. Annually, an appointment committee selects eligible officers for promotion according to the number of available vacancies. Outstanding civil servants receive higher positions, increased responsibilities, and better pay grades. Therefore, the IAS Promotion Chart must be known to aspirants.

IAS Promotion Chart with Years and Salary

IAS Promotion Chart with Years and Salary reflects the number of years of service that are required to get promoted to various IAS Designations and the salary that the IAS officers get when they get promoted to various designations. The table below contains the IAS Promotion Chart with Years and Salary, which has the list of designations of IAS officers that they get after Promotion, the years of service to get the promotion, and the IAS Salary at each designation:
IAS Promotion Chart with Years and Salary
S.No Designation of IAS officers Years of Service IAS Salary
1 Junior Time Scale (Under Secretary) 0-4 years Rs 56,100
2 Senior Time Scale (Deputy Secretary) 4-9 years Rs 67,700
3 Junior Administrative Grade (Director) 9-12 years Rs 78,800
4 Selection Grade (Joint Secretary to Government of India/ Secretary in State Govt) 12-16 years Rs 1,44,200
5 Super Time Scale (Additional Secretary in Government of India / Principal Secretary in State Govt) 16-25 years Rs 1,82,200
6 Above Super Time Scale (Secretary to Government of India) 25-30 years Rs 2,00,000
7 Apex Scale (Chief Secretaries of States) 30-36 years Rs 2,25,000
8 Cabinet Secretary Grade Pay (Cabinet Secretary) 37+ years (varies) Rs 2,50,000

IAS Promotion Chart with Salary and Designations

The career progression within the IAS follows a structured hierarchy, starting from entry-level positions and advancing to senior roles based on experience, performance, and promotions. Each designation in the IAS comes with its respective salary scale, which increases with the level of responsibility and seniority. This structured career path ensures that IAS officers are well-compensated and adequately equipped to handle the complexities of governance and administration. The table below contains the IAS Promotion Chart with salary and designations:
IAS Promotion Chart with Salary and Designations
S.No Designation Salary
1 Under Secretary Rs 56,100
2 Deputy Secretary Rs 67,700
3 Director Rs 78,800
4 Joint Secretary to the Government of India/ Secretary in the State Government Rs 1,44,200
5 Additional Secretary in Government of India / Principal Secretary in State Government Rs 1,82,200
6 Secretary to Government of India/ Chief Secretary Rs 2,25,000
7 Cabinet Secretary Rs 2,50,000

IAS Promotion Rules

The promotion rules for officers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) are governed by a combination of regulations, including those set by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the All India Services (AIS) Rules, and specific guidelines issued periodically. Here is an overview of the key points regarding the promotion process within the IAS:

Hierarchical Structure and Time Frame

  • Junior Time Scale or JTS to Senior Time Scale or STS:
      • Officers are promoted from JTS to STS after 4 years of service.
      • This includes a training period and is usually automatic based on satisfactory performance and conduct.
  • Senior Time Scale or STS to Junior Administrative Grade or JAG:
      • Officers are promoted to JAG after 9 years of service.
      • This promotion is also usually automatic, based on satisfactory service records and available vacancies.
  • Junior Administrative Grade or JAG to Selection Grade or SG:
      • Officers are eligible for promotion to SG after completing 13 years of service.
      • This promotion requires a positive performance review and the availability of vacancies.
  • Selection Grade or SG to Super Time Scale or STS (/Deputy Secretary):
      • Promotion to STS or the rank of Deputy Secretary occurs after 16 years of service.
      • This is contingent on satisfactory service, performance reviews, and availability of vacancies.
  • Super Time Scale (STS) to Above Super Time Scale (Additional Secretary/Secretary) and Higher Administrative Grade (HAG):
    • Promotions to these levels typically occur after 25-30 years of service.
    • They depend on the availability of posts, performance, seniority, and sometimes political considerations.

Performance Reviews and Committees

  • Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR):
      • Each officer’s performance is evaluated annually through APAR, which significantly influences promotion decisions.
      • The APAR includes self-assessment, reporting the officer’s comments, reviewing officer’s remarks, and accepting the authority’s final comments.
  • Departmental Promotion Committees (DPC):
    • Promotions, especially to higher ranks, are decided by DPCs comprising senior officials.
    • DPCs assess the officers based on their service records, integrity, and suitability for higher responsibilities.

Eligibility and Integrity

  • Integrity Clearance:
    • Officers must have a clear integrity certificate and should not have any pending disciplinary cases.
    • Promotion can be deferred or denied if there are pending inquiries or charges.

Special Cases and Accelerated Promotions

  • Exceptional Performance:
      • Officers demonstrating exceptional service or significant achievements may be considered for accelerated promotions.
      • Such cases require recommendations and approval from higher authorities.
  • State-Cadre Considerations:
    • Since IAS officers are allotted to state cadres, their promotion might also depend on state-specific rules and availability of posts within the state.

Cadre Review and Postings

  • Cadre Management:
    • Promotions are also influenced by the periodic cadre reviews which assess the number of posts at various levels.
    • Officers may be required to serve in different roles and locations as part of their career progression.

