Quick Answer: A Medical Officer in the Central Government gets a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month at Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission, plus 20% Non-Practising Allowance (NPA). With 60% DA, HRA and TA, the gross salary is about ₹1.19–1.36 lakh, and the in-hand salary is roughly ₹1.05–1.17 lakh per month.
The medical officer salary is one of the highest starting packages an MBBS graduate can get in government service. Whether you join through UPSC CMS, a state PSC, ESIC, Railways or the armed police forces, the entry post is usually Pay Level 10 with an extra NPA because government doctors are not allowed to run a private practice.
This guide covers the medical officer salary per month, the full in-hand calculation, allowances, state-wise pay, promotions and how the job compares with similar posts.
Note: Figures are based on the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix and official DA orders (60% DA from 1 January 2026). The July 2026 DA revision was still pending at the time of writing, so in-hand amounts may rise slightly once it is notified.
Medical Officer Salary Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Medical Officer (MO) / General Duty Medical Officer (GDMO) |
| Recruiting Bodies | UPSC (CMS), State PSCs, ESIC, Railways, CAPFs, State Health Departments |
| Pay Level | Level 10 (7th CPC) |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Basic Pay (Entry) | ₹56,100 |
| Non-Practising Allowance | 20% of basic (₹11,220) |
| Gross Salary | ₹1,19,000 – ₹1,36,000 per month |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹1,05,000 – ₹1,17,000 per month |
| Annual Package (CTC) | About ₹16 lakh – ₹18 lakh |
Medical Officer Pay Scale & Pay Level (7th Pay Commission)
Under the 7th Pay Commission, a Medical Officer is placed at Pay Level 10. This level matches the old Pay Band-3 with Grade Pay ₹5,400.
The pay range at this level runs from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500. Every year on 1 July, the basic pay goes up by about 3% through the annual increment.
| Year of Service | Basic Pay (Level 10) |
|---|---|
| 1st year | ₹56,100 |
| 2nd year | ₹57,800 |
| 3rd year | ₹59,500 |
| 4th year | ₹61,300 |
| 5th year | ₹63,100 |
Most entry-level medical posts follow this level, including Medical Officer in the Central Health Service (CGHS), Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in Railways, GDMO in NDMC and MCD, Insurance Medical Officer in ESIC, and Medical Officer (Assistant Commandant) in CAPFs like ITBP, BSF and CRPF.
Medical Officer Salary Per Month — In-Hand Calculation
Here is how the monthly salary of a newly joined Central Government Medical Officer is calculated. DA is counted on basic pay plus NPA, while HRA is shown on basic pay.
| Component | X City (Metro) | Y City | Z City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 | ₹56,100 | ₹56,100 |
| NPA (20% of basic) | ₹11,220 | ₹11,220 | ₹11,220 |
| DA (60% of Basic + NPA) | ₹40,392 | ₹40,392 | ₹40,392 |
| HRA (30% / 20% / 10%) | ₹16,830 | ₹11,220 | ₹5,610 |
| Transport Allowance (with DA) | ₹11,520 | ₹5,760 | ₹5,760 |
| Gross Salary | ₹1,36,062 | ₹1,24,692 | ₹1,19,082 |
| NPS (10% of Basic + NPA + DA) | – ₹10,771 | – ₹10,771 | – ₹10,771 |
| CGHS + CGEGIS | – ₹770 | – ₹770 | – ₹770 |
| Income Tax (approx., new regime) | – ₹7,500 | – ₹5,700 | Nil |
| In-Hand Salary (approx.) | ₹1,17,000 | ₹1,07,400 | ₹1,07,500 |
A few points to keep in mind:
- In a Z-class city, taxable income usually stays under the ₹12 lakh rebate limit of the new tax regime, so tax is nil. That’s why in-hand pay is almost the same as in a Y city.
- Income tax depends on your regime choice and investments, so treat the tax line as an estimate.
- On top of this, the government adds 14% to your NPS account as employer contribution (around ₹15,000 a month). This does not come into your hand but builds your retirement fund.
Allowances & Benefits of a Medical Officer
Government doctors get a strong set of allowances and perks along with basic pay.
- Non-Practising Allowance (NPA): 20% of basic pay, paid because private practice is not permitted. It also counts for DA, which makes it more valuable than it looks.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently 60% of basic plus NPA, revised twice a year.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 30%, 20% or 10% of basic depending on the city class. Doctors living in government quarters do not get HRA.
- Transport Allowance: ₹7,200 + DA in big cities, ₹3,600 + DA elsewhere at Level 10.
- Medical facilities: CGHS or equivalent cover for the officer and family.
- Leave: Earned leave, half-pay leave, casual leave and child care leave as per rules.
- LTC: Leave Travel Concession for home town and all-India travel.
- Pension: NPS or the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for those who opt for it.
- Hard-area / risk allowance: Medical Officers in CAPFs, border areas and the North-East get extra allowances such as Risk and Hardship Allowance.
- Higher study leave: Many departments allow study leave for PG courses like MD/MS, often with pay.
