The SDM or Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) position, also known as Deputy Collector works at the district subdivision role. It is a prestigious Group ‘A’ gazetted officer role in India that offers a lucrative salary package, great esteem, and responsibilities. However, candidates who secure this profile through the UPSC Civil Services Examination generally enjoy higher compensation than those employed via the State Public Service Commission (PSC).
Lakhs of candidates take the civil services examination, especially for the salary it offers. Employees working at the officers’ grade or similar receive various perks and benefits. The job also provides stability and security. These candidates are interested in knowing the salary of SDMs in various states. Hence, in this article, we will cover the SDM salaries in New Delhi, UP, Bihar, and MP, alongside the other benefits and allowances they receive.
Overviews SDM Salaries Ranges
The SDM salary usually ranges from INR 9 Lakh to INR 25 Lakh annually, with a basic starting monthly salary between INR 75,000 and INR 85,000. As established by the 7th Pay Commission, the salary structure of SDMs varies based on various factors like experience level, posting location, and state regulations.
Typically, the basic salary of SDMs is quite different from that of IAS officers, starting at around INR 56,100 and reaching as high as INR 2,50,000 for top roles after immense service. After allowances, the in-hand salary of SDMs generally falls between INR 60,000 and INR 80,000 per month, highlighting various influencing factors.
| Key Points | Details |
| Role | Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Group ‘A’ gazetted officer |
| Salary Range | INR 9 LPA to INR 25 LPA |
| Starting salary | INR 75,000 to INR 85,000 per month |
| Salary comparison | Similar to the IAS officer’s basic salary |
| In – hand salary | INR 60,000 to INR 80,000 per month after deductions and allowances |
| Influencing factors | Experience, location, and hierarchy |
SDM Salary Structure in India, 2025
| SDM Salary Structure (as per Central 7th Pay Commission) | |
| Particulars | SDM Salary |
| Pay Band | Rs. 15600–39100 (PB-3) |
| Grade Pay | Rs. 5400 |
| 7th CPC Pay Level | 10 |
| Minimum Basic Pay | Rs. 56,100 |
| Maximum Basic Pay | Rs. 1,32,000 |
| DA | |
| HRA (city-wise) | (Class X, 24%): Rs. 7,884(Class Y, 16%): Rs. 5,256(Class Z, 8%): Rs. 2,628 |
| TA | X cities: Rs. 7,600Y cities: Rs. 6,400Z cities: Rs. 5,200 |
| SDM Gross Salary per month (upon joining) | Rs. 75,000–Rs. 85,000 (approx) |
Also Read:- 8th pay commission salary calculator || SSC CGL Salary || RRB Group D Salary
SDM Salary Per Month In Delhi
Delhi is a Union Territory and a state as well. However, unlike other state governments, the state government of Delhi doesn’t have complete governing rights and is shared by the central government. However, like other states, it has SDMs to govern districts. The 7th Pay Commission governs the SDM salary in Delhi, which usually begins at INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 per month. Here is the salary structure for the SDM salary in Delhi:
| SDM Salary In Delhi | |
| Criteria | Details |
| Governing body | 7th pay commission |
| Position | Sub – Divisional Magistrate ( SDM) |
| Location | Delhi and nearby areas ( e.g., Shalimar Bagh |
| Starting gross salary | INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 Per month |
| Influence factors | Posting location, specific state regulations, and allowance |
| State PSC Exams for Aspirants | – RPSC RAS – UPPSC – Bihar BPSC – MPPSC State Service – WBPSC WBCS |
| Salary variation Across states | SDM salary structure and allowances vary significantly depending on the state and posting location |
SDM Salary Per Month In UP
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) conducts the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Service examination for recruiting candidates in the state government for various positions. The initial salary of SDM in UP is INR 80,000 – INR 90,000 per month. Here is the salary structure for the SDM salary in UP:
| SDM Salary Per Month in UP | |
| Particulars | SDM Salary |
| Pay Level | 10 |
| Pay Band | PB – 3 |
| Grade Pay | 5400 |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 56100 – 132000 |
| Basic pay | Rs.56,100 |
| Maximum pay | Rs.1,32,000 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Rs. 21318 (38% Of Basic Pay) |
| House Rent Allowance ( HRA) | – (Class X 24%) – Rs. 14,760 – (Class Y 16%) – Rs. 9,840 – (Class Z 8%) – Rs. 4,920 |
| TA | Rs. 3600 – Rs. 7200 |
| Starting SDM Gross Salary in UP | Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 90,000 (approx) |
SDM Salary Per Month in Bihar
The Bihar Public Service Commission conducts the BPSC Combined Competitive Examination for recruiting candidates for various gazetted roles in the government offices and ministries of Bihar. The salary structure for SDM salary in Bihar, or equivalent post, Deputy Collector, is governed by the 9th Pay Commission with starting gross pay between INR 60,000 and INR 75,095.
