Junior Secretariat Assistant Salary & Job Profile India 2025 – Pay Scale & Allowances
The Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) position serves as a vital entry-level clerical role across various government departments, ministries, and public sector organizations. Junior Secretariat Assistants form a core part of office operations, handling essential duties like file management, data entry, correspondence, and providing support to senior personnel. For individuals pursuing government careers, understanding the JSA role, its responsibilities, associated salary, allowances, and potential for career advancement is crucial for informed decision-making and preparation.
Pay Matrix Level & Basic Pay
Pay Level: Level 2 from the CPC/7th Central Pay committee.
Basic Pay : Starts at ₹19,900.
This updated pay level system introduces a more transparent and standardized approach to salary evaluation, replacing the previous method of pay bands and grade pay.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 2 (7th CPC) |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹ 19,900 |
| Old Pay Band (Pre-7th CPC) | ₹5,200 – ₹20,200 |
| Old Grade Pay | ₹ 1,900 |
Salary Breakdown (Monthly – Approximate)
The following table provides an estimated monthly salary breakdown for a Junior Secretariat Assistant:
| Component | Estimated Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹ 19,900 |
| Dearness Allowance (50%) | ₹ 9,950 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹1,592 – ₹4,776 (8%–24% of basic) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,350 – ₹3,600 + DA |
| Other Allowances | ₹500 – ₹1,000 (medical, office, etc.) |
| Gross Salary | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000/month |
| Deductions (NPS, Tax) | ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 approx. |
| In-hand Salary | ₹28,000 – ₹34,000/month |
Allowances and Benefits
Government employees, including Junior Secretariat Assistants, receive a comprehensive array of allowances. These benefits significantly contribute to their overall gross salary and help cover essential living expenses. The allowances are regularly adjusted to account for inflation and changes in the cost of living.
1. Dearness Allowance (DA)
The Dearness Allowance aims to offset the impact of inflation and the increasing cost of living.
- Objective : To compensate for the effects of inflation and rising cost of living.
- Rate (2025): Approximately 42 of basic pay (based on the latest revision).
- Revised Biannually : Typically January and July for changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Applicable to : Basic pay and other allowances, such as Transport Allowance.
2. House Rent Allowance (HRA)
The House Rent Allowance is provided to assist with housing and rent expenses when government accommodation is not provided.
- Purpose : To assist with housing/rent costs if government accommodation is not provided.
- HRA Rates (based on city classification):
| City Category | HRA Rate | Example on ₹19,900 Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Cities (X) | 27% | ₹ 5,373 |
| Tier-2 Cities (Y) | 18% | ₹ 3,582 |
| Rural/Tier-3 (Z) | 9% | ₹ 1,791 |
3. Transport Allowance (TA)
The Transport Allowance is allocated to cover commuting costs between an employee’s residence and their workplace.
- Purpose : To cover commuting costs between home and workplace.
- Rates:
| Posting Location | TA (Fixed) | Plus DA on TA (42%) | Total TA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Cities | ₹ 3,600 | ₹ 1,512 | ₹5,112/month |
| Other Cities/Rural | ₹ 1,800 | ₹ 756 | ₹2,556/month |
For physically disabled employees, enhanced TA benefits may apply.
4. Medical Allowance & CGHS
- Fixed Medical Allowance: ₹ 1,000/month (if not availing CGHS)
- CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme): Provides access to government empanelled hospitals. Includes coverage for treatment, hospitalization, medicines and diagnostics. Monthly medical insurance premium is deducted from your monthly salary, (CGs level range ₹ 150–₹ 650).
5. Pension and Retirement Benefits
Employees recruited after 2004 are enrolled in the National Pension System (NPS).
- Employees hired post-2004 participate in the National Pension System (NPS): 10% employee contribution, and 14% employer (Govt) contribution.
- Gratuity: a one-time lump-sum payment on retirement or resignation (subject to 5 years of service.
- Group insurance: life cover; the monthly deduction provides life coverage; benefits to nominees in case of death in service.
- Leave encashment: payment for unused earned leave (up to 300 days) as an employee is retiring.
6. Other Allowances (if necessary)
- Night Duty/Overtime Allowance (for department with shifts).
- Uniform or Washing Allowance (for job with dress code).
- Cash Handling/Computer Proficiency Allowance (if necessary.
Salary Comparison Table
The salary for a Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) can vary considerably depending on the specific posting location. This difference in salary primarily stems from variations in House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Transport Allowance (TA), while the basic pay and Dearness Allowance (DA) generally remain consistent.
| Location | Basic Pay | DA (42%) | HRA (as per city class) | TA | Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro City | ₹ 19,900 | ₹ 8,358 | ₹5,373 (27%) | ₹ 3,600 | ₹ 37,231 |
| Non-Metro City | ₹ 19,900 | ₹ 8,358 | ₹3,582 (18%) | ₹ 1,800 | ₹ 33,640 |
| Rural Area | ₹ 19,900 | ₹ 8,358 | ₹1,791 (9%) | ₹ 1,800 | ₹ 31,849 |
Consequently, the highest gross salary for a JSA could be approximately ₹37,231/month in a metro area, whereas a posting in a rural area might result in a gross salary of around ₹31,849/month. Understanding these salary variations is crucial for job seekers considering government positions, as it can influence their preferences, financial planning, and career path decisions.