SDM salary in India according to seventh pay commission ranges from INR 9 LPA to INR 25 LPA annually based on the rank and level in the government services with allowances.
SDM salary in India ranges from INR 9 LPA to INR 25 LPA yearly along with various allowances like house allowances, education allowances etc. The SDM salary is created based on the seventh pay commission and it varies for each state in India.
The starting salary ranges from INR 75,000 to INR 85,000 per month approx for initial SDM positions in the government.
What is SDM Salary?
It is a group A junior or moderate level post salary ranging from 9 LPA to 25 LPA per year. SDM posts is the part of UPSC civil services examination and the positions are offered to the aspirants based on their ranks.
The SDM salary per month ranges for INR 75,000 to INR 85,000 initially that can extend upto INR 2.5 L based on experience and ranks. It varies based on the experience level, posting location, hierarchy etc. Candidates can go through the highlights stated below.
| Particulars | SDM Salary 2026 |
|---|---|
| Pay Band | INR. 15600-39100 (PB-3) |
| Grade Pay | INR. 5400 |
| 7th CPC Pay Level | 10 |
| Minimum Basic Pay | INR. 56,100 |
| Maximum Basic Pay | INR. 1,32,000 |
| HRA (city-wise) | (Class X 24%) - INR. 7,884(Class Y 16%) - INR. 5,256(Class Z 8%) - INR. 2,628 |
| TA | X cities - INR. 7,600Y cities - INR. 6,400Z cities - INR. 5,200 |
| SDM Gross Salary per month (upon joining) | INR. 75,000 - INR. 85,000 (approx) |
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State Wise SDM Salary In India
Students can become SDM in State Administration Services by cracking State PSE exams. Students must acknowledge that the statewide salary for SDM varies based on the rules of the state administration. Aspirants can go through the State wise SDM salary structure stated below.
Madhya Pradesh SDM Salary
Madhya Pradesh SDM salary is paid based on the 10th pay commission and the salary ranges from INR 78,000 to INR 85,095 respectively. Candidates can go through the Madhya Pradesh SDM salary structure stated below.
| Particulars | SDM Salary in Madhya Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | 10 |
| Pay Band | PB-3 |
| Grade Pay | INR. 5400 |
| Pay Scale | INR. 56,100-1,77,500 |
| Basic Pay | INR. 56,100 |
| Maximum Pay | INR. 1,77,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | INR. 21318 (38% Of Basic Pay) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | (Class X 24%) - INR 14,760(Class Y 16%) - INR 9,840(Class Z 8%) - INR 4,920 |
| Starting SDM Gross Salary in MP | INR 78,000 - INR 85,095 (approx) |
Rajasthan SDM Salary
Rajasthan SDM salary is paid based on the 14th pay commission and the salary ranges from INR 61,000 to INR 66,095 respectively. Candidates can go through the Rajasthan SDM salary structure stated below.
| Particulars | SDM Salary in Rajasthan |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | 14 |
| Pay Band | PB-3 |
| Grade Pay | INR. 5400 |
| Pay Scale | INR. 15,600 - 39,100 |
| Basic Pay | INR. 56,100 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 28% of Basic Pay = INR. 15,708 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | (Class X 24%) - INR. 14,760(Class Y 16%) - INR. 9,840(Class Z 8%) - INR. 4,920 |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | INR. 1,800 - INR. 3,600 |
| Starting SDM Gross Salary in Rajasthan | INR. 61,000 - INR. 66,000 (approx) |
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Bihar SDM Salary
Bihar SDM salary is paid based on the 9th pay commission and the salary ranges from INR 60,000 to INR 75,095 respectively. Candidates can go through the Bihar SDM salary structure stated below.
| Particulars | SDM Salary in Bihar |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | 9 |
| Pay Band | PB-3 |
| Grade Pay | INR. 5400 |
| Pay Scale | INR. 61,500 - 72,000 |
| Basic Pay | INR. 61,500 |
| Maximum Pay | INR. 72,000 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 17% of Basic Pay = INR. 10,455 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | (Class X 24%) - INR. 14,760(Class Y 16%) - INR. 9,840(Class Z 8%) - INR. 4,920 |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | INR. 1800 - INR. 3600 |
| Starting SDM Gross Salary in Bihar | INR. 60,000 - INR. 75,000 (approx) |
West Bengal SDM Salary
West Bengal SDM salary is paid based on the 16th pay commission and the salary ranges from INR 65,000 to INR 70,095 respectively. Candidates can go through the West Bengal SDM salary structure stated below.
| Particulars | SDM Salary in West Bengal |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | 16 |
| Pay Band | PB-3 |
| Grade Pay | INR. 5400 |
| Pay Scale | INR 56,100-1,44,300 |
| Basic Pay | INR. 56,100 |
| Maximum Pay | INR. 1,44,300 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | INR. 3366 (6% Of Basic Pay) |
| TA | INR. 3600 - INR. 7200 |
| Starting SDM Gross Salary in West Bengal | INR. 65,000 - INR. 70,000 (approx) |
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Uttar Pradesh SDM Salary
Uttar Pradesh SDM salary is paid based on the 10th pay commission and the salary ranges from INR 80,000 to INR 90,095 respectively. Candidates can go through the Uttar Pradesh SDM salary structure stated below.
