Salary and Benefits of OPSC OAS Exam 2024
The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) conducts the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) exam annually to recruit candidates for various administrative positions in the Odisha government. The OAS exam is a highly competitive examination, and successful candidates are offered attractive salaries and benefits.
Salary Structure
The salary of an OAS officer is determined by the Pay Matrix as per the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. The starting basic pay for an OAS officer is â¹56,100 per month. This basic pay is subject to various allowances and deductions, which are described below.
Table 1: Pay Matrix for OAS Officers (7th Pay Commission)
| Level | Pay Band | Grade Pay | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | â¹56,100 – â¹1,77,500 | â¹5,400 | â¹56,100 |
Note: The basic pay is subject to annual increments as per the Pay Matrix.
Allowances
In addition to the basic pay, OAS officers are entitled to various allowances, which are:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): This allowance is calculated as a percentage of the basic pay and is revised periodically based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): This allowance is provided to cover the cost of accommodation and varies depending on the city of posting.
- Transport Allowance (TA): This allowance is provided to cover the cost of commuting to and from work.
- Medical Allowance: This allowance is provided to cover the cost of medical expenses.
- Other Allowances: Other allowances may be provided depending on the nature of the posting and the specific requirements of the job.
Table 2: Allowances for OAS Officers
| Allowance | Percentage/Amount |
|---|---|
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Varies based on CPI |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Varies based on city of posting |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Varies based on city of posting |
| Medical Allowance | Fixed amount |
Note: The actual amount of allowances received by an OAS officer may vary depending on the individual’s posting and other factors.
Deductions
Certain deductions are made from the gross salary of an OAS officer, including:
- Provident Fund (PF): A fixed percentage of the basic pay is deducted and deposited into the employee’s PF account.
- Income Tax: Income tax is deducted as per the applicable tax slab.
- Professional Tax: A small amount is deducted as professional tax.
- Other Deductions: Other deductions may be made for insurance premiums, loan repayments, etc.
Benefits
Apart from salary and allowances, OAS officers are entitled to various benefits, including:
- Leave: OAS officers are entitled to various types of leave, including casual leave, sick leave, earned leave, and study leave.
- Medical Facilities: OAS officers and their families are entitled to medical facilities at government hospitals.
- Pension: OAS officers are eligible for a pension after retirement.
- Group Insurance: OAS officers are covered under a group insurance scheme.
- Housing Loan: OAS officers are eligible for housing loans at concessional rates.
- Other Benefits: Other benefits may be provided depending on the specific rules and regulations of the Odisha government.
Career Progression
OAS officers have a clear career progression path within the Odisha government. They can rise through the ranks to hold senior positions such as:
- Sub-Collector: This is the entry-level position for OAS officers.
- District Collector: This is a senior administrative position in a district.
- Secretary to the Government: This is a senior administrative position in a department.
- Principal Secretary to the Government: This is the highest administrative position in a department.
Conclusion
The OAS exam is a challenging but rewarding career path. Successful candidates are offered attractive salaries, benefits, and a clear career progression path. The job offers a chance to serve the people of Odisha and contribute to the development of the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting salary for this position?
The starting basic pay is â¹56,100 per month, but this is subject to allowances and deductions.
2. What allowances are included in the salary?
Common allowances include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and Medical Allowance.
3. How are the allowances calculated?
DA is a percentage of basic pay, HRA and TA vary based on location, and Medical Allowance is a fixed amount.
4. Are there any deductions from the salary?
Yes, deductions include Provident Fund (PF), Income Tax, Professional Tax, and potentially others like insurance premiums or loan repayments.
5. What benefits are offered besides salary and allowances?
Benefits include leave types, medical facilities, pension, group insurance, housing loans, and other potential benefits depending on government regulations.
6. What is the career progression path for this position?
The career path typically progresses from Sub-Collector to District Collector, then to Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Government.
7. Is there a specific training program for this position?
Yes, successful candidates undergo training at the Odisha Administrative Training Institute (OATI).
8. What are the eligibility criteria for this position?
Eligibility criteria typically include educational qualifications, age limits, and other specific requirements.
9. How competitive is this exam?
The exam is highly competitive, with a large number of applicants vying for a limited number of positions.
10. What resources are available to help prepare for the exam?
Various resources are available, including study materials, coaching classes, and online platforms.