Published: October 5, 2026
Last Updated: October 5, 2026
Salary Data Checked: October 5, 2026
Primary Sources: Kerala PSC Category No. 571/2025; Kerala Finance Department DA, HRA, Pension/APS and MEDISEP orders
2026 Recruitment Update
The Kerala PSC Village Field Assistant examination under Category No. 571/2025 was held on September 19, 2026 for the Revenue Department. The provisional answer key was published on September 22, 2026. The recruitment covers multiple revenue districts, with district-wise rank lists to be prepared based on the examination performance.
Quick Answer
A Village Field Assistant salary in the Kerala Revenue Department is paid on the scale of ₹23,700 – ₹52,600 per month, as per the official Kerala PSC notification for Category No. 571/2025.
With the Dearness Allowance (DA) currently at 35% of basic pay (effective from March 1, 2026, as per G.O.(P) No.27/2026/FIN dated February 20, 2026), the estimated gross monthly salary at entry is approximately ₹33,195 – ₹34,365, depending on HRA class.
Under the illustrative NPS scenario, after the NPS employee contribution (10% of Basic Pay + DA) and MEDISEP Phase II premium (₹687/month), the starting salary credit is approximately ₹29,000 – ₹30,500 before variable SLI/GIS and other recoveries. This is an illustrative calculation, not an official payroll figure. Actual salary credit can differ because payroll deductions and recoveries may vary, including SLI/GIS and other deductions based on individual circumstances.
What Is a Village Field Assistant?
A Village Field Assistant is a Kerala Government post for candidates with SSLC qualification, falling under the Kerala Revenue Department. VFAs work at the village office level and function as field officers supporting land revenue administration, survey work, and the implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level. The post is filled through direct recruitment by the Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) on a revenue district basis.
Village Field Assistant Salary Structure (2026)
| Component | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale (official) | ₹23,700 – ₹52,600 per month |
| Basic Pay (starting) | ₹23,700 per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 35% of basic pay = ₹8,295 per month (effective March 1, 2026) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹1,200 – ₹2,370 depending on class (A/B/C/D) |
| Estimated Gross Salary | ₹33,195 – ₹34,365 per month |
| Illustrative Starting Salary Credit | ₹29,000 – ₹30,500 per month |
| Estimated Annual Gross | ₹3,98,340 – ₹4,12,380 |
| Illustrative Annual Salary Credit Before Variable Recoveries | ₹3,48,000 – ₹3,66,000 |
Source note: The pay scale of ₹23,700 – ₹52,600 is from the Kerala PSC notification for Category No. 571/2025. The DA rate of 35% is from G.O.(P) No.27/2026/FIN dated February 20, 2026, issued by the Finance (Pay Research Unit) Department, with the enhanced rate effective from March 1, 2026. HRA rates are from the Kerala Pay Revision 2019 structure. The salary credit estimate is illustrative and accounts for NPS contribution and MEDISEP Phase II deductions.
Annual figure note: The illustrative annual salary credit is based on the illustrative monthly salary-credit range and excludes variable professional tax, SLI/GIS and other recoveries.
How the Salary Is Calculated
The basic pay of ₹23,700 is only the starting point. The actual monthly salary credit is calculated in three steps.
Step 1 — Add Allowances
| Allowance | Calculation | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | — | 23,700 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | 35% of basic pay | 8,295 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 4%–10% of basic pay (minimum ₹1,200–₹2,300) | 1,200 – 2,370 |
| Gross Monthly Salary | Basic + DA + HRA | 33,195 – 34,365 |
Step 2 — Subtract Deductions
| Deduction | Basis | Estimated Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| NPS Contribution (illustrative scenario) | 10% of (Basic Pay + DA) | ~3,200 |
| MEDISEP Phase II Premium | Fixed monthly deduction | 687 |
| Professional Tax | Deducted according to applicable half-yearly slab | Slab-based |
| Illustrative Deductions Shown | ~3,887 + PT |
Pension note: Kerala Government has given in-principle sanction for the Assured Pension Scheme (APS) from April 1, 2026, with eligible employees appointed on or after that date able to opt for NPS or APS. The salary-credit illustration below uses the NPS employee contribution of 10% of Basic Pay + DA. The actual deduction under APS should be checked against the latest implementation orders applicable to the employee.
MEDISEP Phase II note: MEDISEP Phase II was implemented from February 1, 2026, with an annual premium of ₹8,244 (₹687 per month for the first policy year). The premium is deducted from employees’ salaries and provides medical insurance coverage for the employee and dependents.
Professional Tax note: Professional tax in Kerala is deducted half-yearly, not as a fixed monthly amount. The applicable slab depends on half-yearly income including basic pay, DA, and other allowances. The actual deduction follows the Kerala professional tax schedule as revised effective October 1, 2024.
