ACS Officer Salary 2026: Pay Band, Grade Pay & Allowances
Last Updated: September 29, 2026 | Salary data checked against: Assam Services (ROP) Rules, 2017, Assam Finance Department DA notification (June 16, 2026), Assam New Defined Contribution Pension Scheme Guidelines, 2009, Assam Finance Department HRA provisions, and APSC CCE 2026 official notification (Advt. No. 01/2026, dated 10 April 2026).
Quick Answer
An entry-level ACS officer salary is placed in Pay Band-4 (PB-4) with Pay in the Pay Band of ₹30,000 and a Grade Pay of ₹13,300 under the Assam Services (ROP) Rules, 2017. Under the ROP framework, this gives a Basic Pay of ₹43,300 for the entry-level calculation used in this article.
At the DA rate of 60% (effective from June 2026, according to the June 2026 Finance Department notification cited for this article), the DA component is ₹25,980 — calculated on the Basic Pay of ₹43,300. This gives ₹69,280 as Pay + DA before HRA and other allowances.
HRA and other admissible allowances are added separately, while NPS, professional tax, GIS, and applicable TDS affect the final in-hand salary. Actual monthly take-home pay varies by posting, allowances, and deductions — it is not a fixed figure for every new ACS officer.
At the senior end, the ROP 2017 structure provides a fixed pay of ₹1,30,000 for the Commissioner & Secretary level, with applicable allowances payable separately under the rules.
Important: The pay scales and Grade Pay figures are official. The gross and in-hand figures are illustrative estimates because DA, HRA, and other allowances vary by posting location, individual circumstances, and periodic government revisions.
What Is ACS? Assam Civil Service Explained
ACS full form stands for Assam Civil Service. It is one of the premier state civil services in Assam, and ACS officers form the administrative backbone of the state government. Officers are recruited through the Assam Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Examination (APSC CCE), a three-stage selection process comprising Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
ACS officers serve in field and Secretariat assignments across Assam, including roles in district administration, revenue administration, development administration, executive magistracy, disaster management, election duties, and state government departments. The service structure progresses from Junior Grade through Senior Grades, Selection Grade, Secretary Grade, and finally Commissioner & Secretary.
ACS Officer Salary Structure 2026: Pay Band, Grade Pay & Allowances
The ACS officer salary structure follows the framework set by the Assam Services (Revision of Pay) Rules, 2017 (ROP Rules, 2017). Under this framework:
- Basic Pay = Pay in the Pay Band + Grade Pay
- DA and all other allowances are payable on the sum of Grade Pay and Pay in the Pay Band
This is a critical distinction. When calculating DA or NPS, the base is not the Pay Band figure alone — it is the combined amount of Pay in the Pay Band plus Grade Pay.
ACS Grade-Wise Pay Scale (Official)
The following table compiles the official pay scales from the Assam Services (ROP) Rules, 2017 and subsequent Department of Personnel notifications. These are the confirmed official figures:
| ACS Grade | Pay Band (₹/month) | Grade Pay (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Grade (Entry-Level) | 30,000 – 1,10,000 (PB-4) | 13,300 |
| Senior Grade-II | 30,000 – 1,10,000 (PB-4) | 14,200 |
| Senior Grade-I | 30,000 – 1,10,000 (PB-4) | 16,900 |
| Selection Grade | 30,000 – 1,10,000 (PB-4) | 17,500 |
| Secretary Grade | 65,000 – 1,12,000 (PB-5) | 18,500 |
| Commissioner & Secretary | ₹1,30,000 (fixed) | — |
Key observations from official sources:
- The Senior Grade-I Grade Pay is officially confirmed as ₹16,900 in Pay Band-4, based on recent Assam Personnel Department promotion orders.
- The Selection Grade pay band is ₹30,000–₹1,10,000 with a Grade Pay of ₹17,500 in Pay Band-4.
- The Secretary Grade operates in Pay Band-5 with a scale of ₹65,000–₹1,12,000 and a Grade Pay of ₹18,500.
- The Commissioner & Secretary rank carries a fixed salary of ₹1,30,000 per month, with other admissible allowances as per rules.
- All pay scales operate under the Assam Services (ROP) Rules, 2017.
