Deputy Collector vs Village Administrative Officer
Side by side on pay, work, transfers and growth — so you can rank your preferences with confidence.
Pay level
Level 22 (starting pay ₹56,100)Level 8: 19,500–71,900
Starting in-hand
Basic ₹56,100Basic ₹19,500–₹71,900
Group
Group A (Gazetted)Group C
Exam
TNPSC Group 1TNPSC Group 4
Qualification
Graduate10th pass
Age limit
21–3421–32
Field work
mediumhigh
Stress (1–5)
43
Transfers
statedistrict
First promotion
District Revenue Officer (About 8–12 years)Revenue Assistant / Revenue Inspector (Typically 6–12 years, by seniority and departmental tests)
Choose Deputy Collector if…
- ✓ Highest post in the state's Group I exam
- ✓ Route to the IAS by promotion
- ✓ Wide executive and magisterial authority
Choose Village Administrative Officer if…
- ✓ A state job with only a Class 10 requirement
- ✓ Posting within one district
- ✓ Respected role in the village