Department of Expenditure (Pay Research Unit)
Pay Matrix Level 7 (2026)
The “Gazetted” Salary Class
7th Pay Commission Level 7 Salary 2026: In-Hand Pay Chart (ASO/Inspector/SSE)
- Pay Scale: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
- DA Rate: 60% (Jan 2026 Projection)
- Post Type: ASO, IT Inspector, SSE, AAO
- Key Update: Gross Salary touches ₹90,000+
What Changed: The ₹90K Benchmark
Level 7 is the most coveted pay scale in the Central Government as it marks the entry into the Group ‘B’ service (Non-Gazetted/Gazetted). For officers joining as Assistant Section Officers (CSS), Inspectors (Income Tax/GST), or Senior Section Engineers (Railways) in 2026, the 60% Dearness Allowance has pushed the gross salary in X-Class cities beyond the ₹90,000 mark. This is a massive jump from the previous year’s calculations.
✅ Calculation Parameters (Jan 2026)
Basic Pay: ₹44,900 (Cell 1)
DA: 60% (Projected)
HRA Rates: 30% (X City), 20% (Y City), 10% (Z City)
The New Protocol: Salary Components
Employees in Level 7 are entitled to the highest slab of Transport Allowance (if posted in Higher TPTA cities). Here is the breakdown.
✔ Earnings (Allowances)
- Dearness Allowance (DA): 60% of Basic Pay (₹26,940).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): ₹13,470 (X City) / ₹8,980 (Y City).
- Transport Allowance (TPTA): ₹3,600 + DA. (Total ₹5,760).
✖ Deductions (Cuts)
- NPS: 10% of (Basic + DA). Approx ₹7,184.
- CGEGIS: ₹30 or ₹60 (Depending on Group).
- Income Tax (TDS): Approx ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 (New Regime).
Calculated Salary Slip (Class X City – Delhi/Mumbai)
The following table shows the exact calculation for a new Level 7 officer in a Metro City (X Class) for January 2026.
| Component | Formula | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | Level 7, Cell 1 | 44,900 |
| DA (60%) | 44,900 x 60% | 26,940 |
| HRA (30%) | 44,900 x 30% | 13,470 |
| TPTA | 3600 + (60% of 3600) | 5,760 |
| GROSS SALARY | Total A | 91,070 |
| NPS Deduction | 10% of (44900+26940) | 7,184 |
| CGEGIS & Tax (Est) | Variable | 4,060 |
| NET IN-HAND | Gross – Deductions | ₹79,826 |
*Note: For Y-Class cities, the Gross Salary will be approx ₹86,580 (20% HRA). For Z-Class, it will be approx ₹82,090 (10% HRA).
How to Respond (For Promotion Fixation)
If you have been promoted from Level 6 to Level 7 in 2026, ensure your pay is fixed correctly using Rule 13 (FR 22). Check if you got the benefit of one increment.
“To,
The Administrative Officer,
[Your Department Name].Subject: Option for Pay Fixation on Promotion to Level 7.
Sir,
I have been promoted to the post of [Designation] (Level 7) vide Order dated [Date].
I hereby opt to get my pay fixed in the higher level from the date of my next increment (July 1st / Jan 1st) in the lower post, as per FR 22(I)(a)(1).
Kindly record this option in my Service Book to avoid financial loss.Yours faithfully,
[Your Name]
[Designation]”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Level 6 and Level 7?
Level 6 starts at ₹35,400 while Level 7 starts at ₹44,900. Level 7 is significant because it is the starting level for many “Inspector” and “Section Officer” posts, often carrying higher authority and usually classified as Group B Non-Gazetted (or Gazetted in some cadres).
Is Level 7 a Gazetted post?
It depends on the department. In Railways (SSE) and Income Tax (Inspector), Level 7 is Group C or Group B Non-Gazetted. In CSS (Assistant Section Officer), it is Non-Gazetted. However, posts like AAO (Audit) in Level 8/9 are Gazetted. Promotion from Level 7 usually leads to Gazetted status.