| An Indian Economic Service (IES) Officer starts with a salary of about ₹56,100 per month at Pay Level 10. When you add allowances like House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), and Travel Allowance (TA), the total monthly salary can range from ₹85,000 to ₹1,00,000. The salary goes up with promotions to positions such as Director or Joint Secretary. IES officers also benefit from government perks, including medical care, a pension, and housing. They work in various departments such as NITI Aayog, the Finance Ministry, and the Planning Commission, handling important economic tasks and contributing to policy making. |
Indian Economic Service Salary
The complete details of the salary structure of Indian Economic Service Officers are tabulated below:
Post | Pay Level | Pay Matrix |
Apex Scale | Level 17 | ₹ 2,25,000 |
Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) | Level 15 | 1,82,200-2,24,100 |
Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200-2,18,200 |
Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) | Level 13 | ₹ 1,23,100-2,15,900 |
Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) | Level 12 | ₹78,800-2,09,200 |
Senior Time Scale (STS)</> | Level 11 | ₹67,700-2,08,700 |
Junior Time Scale (JTS) | Level 10 | ₹56,100-1,77,500 |
Note: Only thirty percent of the Senior Duty postings in the Cadre, or postings in Pay Bands with Level 11 and above, may be assigned to NFSG.
Designation-wise Indian Economic Service Salary
There are grades and posts in Indian Economic Service. Each post has different pay scale, grade pay and benefits. Details are tabulated below:
Experience |
Entry-level (0–2 yrs) |
3–5 yrs |
8–10 yrs |
6–8 yrs |
10–15 yrs |
15+ yrs |
20+ yrs |
Curious to know more? Read a related article on Assistant Statistical Officer Salary
Allowances Enjoyed by Indian Economic Service Officer
Along with competitive salary, the officers in Indian Economic Service enjoy great benefits and allowances. Details are presented below:
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Indian Economic Service: Hierarchy, Role and Structure
| C. Rangarajan addressing at the Distinguished Lectures function on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Indian Economic Service in 2011. |
An organized Group ‘A’ Central Service, working in the Indian Economic Service (IES / Service) is considered prestigious. The Service's goal is to build skills for economic analysis within the Government. This helps in creating and improving development policies and delivery systems, plus evaluating public programs.
- The Indian Economic Service (IES) is controlled by the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance. The rules they follow are updated from time to time.
- IES officers are crucial economists in the government. They help create and manage main economic policies. Their job includes setting goals, making plans, carrying them out, and checking the results.
- They work with specialists to make policies for different areas. They also play an important role in how the Government evaluates and improves its work. As government experts, they provide important economic advice to help make smart decisions based on evidence.
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The service is managed by the Chief Economic Adviser. It consists of officers who progress from the Junior Time Scale to the Apex Scale. Entry into the Junior Time Scale happens in two ways.
- One is by passing the Indian Economic Service Examination, which is held across India by the Union Public Service Commission.
- The other way is through promotion for those already in related jobs.
At the initial Junior Time Scale level, also known as Grade-IV, 60% of the positions are filled through exams, while 40% are filled by promoting existing officers. Once in, officers can be promoted to higher levels as they gain more experience.
Job Role and Responsibilities of IES Officers
Indian Economic Service is special because its jobs are spread out across many Ministries and Departments in the Central Government. It connects different Ministries and Departments. Officers work in many fields, like finance and economic issues; social areas such as health, education, and rural development; agriculture and related activities, including food processing; industry and services; trade and international relations; infrastructure and technology; and energy and the environment. The number of Ministries and Departments has gone up from 10 in 1979, to 55 in 2011, and then to 72 by 2023. The important responsibilities of officers are presented below:
When new recruits are given a job offer and start working, they enter a detailed training period known as probationary training. This training involves taking a Foundation course, which is specially organized for All-India Services and Central Civil Services. They also receive Economics training at the Institute of Economic Growth in Delhi. In addition, they participate in training sessions or are attached to various respected institutes throughout the country to enhance their skills and knowledge.
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Officers are also given training with regard to their work. Presented below are the highlights.
How to Become Indian Economic Service Officer?
In order to become an Indian Economic Service Officer, a candidate needs to clear the Indian Economic Service Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. The step-by-step guide is presented below:
- The first step is to check eligibility and requirements: Indian citizen with a Postgraduate degree in Economics/Applied Economics/Business Economics/Econometrics from a recognized university.
- Age Limit: 21 to 30 years (relaxation for reserved categories as per govt. rules)
- Indian Economic Service Examination: After that, a candidate need to clear this exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Selection Process: Involves Written Examination and Interview (Personality Test).
- Training & Appointment: Selected candidates undergo training before joining as Assistant Director in Central Government Departments.
Recruitment and Grades in UPSC Indian Economic Service
As already noted above, UPSC organizes a separate exam for this service. The minimum eligibility requirement is a post graduate degree in Economics and allied subjects. Authorized strength of various grades in the IES are tabulated below:
