Top Government Jobs in India That Pay in Lakhs — Not Just IAS and IPS

By Ashish Jha

Updated on:

Whenever we talk about government jobs, the first names that come to mind are IAS and IPS. Most people think these are the only jobs where you can earn well, enjoy respect, and have a secure future. But that’s only one part of the story. In reality, there are many more government jobs in India where salaries can also go into lakhs, and sometimes even more than what an IAS/IPS officer earns.

Let’s break this down in simple words — what these jobs are, how they pay well, and why they are worth knowing about.

  1. RBI Grade B Officer — High Salary & Big Responsibility

Working at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is one of the most respected government jobs outside of civil services. Especially the Grade B Officer position is known for its strong salary and perks.

An RBI Grade B Officer plays a key role in shaping monetary policy, financial regulation, and national banking systems. Because this job requires strong knowledge and analytical skills, the pay is very high — often starting at a level that many people dream of.

With experience and promotion, an RBI officer’s salary along with allowances can easily go into ₹1.5 lakh or more per month, and you also get benefits like government housing, medical cover, and pension.

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  1. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) — Big Pay and Perks

PSUs are government-owned companies that operate like big businesses but with government backing. Some of the most well-known PSUs in India include:

  • ONGC
  • NTPC
  • IOCL
  • BHEL
  • GAIL

Engineers, management professionals, and technical experts who join these companies often earn salaries comparable to private sector jobs — sometimes even higher.

At senior levels like General Manager or Executive Director, officials can earn ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh per month or more when salary and allowances are combined. These jobs also include perks such as housing, medical facilities, leave travel concession, and pension.

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  1. High Court and Supreme Court Judges — Respect with Strong Pay

We usually hear about lawyers and courts, but few people know that judges in India are among the highest-paid government professionals.

Judges at the Supreme Court or High Courts get a combination of salary and allowances that can reach upwards of ₹2 lakh to ₹2.8 lakh per month.

Along with salary, judges get government housing, security, medical facilities, and pension. This job is not just about income — it’s about prestige and responsibility too.

  1. Senior Military Officers — Salary and Service Benefits

Many people think only civilian jobs pay well, but senior officers in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force also earn millions of rupees annually when salary and allowances are added.

Positions like Major General or Lieutenant General come with strong pay and perks that go well beyond basic salary — including accommodation, travel, medical care, and risk allowances.

These roles demand courage, discipline, and long-term dedication, but they bring stable income and respect.

  1. Other Well-Paying Government Roles

Government offers many jobs beyond the usual civil services that pay well and promise secure career paths. These include:

  • PSU Specialist and Technical Roles

Experts in fields like engineering, IT, and petrochemicals can earn excellent pay in government corporations.

  • RBI and SEBI Officers

Positions in financial regulators like RBI and SEBI are highly respected and enjoy attractive salary packages.

  • Defence & Paramilitary Officers

Besides top-rank officers, specialized positions in technical and strategic units also offer strong income.

  • Research and Tech Organizations

Jobs in ISRO, DRDO, and scientific institutions often pay well — sometimes rivaling corporate salaries.

  • State & Central Services Beyond IAS/IPS

There are plenty of administrative, revenue, and specialist posts in central and state governments with rewarding pay scales.

These careers may not be talked about every day like IAS/IPS, but they still deliver high salaries, perks, respect and security.

Why These Jobs Pay So Well

There are several reasons why government jobs can pay in lakhs:

Responsibility

Many of these roles shape important national policies or manage huge budgets and systems.

 Long-Term Service

Government service means lifelong pay progression, pensions, and steady promotions.

Skill and Expertise

Higher roles require greater experience and technical ability — and the pay reflects that.

 Social Value

Jobs like judges, military officers, and regulators carry power, respect, and influence, not just pay.

 The Major Takeaway

Yes, IAS and IPS remain two of the most famous jobs when people talk about high salary and respect. But if you think about income alone, there are many other government jobs where earnings can be in lakhs — and sometimes even more than traditional civil services when allowances are added.

Government jobs still offer:

  • Secure career paths
  • Predictable promotions
  • Strong retirement benefits
  • Respect in society

So, if your goal is financial stability as well as job prestige, you don’t have to limit your dream to only IAS or IPS. There are multiple doors open — it’s about choosing the right one for you.

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