| Particulars | SDM Salary in UP |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | 10 |
| Pay Band | PB-3 |
| Grade Pay | INR. 5400 |
| Pay Scale | INR.56100-132000 |
| Basic Pay | INR. 56,100 |
| Maximum Pay | INR. 1,32,000 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | INR. 21318 (38% Of Basic Pay) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) |
|
| TA | INR 3,600 - INR 7,200 |
| Starting SDM Gross Salary in Uttar Pradesh | INR. 80,000 - INR. 90,000 (approx) |
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SDM Salary Career Growth and Increment
Aspirants after clearing SDM examination will be posted in various locations and will be paid under 10th pay commission. Apart from basic salary students receive a lot of other benefits along with timely increments and promotions. Students can go through the post wise SDM salary stated below.
| Posts | Experience | SDM Salary Pay Scale | SDM Salary Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDM (lowest or starting post) | 1-4 | INR 15600 – INR 39100 | INR 56100 |
| ADM | 5-8 | INR 15600 –INR 39100 | INR 67700 |
| DM | 9-12 | INR 15600 –INR 39100 | INR 78,800 |
| DM/ Special Secretary cum director | 13-16 | INR 37400 –INR 67000 | INR 1,18,500 |
| Divisional Commissioner | 16-24 | INR 37400 – INR 67000 | INR 1,44,200 |
| Divisional Commissioner/ Principal Secretary/ Additional Secretary | 25-30 | INR 37400 – INR 67000 | INR 1,82,200 |
| Additional Chief Secretary | 30-33 | INR 80000 (Fixed) | INR 2,05,400 |
| Chief Secretary | 34-36 | INR 90000 (Fixed) | INR 2,25,000 |
| Cabinet Secretary of India (highest post) | 37+ years | INR 90000 (Fixed) | INR 2,50,000 |
Allowances and Perks on SDM Salary
A Sub-Divisional Magistrates' monthly base salary is supplemented with several benefits and allowances under the 7th CPC. UPSC CSE candidates, however, enjoy more benefits than state PSC candidates. Candidates can go through the allowances and perks for SDM officers apart from the SDM salary stated below.
- Medical Leave
A medical allowance included in an employee's benefits may be refunded if the employee needs medical treatment. Often, the allowances are extended based on several circumstances.
- Security
Two bodyguards and three home guards provide security to the SDM officers every time. STF commandos are also available in case of a threat to the officers. SDM officers are also provided a valet and up to three cars as a part of their travel and security.
- House Rent Allowance
HRA is subject to modifications based on a particular city. For officers working in 8 X class cities, HRA for them will be 24%. Officers sent to cities in the Z class will earn an HRA value of 8%, while those transferred to Y category areas will acquire a value of 16%. But only those who haven't used administration housing will be qualified for HRA.
- Electricity Bills
Officers' official residence is either fully funded or significantly subsidized.
- Travel Allowance (TA)
Officers get a TA as an aid for necessary travel expenses. They use this allowance for traveling to various places.
- Service Quarter
Officers are given a service quarter where they are assigned in addition to residing in the state capital. The service quarter is subject to change based on their allocation period.
- Phone Bills
Three BSNL SIM cards with complimentary internet access, SMS, and voice time are provided to officers. They also have a BSNL telephone at their residence and a free internet connection.
- Official and Unofficial Trips
Whether travelling on official business or an unofficial visit, officers are provided with accommodation. They may stay in circuit houses, government bungalows, or rest houses at a discounted price.
- Household Staff
The officers have household staff like the sweeper, cook, gardener, etc. They handle everyday duties at their official residence or service quarter as a part of their job.
- Official Accommodation
A duplex home is available for officers posted in the VVIP-restricted area of the state capital. Further, officers who accept official housing will not be eligible for HRA.
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
One of the finest advantages of the SDM salary structure is the Dearness Allowances (DA). Dearness Allowance is adjusted every six months, in January and July, according to the Consumer Price Index, or inflation index (CPI).
- Job Security
The officers are Group A level bureaucrats, and it is difficult to withdraw an officer usually. Thus, the process requires an extensive investigation as directed by the Constitution; officers enjoy job security.
- Post-Retirement Benefits
In addition to a lifelong pension, officers get more benefits upon retirement. Their counterparts will receive the same benefits if they die after retirement.
- Study Leave
Officers are also qualified to take a 2-4 year study leave after nine years of service. Officers could register for courses at a reputable foreign institution during their time off. The government will pay all academic expenses during their course.
- Unofficial Benefits
Tickets and admission permits are provided to officers for all significant events. The events occur within their district or zone, including concerts, parties, cricket matches, and other events.
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Conclusion
A Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in India is a prestigious administrative officer responsible for maintaining law and order, revenue collection, and overseeing various developmental works in a sub-division. SDMs are usually selected through the State PCS or UPSC Civil Services Examination.
In India, the monthly salary of an SDM ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500, depending on seniority, location, and state-specific rules. They receive pay as per the 7th Pay Commission, typically under Pay Level 10. Apart from the basic salary, SDMs enjoy various perks and allowances such as house rent allowance (HRA), dearness allowance (DA), travel allowance (TA), government residence, official vehicle, and other administrative benefits.
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SDM annual salary ranges from INR 9 LPA to INR 25 LPA. -
Initial monthly salary is approx. INR 75,000 - INR 85,000. -
Salary is determined by 7th Pay Commission & state. -
SDM is a Group A junior/moderate level post.
