The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is one of the most prestigious and sought-after careers in India. The Selection process is done by the UPSC CSE 2025. Indian Foreign Service officers receive a competitive salary package. For IFS officers' Salary 2025 in the Junior Scale, it starts from ₹56,100. For those in the Senior Scale, the salary increases to a range of ₹2,25,000. They represent the country in various capacities across the globe, handling diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. In this article, we have discussed the IFS salary structure, including the pay scale, in-hand salary, increments, and various allowances.
IFS Officers Salary 2025 is according to the 7th Pay Commission. It includes various components such as basic pay, grade pay, and allowances. The salary structure is divided into different pay levels, and with each promotion, the pay level and corresponding salary increase. Here's an overview of the IFS Officer salary structure:
Grade |
Post |
Pay Level |
Pay Range (₹) |
Junior Scale Officer |
Secretary at headquarters |
10 |
₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 |
Senior Scale Officer |
Additional secretary at headquarters |
11 |
₹67,700 to ₹2,08,700 |
Junior Administrative Grade Officer |
Joint secretary at headquarters |
12 |
₹78,800 to ₹2,09,200 |
Grade IV Officer |
Directors at headquarters |
13 |
₹1,23,100 to ₹2,15,900 |
Grade III Officer |
Deputy Secretary at headquarters |
14 |
₹1,44,200 to ₹2,18,200 |
Grade II Officer |
Under-secretary at headquarters |
15 |
₹1,82,200 to ₹2,24,100 |
Grade I Officer |
Under-secretary at headquarters |
17 |
₹2,25,000 |
The total gross salary includes various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other perks. These allowances vary based on the country of posting and other factors.
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The Indian Forest Service officer's salary is around ₹56,100 per month at the entry-level and increases with promotions. It includes basic pay and various allowances like House Rent Allowance, Dearness Allowance, and other perks.
Component |
Amount (₹) |
Basic Pay |
56,100 |
Dearness Allowance (DA) |
6,732 (12% of basic) |
House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
13,464 (24% of basic for X cities) |
Travel Allowance (TA) |
3,200 |
Other Allowances |
10,000 |
Total In-hand Salary |
89,496 |
The starting and maximum salary of the Indian Foreign Service are discussed below. Higher positions like Additional Secretary or Secretary can earn between ₹2,25,000 to ₹2,50,000 per month. IFS Officer per month and monthly salary of Indian Foreign Service officers at the highest level.
IFS Salary in India - Initial and Maximum Salaries |
|
Post |
Pay Band |
IFS Starting Salary |
Rs. 15,000-39,000/- |
Highest Salary of IFS Officer |
Rs. 37,400-90000/- |
One of the unique aspects of the IFS salary per month in foreign countries is provided when officers are posted abroad. This allowance significantly increases the total salary, making a foreign posting highly lucrative.
Country/Region |
Special Foreign Allowance (₹) |
Total Salary (₹) |
IFS Salary in the USA |
2,50,000 |
3,39,496 |
IFS Salary in the UK |
2,00,000 |
2,89,496 |
IFS Salary in Europe (non-UK) |
1,80,000 |
2,69,496 |
IFS Salary in the Middle East |
1,50,000 |
2,39,496 |
IFS Salary in Africa |
1,20,000 |
2,09,496 |
The Special Foreign Allowance varies depending on the cost of living and other factors in the country of posting.
Apart from the attractive salary, IFS officers enjoy numerous perks and benefits:
The career growth of an IFS officer is marked by regular promotions and increments. Starting from the Junior Time Scale, officers progress through various levels based on their performance and experience.
Designation |
Years of Service |
Promotion Level |
Under Secretary |
1-4 |
Junior Time Scale |
Deputy Secretary |
5-9 |
Senior Time Scale |
Director |
10-14 |
Junior Administrative Grade |
Joint Secretary |
15-19 |
Selection Grade |
Additional Secretary |
20-24 |
Additional Secretary |
Secretary |
25-29 |
Secretary |
Ambassador/High Commissioner |
30-34 |
Ambassador/High Commissioner |
Senior Most Secretary |
35+ |
Senior Most Secretary |
Promotions are based on a combination of experience, performance, and availability of vacancies.
Candidates can check IAS Salary here!
While both IAS and IFS are prestigious services, their salary structures have some differences. Here’s a comparative analysis of IAS vs IFS Salary:
Aspect |
IAS |
IFS |
Starting Salary |
₹56,100 + allowances |
₹56,100 + allowances |
Foreign Allowance |
Not Applicable |
₹1,20,000 - ₹2,50,000 |
Maximum Salary |
₹2,25,000 + allowances |
₹2,25,000 + allowances |
Perks and Benefits |
Housing, Healthcare, Pension |
Housing, Healthcare, Education, Pension, Travel |
The significant difference is the Special Foreign Allowance provided to IFS officers during foreign postings, which substantially increases their overall salary.
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