Step 3 — Arrive at Illustrative Starting Salary Credit
| Topic | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Salary | 33,195 – 34,365 |
| Less: NPS contribution — illustrative scenario | ~3,200 |
| Less: MEDISEP Phase II | 687 |
| Less: Professional Tax (monthly equivalent) | Varies by slab |
| Illustrative Starting Salary Credit | ~29,000 – 30,500 |
Important: The salary credit figure is an illustrative salary credit before variable SLI/GIS and other recoveries. Actual salary credit can differ because payroll deductions and recoveries may vary, including SLI (State Life Insurance), GIS (Group Insurance Scheme), and other applicable deductions. The professional tax is deducted periodically as per the applicable half-yearly slab, not as a fixed monthly amount.
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HRA Rates for Kerala Government Employees
HRA is determined by the classification of the posting location, as per Kerala Pay Revision 2019:
| Class | Location Type | Rate (% of Basic Pay) | Minimum Amount (₹) | Maximum Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Corporation limits of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur | 10% | 2,300 | 10,000 |
| B | Municipalities at District Headquarters | 8% | 2,000 | 8,000 |
| C | All other Municipalities | 6% | 1,500 | 6,000 |
| D | All Panchayats | 4% | 1,200 | 4,000 |
Source: Kerala Pay Revision 2019, HRA structure.
For a VFA at entry basic pay (₹23,700), a VFA posted in a Class D location would generally receive the Class D HRA applicable to that location (₹1,200 minimum). The exact HRA depends on where the individual is posted.
Illustrative Salary Breakup
The table below shows an illustrative monthly breakup for a VFA drawing the starting basic pay, using the official DA rate and standard deduction rules.
| Component | Class D Posting (₹) | Class A Posting (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | 23,700 | 23,700 |
| DA @ 35% | 8,295 | 8,295 |
| HRA | 1,200 | 2,370 |
| Gross Monthly Salary | 33,195 | 34,365 |
| Less: NPS contribution — illustrative scenario | ~3,200 | ~3,200 |
| Less: MEDISEP Phase II | 687 | 687 |
| Less: Professional Tax (monthly equivalent) | Slab-based | Slab-based |
| Illustrative Starting Salary Credit | ~29,300 | ~30,500 |
This table is an illustrative calculation based on official pay scale, DA order, and HRA structure. It is not an official payroll statement. Actual deductions may include SLI/GIS and other recoveries not listed here.
How We Calculated VFA Salary
TheSalaryPoint uses the official Kerala PSC pay scale and Kerala Government DA/HRA orders for the salary calculation. In-hand estimates are illustrative because actual deductions can vary by employee, posting, and payroll recoveries. The DA rate of 35% is from the official G.O.(P) No.27/2026/FIN dated February 20, 2026. The salary credit estimate accounts for NPS contribution (illustrative scenario), MEDISEP Phase II, and professional tax, but excludes variable deductions such as SLI and GIS.
Job Profile and Responsibilities
The VFA role is field-oriented and administrative. Typical responsibilities include:
- Assisting in land surveys and mapping activities at the village level.
- Maintaining land and revenue records, including updating registers and digital entries.
- Conducting field inspections to verify local data, land boundaries, and property details.
- Collecting and reporting village-level data to the Revenue Department.
- Supporting administrative tasks and documentation at the village office.
- Assisting in resolving local land and revenue issues under the supervision of the Village Officer.
The role involves substantial outdoor work, including travel to survey sites and interaction with landowners and local residents.
Eligibility and Qualification
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Pass in SSLC (10th standard) or equivalent |
| Age Limit | 18 – 36 years (relaxation for OBC/SC/ST as per rules) |
| Method of Appointment | Direct recruitment through Kerala PSC |
| Application Mode | Online via One Time Registration (OTR) on keralapsc.gov.in |
Source: Kerala PSC notification, Category No. 571/2025.
The minimum educational qualification for the post is SSLC or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with higher qualifications are also eligible to apply.
Selection Process
The Kerala PSC selection process for Village Field Assistant involves:
- OMR-based written test (100 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes) covering General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Arithmetic/Mental Ability, General English, and Regional Language.
- Document verification for candidates who qualify in the written test.
- Ranked list prepared district-wise. Appointments are made against vacancies reported in each revenue district.
The examination for Category No. 571/2025 was held on September 19, 2026, as confirmed by the Kerala PSC. The provisional answer key was published on September 22, 2026.
