The position of Cabinet Secretary represents the pinnacle of an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer’s career in India. This distinguished role places the incumbent at rank 11 in the Indian order of precedence, marking them as the nation’s most senior civil executive. The Cabinet Secretary operates under the coordination and management of the Prime Minister of India, reporting directly to both the President of India and the Prime Minister of India. With appointment by the central government, the Cabinet Secretary holds national-level jurisdiction.
This pivotal role commands the highest pay scale, with a basic salary of ₹2,50,000/month. Currently, T. V. Somanathan serves as the Cabinet Secretary, having been appointed on 30 August 2024. Prior to this, he held the position of Finance Secretary. His predecessor, Rajiv Gauba, served from 30 August 2019 to 30 August 2024, after which T. V. Somanathan assumed office. Notably, Rajiv Gauba holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Cabinet Secretary and also previously served as Home Secretary.
The maximum salary attainable by an IAS officer is INR 250,000 per month, an remuneration exclusively designated for the Cabinet Secretary, reflecting its status as the highest post within the Indian Administrative Service. The Cabinet Secretary holds several ex-officio leadership roles integral to the functioning of India’s civil services:
- Ex-officio head of the Civil Services Board.
- Ex-officio head of the Cabinet Secretariat.
- Ex-officio head of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), under whose guidance all Civil Services of India operate in accordance with government business rules.
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Cabinet Secretary Salary 2025
The Cabinet Secretary serves as the primary official responsible for coordinating all central government operations. The comprehensive salary package for the Cabinet Secretary underscores the significance and prestige of the post, ensuring the individual is well-compensated to perform their extensive duties effectively. The key components of the salary structure for 2025 are detailed below:
| Particulars | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | ₹2,50,000 per month |
| Pay Level | Level 18 in the Pay Matrix |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Central government employees have some benefits that change based on inflation over time. |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | He also gets an official place to live, but if he does not use it, he can receive housing allowance in accordance with government rules. |
| Travel Allowance (TA) | He gets the travel costs covered for work, whether it’s domestic or international. |
| Official Residence | Type-VIII bungalow at 12, Mother Teresa Crescent, New Delhi |
| Other Perquisites | Plus, he has access to a diplomatic passport, an official car, medical care, and other allowances that follow government rules. |
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Beyond the primary salary components, the Cabinet Secretary is entitled to various additional perquisites. This includes eligibility for a diplomatic passport. Given that the pay level is 18, which is equivalent to that of the Chief of the Army Staff, the Cabinet Secretary is considered senior to all government officers, including senior armed force officers. However, it is important to note that the warrant of precedence is merely for ceremonial seating at official events and does not signify functional or inter-se seniority in day-to-day government operations.
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Cabinet Secretary Post Highlights
Key details regarding this paramount IAS post are summarized in the following table:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Short Form | CSI |
| Status | Head of Permanent Executive |
| Cabinet Secretary( Membership) | Civil Services Board NCMC- National Crisis Management Committee SPG- National Security Council Space Commission AEC- Atomic Energy Commission of India |
| Seat | Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi |
| Appointed by | Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), Government of India |
| Term of office | 4 years. However, he term may be extended for 1 year |
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What are the Powers and Functions of Highest IAS Post (Cabinet Secretary)?
The Cabinet Secretary of India, as the highest IAS post, wields significant powers. As the head of the Cabinet Secretariat and the principal administrative official, the incumbent is the official head of administration and facilitates coordination with the Council of Ministers. A detailed overview of these powers and functions is provided below:
- He works as the principal coordinator and administrative manager of the central government.
- Working as the chairman of the Civil Services Board, he gives suggestion for the posts of secretary, additional secretary and joint secretary (except officers under the Ministry of External Affairs),
- He also acts as the chairman of the Committee of Secretaries on Administration.
- He also acts as the chairman of the Conference of Chief Secretaries of States.
- To the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, he sends his suggestions and recommendations for the postings of of officers (except officers under the Ministry of External Affairs) of the rank of secretary and additional Secretary.
- As the member of the Senior Selection Board, which gives suggestions for postings of officers of the rank of joint secretary in the Union Government to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
- He also has advisory powers. He gives advice to the PM of India.
- He support Council of Ministers so that it can perform its duties efficiently.
- He prepares the main highlights of the cabinet meetings and decides its agenda.
- During crises, he is the balancing wheel who provides stable leadership support.
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Tenure of the Highest IAS Post (Cabinet Secretary)
The First Administrative Reforms Commission, which was active from 1966 to 1970, observed that the average tenure of a Cabinet Secretary was merely two years and eight months. Recognizing this as insufficient, the Commission recommended extending the term to three to four years. Furthermore, they proposed that the Cabinet Secretary should serve as the primary staff officer to the prime minister, the cabinet, and the cabinet committees when addressing critical issues.
Evolution and Role of Highest IAS Post (Cabinet Secretary)
The Cabinet Secretariat primarily focuses on official events and is not deeply involved in the daily operational tasks of the government. According to the Government of India Allocation of Business Rules from 1961, the Cabinet Secretariat is listed in the First Schedule of these rules. Its main responsibilities include providing assistance to the Cabinet and its Committees, and ensuring adherence to established rules. The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for overseeing the Transaction of Business Rules and the Allocation of Business Rules from 1961. This oversight ensures smooth operations across various ministries by maintaining compliance with these regulations. The Secretariat plays a crucial role in the decision-making process by facilitating collaboration among different ministries, resolving disputes, and fostering consensus through various committees. This collaborative approach also aids in advancing new policy initiatives.
The Cabinet Secretariat is structured into 3 distinct wings:
Wings
| Wings | Details |
|---|---|
| Civil | The Civil wing is the main part of the setup, helping out with advice and assistance to the Union Cabinet. |
| Military | The Military wing exists to improve coordination in intelligence and to support the Defence Committee and the National Defence Council. It has an officer, usually a major general or someone of equivalent rank from the Indian Armed Forces, who serves as a joint secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat. |
| Intelligence | The Intelligence wing focuses on the Joint Intelligence Committee within the Cabinet. The head of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) reports to the Cabinet Secretary and is known as Secretary (R) in the Cabinet Secretariat. |
How to Become a Cabinet Secretary in India?
It is important to understand that individuals cannot directly become a Cabinet Secretary in India. Aspiring candidates must successfully clear the UPSC examination with a distinguished rank to join the IAS. After demonstrating exceptional performance and dedicating numerous years to service, an officer is considered for promotion to the esteemed position of Cabinet Secretary. The career progression is outlined below:
How Much Salary Do Other Cabinet Secretaries Get?
Beyond the Cabinet Secretary, other secretaries, officials, and chairpersons also hold significant positions within the government. Their respective salary details are presented in the following table:
| Official | Pay Level | Salary(INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | 17 | 225000 |
| Secretary ( Security ) | 17 | 225000 |
| Additional Secretary | 15 | 217600- 224100 |
| Joint Secretary | 14 | 157600- 218200 |
In addition to these, various other officers, including directors, deputy secretaries, advisors, joint directors, under secretaries, and principal private secretaries, also receive competitive remuneration for their roles.