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ACS Officer Salary Breakdown: Junior Grade (Entry-Level)
For a newly recruited ACS officer (Junior Grade), here is a step-by-step illustrative salary calculation based on the DA rate of 60% and standard deductions. This example uses the entry-level Pay in the Pay Band of ₹30,000 and Grade Pay of ₹13,300.
Step 1: Basic Pay and DA Calculation (ROP Framework)
| Component | Amount (₹/month) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Pay in the Pay Band | 30,000 | Entry level, Pay Band-4 |
| Grade Pay | 13,300 | APSC CCE Notification, 2026 |
| Basic Pay (Pay + GP) | ₹43,300 | ROP Rules, 2017 definition |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹25,980 | 60% of Basic Pay (₹43,300) |
| Pay + DA (before HRA) | ₹69,280 | — |
Step 2: HRA Calculation (Applicable Rates)
The applicable HRA rates under the Assam Government’s HRA provisions are:
- Guwahati/Dispur: 15% of basic pay with minimum of ₹1,250 and maximum of ₹6,000 per month
- District/Sub-divisional Headquarters: 12% of basic pay with minimum of ₹1,000 and maximum of ₹4,800 per month
- Other places in Assam: 10% of basic pay with maximum of ₹4,000 per month
Note: HRA is subject to conditions regarding rented/own accommodation as per applicable rules. Not every officer automatically receives the maximum amount.
| Posting Category | HRA Rate | Applicable HRA Amount (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Guwahati/Dispur | 15% of Basic Pay | ₹6,000 (capped) |
| District/Sub-divisional HQ | 12% of Basic Pay | ₹4,800 (capped) |
| Other places in Assam | 10% of Basic Pay | ₹4,000 (capped) |
Step 3: Illustrative Gross Salary
| Item | Guwahati Posting | District HQ Posting | Other Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay + DA | ₹69,280 | ₹69,280 | ₹69,280 |
| HRA | ₹6,000 | ₹4,800 | ₹4,000 |
| Illustrative Gross | ₹75,280 | ₹74,080 | ₹73,280 |
Note: The gross figures above represent Pay + DA + capped HRA. They do not necessarily represent the officer’s complete gross salary, as other admissible allowances may apply.
Step 4: Deductions
| Deduction | Amount (₹/month) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| NPS Contribution (10%) | ₹6,928 (illustrative) | 10% of (Basic Pay + DA) = 10% of ₹69,280 |
| GIS | ₹120 – ₹240 (illustrative) | Group Insurance Scheme — actual amount as per applicable rules |
| Professional Tax | ₹208 (illustrative) | Subject to applicable Assam professional-tax rules |
| TDS | As applicable | Based on tax regime |
| Total Deductions | ~₹7,256 – ₹7,376 | Excluding TDS |
Note on NPS: Under the Assam New Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, 2009, the Tier-I employee contribution is 10% of Basic Pay, Dearness Pay (if any), Dearness Allowance and applicable Non-Practicing Allowance. The Government makes an equal matching contribution to Tier-I. For this illustration, a 10% contribution on Basic Pay plus DA gives ₹6,928. Actual deductions should be checked against the applicable government rules and salary slip.
Step 5: Illustrative In-Hand Salary
| Posting Category | Illustrative Gross | Total Deductions | Illustrative In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guwahati/Dispur | ₹75,280 | ~₹7,300 – ₹7,500 | ~₹67,780 – ₹67,980 |
| District/Sub-divisional HQ | ₹74,080 | ~₹7,300 – ₹7,500 | ~₹66,580 – ₹66,780 |
| Other places in Assam | ₹73,280 | ~₹7,300 – ₹7,500 | ~₹65,780 – ₹65,980 |
Note on calculation: Actual in-hand salary will differ based on exact HRA entitlement (which depends on posting location and applicable caps), tax regime, and any additional deductions. The figures above are illustrative only.