State-Wise Medical Officer Salary
State governments recruit their own Medical Officers through state PSCs or health recruitment boards. Most states follow a pay structure similar to the 7th CPC, but DA rates, NPA rules and pay level names differ. The figures below are approximate and based on recent state notifications; always check the latest advertisement before applying.
| State | Entry Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh (PMHS) | ₹56,100 (Level 10) | ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Bihar | ₹56,100 (approx.) | ₹80,000 – ₹95,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹56,100 (state matrix) | ₹80,000 – ₹95,000 |
| Rajasthan | ₹56,100 (Level 14, state matrix) | ₹85,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Maharashtra | ₹56,100 (S-20) | ₹85,000 – ₹1,05,000 |
| Haryana (HCMS) | ₹56,100 (Level 10) | ₹90,000 – ₹1,05,000 |
| Punjab | ₹53,100 (Level 9) | About ₹83,000 |
| Delhi (MCD / NDMC) | ₹56,100 (Level 10) | ₹1,05,000 – ₹1,17,000 |
| NHM Contractual MO (most states) | Fixed pay | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 |
States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan see the most searches because they recruit thousands of MOs for PHCs and CHCs. Contractual MOs under the National Health Mission get a fixed consolidated salary without DA, HRA or pension, though some states pay extra for remote postings.
Salary After Promotion / Career Growth
Central Government doctors get time-bound promotions under the Dynamic Assured Career Progression (DACP) scheme. This means you move up without waiting for a vacancy.
| Post | Pay Level | Entry Basic Pay | Typical Service Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Officer | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | Entry |
| Senior Medical Officer | Level 11 | ₹67,700 | After 4 years |
| Chief Medical Officer | Level 12 | ₹78,800 | After 8 years |
| CMO (Non-Functional Selection Grade) | Level 13 | ₹1,23,100 | After about 13 years |
| SAG (Senior Administrative Grade) | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 | By selection, about 20 years |
| HAG (Higher Administrative Grade) | Level 15 | ₹1,82,200 | By selection |
With NPA and DA, a Chief Medical Officer can earn a gross salary of ₹1.6–1.8 lakh per month, and senior doctors at SAG or HAG level cross ₹2.5–3 lakh. Doctors who complete a PG degree can also move to specialist cadres, where entry is usually at Level 11 or higher.
Job Profile & Duties
A Medical Officer is the first point of medical care in government hospitals, dispensaries and health centres. Key duties include:
- Treating outpatients and admitted patients
- Handling emergencies and medico-legal cases (post-mortem, injury reports)
- Running national health programmes like immunisation, TB and maternal health
- Issuing fitness and medical certificates
- Supervising nurses, pharmacists and other health staff
- Managing records, medicine stock and reports for the health centre
Eligibility & Selection Process
- Qualification: MBBS degree from a recognised college, with a completed compulsory rotating internship
- Registration: Valid registration with the National Medical Commission or a State Medical Council
- Age limit: Usually up to 32 years for UPSC CMS (as on 1 January of the exam year), with relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years) and PwBD (10 years). States have their own limits, often 21–40 years.
- Selection: UPSC CMS has a computer-based exam followed by a personality test. State PSCs use a written exam, an interview, or both. Some states and NHM posts select on merit or walk-in interviews.
Medical Officer Salary vs Similar Posts
| Post | Pay Level | Entry Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Officer (Central) | Level 10 + NPA | ₹56,100 | ₹1.05 – 1.17 lakh |
| AFMS Doctor (Captain, SSC) | Level 10 + MSP + NPA | ₹61,300 | ₹1.2 – 1.4 lakh |
| CAPF Assistant Commandant (non-medical) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹85,000 – ₹95,000 |
| NABARD Grade A Officer | Bank scale | ₹44,500 | About ₹1 lakh |
| Nursing Officer (AIIMS) | Level 7 | ₹44,900 | ₹70,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Sub Inspector (Police) | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000 |
The NPA gives Medical Officers a clear edge over other Level 10 officers such as Assistant Commandants. Doctors in the Armed Forces Medical Services earn even more because of Military Service Pay.
FAQs
What is the salary of a Medical Officer per month?
A Central Government Medical Officer gets ₹56,100 basic pay plus 20% NPA. With DA, HRA and TA, the gross salary is about ₹1.19–1.36 lakh per month, and in-hand pay is about ₹1.05–1.17 lakh.
What is the pay level of a Medical Officer?
Medical Officers are placed at Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission, with a pay scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500.
What is NPA in a Medical Officer’s salary?
NPA stands for Non-Practising Allowance. It is paid at 20% of basic pay to government doctors who are not allowed private practice, and DA is also calculated on it.
What is the salary of a UPSC CMS Medical Officer?
UPSC CMS posts such as Medical Officer in CHS and ADMO in Railways start at Level 10 with ₹56,100 basic plus NPA. In-hand pay is about ₹1.05–1.17 lakh per month depending on the city.
What is the Medical Officer salary in UP?
A regular Medical Officer in the UP Provincial Medical and Health Services starts at ₹56,100 basic. In-hand pay is roughly ₹85,000 to ₹1 lakh per month, depending on posting and allowances.
What is the salary of an NHM Medical Officer?
NHM Medical Officers are contractual and get a fixed salary, usually between ₹50,000 and ₹80,000 per month depending on the state and posting location.
Can a government Medical Officer do private practice?
No. Most government Medical Officers cannot do private practice, which is why they are paid NPA. A few states allow limited practice, but then NPA is not given.
Will the 8th Pay Commission increase Medical Officer salary?
Yes, once implemented, the 8th Pay Commission is expected to revise the basic pay of all central employees, including doctors. The final fitment factor and new pay matrix have not been officially announced yet.
Final Thoughts
The medical officer salary makes government service one of the best options for fresh MBBS graduates. A starting basic of ₹56,100, a 20% NPA and regular DA hikes take the in-hand pay above ₹1 lakh in most central posts. Add assured promotions, pension, medical cover and job security, and the role offers strong long-term growth. If you are aiming for it, UPSC CMS and your state PSC exams are the best routes.
1 Comment
Pingback: GNM Full Form & Salary 2026: Pay Scale, In-Hand Pay and Allowances - Salary Info Blog