VFA Syllabus (Official Marks Distribution)
The official syllabus for the Village Field Assistant exam carries 100 marks, distributed as follows:
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| I. General Knowledge | 50 |
| — History | 5 |
| — Geography | 5 |
| — Economics | 5 |
| — Indian Constitution | 5 |
| — Kerala: Governance & Administration | 5 |
| — Biology & Public Health | 6 |
| — Physics | 3 |
| — Chemistry | 3 |
| — Arts, Sports, Literature, Culture | 5 |
| — Computer Basics | 3 |
| — Important Laws | 5 |
| II. Current Affairs | 20 |
| III. Simple Arithmetic, Mental Ability & Observation Skills | 10 |
| IV. General English | 10 |
| V. Regional Language (Malayalam / Kannada / Tamil) | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Source: Official Kerala PSC detailed syllabus for Village Field Assistant, Category No. 571/2025.
The examination has Part I, II, III, and V available in Malayalam/Tamil/Kannada, and Part IV in English. The syllabus is published on the Kerala PSC official website. Candidates should download the official PDF for the complete topic-wise breakdown.
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Career Growth and Promotion
The promotion pathway for a Village Field Assistant follows Kerala Revenue Department service rules. Based on official service norms:
- VFA → Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Village Assistant: Villagemen (including VFAs) with minimum general educational qualification and three years of service are eligible for appointment as LDC/Village Assistant under Rule 3 of the Kerala Revenue Ministerial Subordinate Service Special Rules, 1985. A portion of LDC/Village Assistant posts is filled from among qualified Villagemen.
- LDC/Village Assistant → Village Officer: Promotion to Village Officer requires three years of service as Clerk/Village Assistant in village offices.
- Village Officer → Deputy Tehsildar / Junior Superintendent: A minimum of two years of service as Village Officer is required for promotion to these posts.
Promotion is subject to availability of vacancies, seniority, passing of departmental tests, and satisfactory service records. It is not automatic.
Source: Kerala Land Revenue Department norms for LDC/VA seniority list; Kerala Revenue Ministerial Subordinate Service Special Rules, 1985.
Key Factors That Affect Actual Take-Home Salary
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| DA rate | Currently 35% effective March 1, 2026; revised periodically by Kerala Finance Department |
| HRA class | Class A postings attract higher HRA than Class D |
| Pension option | The illustrative salary-credit calculation uses the NPS employee contribution. Eligible employees may have different pension deductions depending on the applicable pension option and rules. |
| MEDISEP premium | ₹687/month fixed deduction for medical insurance |
| Professional tax | Deducted half-yearly as per Kerala slab |
| SLI/GIS | State Life Insurance and Group Insurance deductions may apply |
| Pay revisions | Future Pay Commission revisions can change the scale |
| Annual increments | Move the employee up the pay scale over time |
FAQs
1. What is the basic salary of a Village Field Assistant in Kerala?
Answer: The basic pay at entry is ₹23,700 per month, within the pay scale of ₹23,700 – ₹52,600. This is the official scale from the Kerala PSC notification for Category No. 571/2025.
2. What is the VFA salary after DA and HRA?
Answer: With DA at 35% (₹8,295) and HRA ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹2,370 depending on posting class, the gross monthly salary is approximately ₹33,195 to ₹34,365. After the illustrative NPS contribution and MEDISEP Phase II premium, the salary credit is approximately ₹29,000 to ₹30,500 before variable professional tax, SLI/GIS and other recoveries. This is an illustrative calculation, not an official payroll figure.
3. Is Village Field Assistant a degree-level post?
Answer: No. The minimum qualification is a pass in SSLC (10th standard) or its equivalent.
4. Is Village Field Assistant a good job?
Answer: The VFA post offers stable government employment, pension benefits, and a structured promotion path through LDC/Village Assistant to Village Officer and higher Revenue Department positions. It is a viable entry point into the Kerala Revenue Department for SSLC-qualified candidates.
5. Can a Village Field Assistant become a Village Officer?
Answer: Yes, but not directly. The typical promotional route is VFA → LDC/Village Assistant (requiring three years of service) → Village Officer (requiring three years as Clerk/Village Assistant). Promotion depends on vacancies, seniority, and departmental test clearance.
6. Is the VFA salary the same across all districts in Kerala?
Answer: The basic pay scale is the same statewide. However, HRA varies by posting location (Class A/B/C/D), so the actual salary credit may differ slightly across districts.
Final Takeaway
The Village Field Assistant salary in Kerala is structured around an official pay scale of ₹23,700 – ₹52,600. With the current DA rate of 35% effective March 1, 2026, and HRA ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹2,370, the estimated gross salary at entry is ₹33,195 – ₹34,365 and the illustrative starting salary credit is ₹29,000 – ₹30,500 per month under an illustrative NPS scenario after NPS and MEDISEP deductions, but before variable professional-tax, SLI/GIS and other recoveries. These are illustrative calculations, not official payroll figures.
Candidates should verify the current DA rate and HRA class applicable to their posting at the time of joining. For a deeper understanding of how gross salary, deductions, and net salary work, see our guides on gross salary meaning and in-hand salary calculation. Government employees can also explore the VAO salary and Village Accountant salary pages for related Revenue Department roles.
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