ACS Officer Salary in Assam: Allowances & Benefits
Beyond basic pay and grade pay, ACS officers are entitled to a range of allowances and benefits as per government rules:
| Allowance/Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 60% of Basic Pay (effective June 2026); revised periodically by the Assam Government |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Payable according to applicable Assam Government rules and posting classification |
| Travel Allowance (TA) | For official travel; varies by grade |
| Medical Benefits | Government medical facilities / reimbursement |
| Leave Travel Concession (LTC) | For self and dependents |
| Retirement Benefits | Covered by the applicable New Defined Contribution Pension Scheme; other retirement benefits are governed by the applicable Assam Government rules |
| Job Security | Permanent government position with protection |
| Official Residence | May be provided depending on posting |
| Vehicle & Fuel | As per entitlement for senior grades |
ACS Officer Promotion Hierarchy & Career Growth
The ACS career progression follows a well-defined hierarchy, with promotions linked to service rules, seniority, eligibility, and vacancy availability. Grade and posting are not necessarily the same — an officer’s grade reflects their position in the service structure, while their actual designation depends on the government posting.
ACS Promotion Hierarchy in Assam
ACS Junior Grade → Senior Grade-II → Senior Grade-I → Selection Grade → Secretary Grade → Commissioner & Secretary
| Grade | Typical Responsibilities | Indicative Progression |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Grade | Assistant Commissioner, Circle Officer, field assignments | Entry level |
| Senior Grade-II | Senior field and departmental assignments | After Junior Grade, subject to service rules |
| Senior Grade-I | Higher administrative responsibilities | After Senior Grade-II, subject to service rules |
| Selection Grade | Senior district, Secretariat, and departmental positions | After Senior Grade-I, subject to service rules |
| Secretary Grade | Secretary-level responsibilities in state government | After Selection Grade, on vacancy basis |
| Commissioner & Secretary | Senior policy and administrative leadership | Senior-most level, on vacancy basis |
Important: The progression shown above is indicative, not a fixed timeline. Promotion depends on the applicable ACS service rules, eligibility criteria, vacancy availability, and Departmental Promotion Committee recommendations. The Assam Personnel Department continues to issue promotion orders across all ACS grades, demonstrating that this remains the active career structure.
ACS to IAS Promotion: Can ACS Officers Become IAS?
Yes — eligible ACS officers can be considered for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) through the prescribed State Civil Service Promotion Quota. This is not automatic; it depends on:
- Completion of the required years of service
- Availability of promotion quota vacancies
- A strong service record and suitability assessment
- Recommendations by the selection committee
Under the applicable IAS promotion regulations, ACS officers who meet the eligibility criteria may be considered for empanelment to the IAS after several years of service. The ACS and AAS (Assam Administrative Service) both serve as feeder services to the IAS. Eligibility for consideration is not the same as guaranteed induction — the promotion quota is limited, and selection is competitive.
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APSC CCE 2026: Recruitment Snapshot
The APSC CCE is the gateway to the Assam Civil Service. Here are the key details for the 2026 recruitment cycle.
According to the APSC CCE 2026 notification (Advt. No. 01/2026, dated 10 April 2026), the recruitment drive aims to fill 78 vacancies across 11 services, with the Assam Civil Service (Jr. Grade) accounting for 45 posts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | APSC Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2026 |
| Notification | Advt No. 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 78 posts across 11 services |
| ACS (Jr. Grade) Vacancies | 45 posts |
| Application Period | 13 April 2026 – 3 May 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 5 July 2026 (Sunday) |
| Age Limit | 21–38 years (relaxation for reserved categories) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline |
| Official Website | apsc.nic.in |
Source: APSC CCE 2026 Advt. No. 01/2026, official notification (Memo No. 8PSC/E-11/2025-2026, dated 10 April 2026). Candidates should verify all details directly from the official notification available on the APSC website (apsc.nic.in) before applying.
The 78 vacancies span multiple state services, including Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS), District Transport Officer, Superintendent of Excise, and other allied cadres.
Factors That Affect ACS Officer In-Hand Salary
The actual in-hand salary of an ACS officer can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Posting Location: HRA rates differ between Guwahati/Dispur (15%, capped at ₹6,000), district headquarters (12%, capped at ₹4,800), and other places (10%, capped at ₹4,000). An officer posted in Guwahati may receive a higher HRA than one in a remote district.
- Tax Regime: The choice between the old and new income tax regimes can affect the TDS deducted from monthly salary.
- DA Revision: Dearness Allowance is revised periodically by the government. An increase in DA directly increases gross salary as well as the NPS deduction (since NPS is calculated on Basic Pay + DA).
- Service Rules: Seniority, departmental examinations, and vacancy positions affect the timing of promotions and grade changes.