| SDM Salary In Bihar | |
| Particulars | SDM Salary |
| Pay Level | 9 |
| Pay Band | PB – 3 |
| Grade Pay | 5400 |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 61,500 – 72,000 |
| Basic pay | Rs. 72,000 |
| DA | 17% of Basic Pay = Rs. 10,455 |
SDM Salary Per Month In MP
The Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) conducts the MPPSC State Service exam to select candidates for several positions in Group ‘A’ State Administrative Services, which is equivalent to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The SDM salary in MP ranges between INR 78,000 to INR 85,095, under the 10th Pay Commission. It is given below:
| SDM Salary In Madhya Pradesh | |
| Particulars | SDM Salary in MP |
| Pay Level | 10 |
| Pay Band | PB-3 |
| Grade Pay | Rs. 5400 |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 56,100-1,77,500 |
| Basic Pay | Rs. 56,100 |
| Maximum Pay | Rs. 1,77,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Rs. 21318 (38% Of Basic Pay) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | (Class X, 24%): Rs. 14,760(Class Y, 16%): Rs. 9,840(Class Z, 8%): Rs. 4,920 |
| Starting SDM Gross Salary in MP | Rs. 78,000–Rs. 85,095 (approximate) |
SDM Salary Career Growth and Increment
According to the guidelines issued by the state government, SDM is promoted through the Departmental Promotion Committee, headed by the Chairman of the Commission. Unlike UPSC candidates, PSC candidates receive their first promotion after 8 to 9 years of service. Their promotion process is slow, in comparison to UPSC candidates and usually, they retire after one or two promotions.
| Posts | Experience | SDM Salary Per Month 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 |
Also Read:- 12 LPA in Hand Salary || 10 LPA in Hand Salary || Full Form of LPA in Salary
SDM Salary Allowances and Perks
Apart from the base salary, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate or SDM receives various allowances and benefits under the 7th Pay Commission. UPSC CSE candidates enjoy more benefits than state PSC candidates. These are the allowances and benefits that SDM enjoys:
- Medical Leave: A medical allowance is given to an employee to cover their treatment costs. Often, the allowances are extended based on certain circumstances.
- Security: SDM officers are also provided with two bodyguards and three home guards to keep them safe. STF commandos are also available for their safety in case of a threat to the offices. They are also provided a valet and around three cars as a part of their travel and security.
- House Rent Allowance: House Rent Allowance is given to support their living cost in the posting location. It usually depends on whether the city is metropolitan or not and whether you are using a government-provided residence or not.
- Travel Allowance: Officers get a travel allowance to support their necessary travel expenses to commute from place to place for work.
- Service quarter: Officers are usually given a service quarter in the location of the job posting, apart from one provided in the state capital. The service quarter is subject to change based on their allocation period.
- Phone bills: Three BSNL SIM cards with internet access, SMS, and voice time are provided to officers. They also get a telephone service at their residence and a free internet connection as well.
- Electricity bills: The officers get fully funded or significantly subsidized electricity connections at their residence.
- Official and unofficial trips: Whether traveling on an official or unofficial trip, their accommodation is arranged by the government. They may stay in government bungalows, rest houses, or circuit houses at discounted prices.
- Household staff: SDM Officers get household help like sweepers, cooks, gardeners, etc to manage the everyday duties at their official residence or service quarter.
- Dearness Allowance: It is adjusted every six months, in January and July, according to the Consumer Price Index, or inflation index (CPI).
- Post-retirement benefits: In addition to a lifelong pension, officers receive more benefits upon retirement. Even if they die after retirement, their counterparts will receive the same benefits.
- Job security: The officers are Grade ‘A’ bureaucrats, and it is difficult to withdraw an officer. Hence, the process requires a detailed investigation as directed by the Constitution.
- Unofficial benefits: Officers are given tickets and admission permits for all major events taking place in their district or zone, such as concerts, parties, cricket matches, and other gatherings.
- Study leave: Officers are also eligible to take a 2 to 4-year study leave after nine years of service. During this break, they can enroll in programs at a recognized foreign institution. The government will cover all educational costs related to their studies.
Conclusion
To sum up, the role of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) is a prestigious job that gives both job and financial security, thanks to the 7th Pay Commission’s salary structure. Apart from base salary, SDM officers receive various benefits and allowances like accommodation, security, transportation, medical expenses, dearness allowance, and more.
Through examination and internal promotions, SDM officers can level up their position and salaries as well. SDM salary is further enhanced with post-retirement benefits that cover their expenses after retirement.
FAQs About SDM Salaries
1) What is the SDM salary in India?
The SDM salary in India usually ranges from INR 9 Lakh to INR 25 Lakh annually, with a monthly salary ranging between INR 75,000 and INR 85,000.
2) What is the monthly income of SDM?
When an SDM first starts working, their base salary is INR 56,100 per month. However, the salary rises to INR 67,700 monthly when an SDM is promoted to ADM after years of service. However, the salary also depends on rank, education, and other factors like job location, allowances, and more.
3)What is the SDM salary in Bihar?
The SDM salary in Bihar is calculated using pay level 9 in the pay commission and pay band PB-3. The initial pay is between INR 61,500 and INR 72,000 respectively.
4) What is the SDM salary in Delhi?
According to the 7th Pay Commission, the starting SDM salary in Delhi is INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 per month.