Inspector vs IRS Officer
Side by side on pay, work, transfers and growth — so you can rank your preferences with confidence.
Pay level
Pay Level 7Pay Level 10
Starting in-hand
₹72,000–₹84,000 in-hand₹92,000–₹1,02,000 in-hand
Group
Group BGroup A (Gazetted)
Exam
SSC CGLUPSC CSE
Qualification
GraduateGraduate
Age limit
18–3021–32
Field work
mediummedium
Stress (1–5)
33
Transfers
zone or regionall india
First promotion
Superintendent (Group B gazetted) (10–18 years, varies a lot by zone)Deputy Commissioner (After 4 years)
Choose Inspector if…
- ✓ Level 7 entry pay, among the highest through SSC CGL
- ✓ Mix of desk work and field work, with real statutory powers
- ✓ Postings are mostly in cities and district headquarters
Choose IRS Officer if…
- ✓ Variety: tax administration, trade facilitation and enforcement
- ✓ Mostly city postings
- ✓ Chances of deputation to agencies and overseas customs posts