- Individual Circumstances: Deductions such as NPS, GIS, and professional tax are standard, but other deductions (e.g., loan repayments, recovery of advances) may apply on a case-by-case basis.
- Pay Commission Revisions: Future pay revisions under the Assam Services (ROP) framework can revise the entire pay structure. The current structure is based on the ROP Rules, 2017.
Disclaimer: The salary figures presented in this article are estimates based on official government notifications and the Assam Services (ROP) Rules, 2017. They are not a guarantee of actual salary. Readers are advised to verify current pay scales and allowances with the Assam Government’s Department of Personnel (personnel.assam.gov.in) or the official APSC website (apsc.nic.in) before making financial decisions.
FAQs
Q1: What is the ACS officer salary per month in Assam?
Answer: A newly recruited ACS officer is placed in PB-4 with Pay in the Pay Band of ₹30,000 and Grade Pay of ₹13,300, giving Basic Pay of ₹43,300 under the ROP framework. At a 60% DA rate, the DA component is ₹25,980. HRA and other allowances are added separately, while NPS, tax and other deductions determine the final in-hand salary. Based on the illustrative HRA assumptions used in this article, entry-level gross pay before any additional allowances is approximately ₹73,280–₹75,280 per month.
Q2: How is Basic Pay calculated under the Assam ROP Rules, 2017?
Answer: Under the Assam Services (ROP) Rules, 2017, Basic Pay is the sum of Pay in the Pay Band and the corresponding Grade Pay. DA and all other allowances are payable on this combined amount.
Q3: What is the ACS officer salary slip format?
Answer: An ACS salary slip typically shows Pay in the Pay Band, Grade Pay, Dearness Allowance, HRA, and other allowances on the earnings side. On the deductions side, it shows NPS contribution, GIS, Professional Tax, and TDS (if applicable). The net payable amount at the bottom is the in-hand salary.
Q4: Can an ACS officer become an IAS officer?
Answer: Yes. Eligible ACS officers can be considered for induction into the IAS through the State Civil Service Promotion Quota, subject to service requirements, vacancy availability, and a strong service record. This is not automatic.
Q5: What is the highest salary of an ACS officer?
Answer: At the Commissioner & Secretary level, the ROP 2017 structure provides a fixed pay of ₹1,30,000, with applicable allowances payable separately under the rules. Secretary Grade officers receive ₹65,000–₹1,12,000 (PB-5) with a Grade Pay of ₹18,500.
Q6: What is the current Dearness Allowance rate for Assam government employees?
Answer: The Assam Cabinet approved a DA enhancement from 58% to 60% in June 2026, effective with the June salary payable in July 2026, according to the June 2026 Finance Department notification cited for this article. The DA is calculated as a percentage of Basic Pay (Pay in the Pay Band + Grade Pay) and is revised periodically by the state government.
Q7: How is NPS contribution calculated for ACS officers?
Answer: Under the Assam New Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, 2009, the Tier-I employee contribution is 10% of Basic Pay, Dearness Pay (if any), Dearness Allowance and applicable Non-Practicing Allowance. The Assam Government makes an equal matching contribution to the NPS Tier-I account. Actual deductions should be checked against the applicable government rules and salary slip.
Q8: What are the HRA rates for Assam government employees?
Answer: The applicable HRA rates under the Assam Government’s HRA provisions are: 15% of basic pay for employees serving in Guwahati/Dispur (minimum ₹1,250, maximum ₹6,000), 12% for district/sub-divisional headquarters (minimum ₹1,000, maximum ₹4,800), and 10% for other places in Assam (maximum ₹4,000). HRA is subject to conditions regarding rented/own accommodation as per applicable rules.
Final Takeaway
ACS officers receive a structured government pay package comprising Pay in the Pay Band, Grade Pay, and applicable allowances under the Assam Services (ROP) Rules, 2017. Based on the illustrative HRA assumptions used in this article, entry-level gross pay before any additional allowances is approximately ₹73,280–₹75,280 per month, with the highest grade (Commissioner & Secretary) receiving ₹1,30,000 per month (fixed) plus allowances. Actual monthly in-hand salary varies according to grade, posting location, applicable allowances, and deductions.
Candidates and current officers should refer to the latest Assam Government (personnel.assam.gov.in) and APSC (apsc.nic.in) notifications for the current figures, as pay scales, DA rates, and service rules are revised periodically.
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