Promotion to Apex Scale and Cabinet Secretary

  • Apex Scale:
      • Very few officers reach the apex scale (equivalent to the rank of Chief Secretary in the state or Secretary to the Government of India).
      • This is usually achieved after around 30-35 years of service.
  • Cabinet Secretary:
    • The highest rank for an IAS officer is typically filled through direct appointment by the Prime Minister of India.

IAS Promotion Chart with Years - District, State, and Centre

The IAS Promotion Chart with years gives an idea of how high the IAS officers can get promoted over the years. Officers begin their careers at the district level, managing diverse administrative functions, before progressing to state and central levels.
This progression ensures that officers are well-prepared for leadership roles, contributing effectively to policy formulation and implementation across different administrative layers. The table below contains the IAS Promotion Chart with Years, drawing a comparison between the Designations of IAS officers at the District, State and Central levels:
IAS Promotion Chart with Years
S. No. Designation in Central Secretariat Designation in State Secretariat Designation in District Administration Years of Service
1 Assistant Secretary Undersecretary Sub-Divisional Magistrate 1-4
2 Undersecretary Deputy Secretary Additional District Magistrate 5-8
3 Deputy Secretary Joint Secretary District Magistrate 9-12
4 Director Special Secretary-Cum Director District Magistrate 13-16
5 Joint Secretary Secretary-cum Commissioner Divisional Commissioner 16-24
6 Additional Secretary Principal Secretary Divisional Commissioner 25-30
7 No Equal Rank Additional Chief Secretary No Equal Rank 30-33
8 Secretary Chief Secretary No Equal Rank 34-36
9 Cabinet Secretary of India No Equal Rank No Equal Rank 37+ Years

IAS Promotion Chart - Roles of Some Important Posts

The career progression of IAS officers typically follows a structured hierarchy, starting from entry-level roles such as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to senior positions like District Collector, Secretary, and ultimately, Chief Secretary or Cabinet Secretary. Each role carries distinct responsibilities, contributing to the effective administration and development of the country:
  • Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Assistant Collector
      • Years of Service: 1-4 years
      • Responsibilities: Administration of a sub-division, law and order, revenue collection, and implementation of government schemes.
  • Additional District Magistrate / Chief Development Officer
      • Years of Service: 5-8 years
      • Responsibilities: Overseeing various development projects, assisting the District Magistrate, and handling additional administrative duties.
  • District Magistrate (DM) / Collector
    • Years of Service: 9-12 years
    • Responsibilities: Head of the district administration, responsible for law and order, revenue, and development administration within the district.

Roles of Some Important IAS Posts - State Level

Deputy Secretary / Joint Secretary

  • Years of Service: 5-12 years
  • Responsibilities: Assisting in the formulation and implementation of state policies, coordination between various departments, and handling specific portfolios.

Special Secretary / Director 

  • Years of Service: 13-16 years
  • Responsibilities: Managing major state departments, overseeing policy implementation, and advising senior officials on administrative matters.

Secretary / Principal Secretary

  • Years of Service: 16-30 years
  • Responsibilities: Senior-most position at the state level, responsible for major policy decisions, coordination among various departments, and high-level administrative control.

Roles of Some Important IAS Posts - Central Level

Deputy Secretary (Central)

  • Years of Service: 9-12 years
  • Responsibilities: Assisting in the formulation of central government policies, inter-ministerial coordination, and administrative duties.
  • Joint Secretary (Central)
  • Years of Service: 16-24 years
  • Responsibilities: Heading major departments, policy formulation, and implementation at the national level, representing the ministry in parliamentary committees.

Additional Secretary

  • Years of Service: 25-30 years
  • Responsibilities: High-level policy-making, strategic planning, and senior advisory roles within the ministry.

Secretary (Central)

  • Years of Service: 34-36 years
  • Responsibilities: Topmost administrative position in a ministry, responsible for overall policy direction, implementation, and strategic administration at the national level.

To sum up, the IAS promotional chart is a merit-based system that ensures that capable and experienced officers advance to positions of greater responsibility, contributing effectively to governance and public administration at both the state and national levels.

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IAS Promotion Chart with Years FAQs

What are the levels of IAS promotion?

IAS promotion levels include: Junior Scale, Senior Time Scale, Junior Administrative Grade, Selection Grade, Super Time Scale, Above Super Time Scale, Apex Scale, and Cabinet Secretary Grade. Promotions depend on years of service and performance.

Can SDM be promoted to DM?

Yes, it's possible for a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to be promoted to the role of District Magistrate (DM) in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) based on performance, experience, and eligibility criteria set by the government.

Can an IAS become DM?

Yes, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer can become a District Magistrate (DM). Typically, it requires around 5 to 7 years of service as an IAS officer to be eligible for appointment as a District Magistrate.

What is the highest promotion of IAS officers?

The highest promotion for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers is Chief Secretary at the state level and Cabinet Secretary at the central level. These positions represent the apex of bureaucratic authority, overseeing policymaking and administration at the highest levels of government.

How many years of service are there in the IAS?

In the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), officers typically serve until the age of 60, or 35 years of service, whichever comes first. However, extensions are possible in exceptional circumstances or for specific assignments sanctioned by the government.
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