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Government jobS-14: 38,600–1,22,800Group BNon‑gazetted

Assistant Section Officer (Mantralaya)

सहायक कक्ष अधिकारी (मंत्रालय)

Group B (non-gazetted) desk post via MPSC — file and policy work in Mantralaya departments in Mumbai.

Mantralaya departments, Government of Maharashtra (General Administration Department cadre) · state government

Exam
MPSC Combined Group B
Qualification
Graduate
Age limit
18–38 years
Transfers
Rare
Work hours
Regular office hours; late during legislature sessions and budget
Probation
2 years

Pay scale

S-14: 38,600–1,22,800

Starting basic ₹38,600. HRA and other state allowances are added on top as per Maharashtra rules.

What you will actually do

  • Examining proposals from field offices and putting up notes
  • Drafting government resolutions, circulars and letters
  • Preparing replies to legislature questions and court matters
  • Maintaining files and tracking references on e-Office
  • Collecting information from directorates for the department

A typical day

You sit in a desk (kaksha) of a Mantralaya department with a set of subjects. Files come in from commissionerates and districts; you check them against rules and earlier orders, write a note in Marathi and send it to the Section Officer. During legislature sessions, replies to starred questions and calling-attention motions mean late evenings. Otherwise the hours are regular, and the main hardship is the Mumbai commute.

Stress2/5
CalmIntense
Public dealing2/5
LittleConstant
Field work1/5
DeskOutdoors

Promotion path

Timelines are ranges and vary by cadre. See how promotions and MACP work.

  1. Assistant Section Officer (Mantralaya) (joining)

    S-14: 38,600–1,22,800

  2. Section Officer (Group B gazetted)

    6–10 years · via dpc

  3. Under Secretary

    Further 6–10 years · via dpc

  4. Deputy Secretary

    For some, later in the career · via dpc

Promotion timelines vary by cadre and vacancies. If not promoted, MACP gives a pay upgrade after 10, 20 and 30 years.

How to get in

MPSC Combined Group BUsually once a year

Maharashtra Public Service Commission

  1. 1.Combined preliminary examination
  2. 2.Main examination
  3. 3.Document verification

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, plus working knowledge of Marathi. Age 18–38. Reserved categories, sportspersons, ex-servicemen and others get relaxation under Maharashtra government rules (usually up to 43 for backward classes); check the advertisement.

The good

  • Settled posting in Mumbai with no field transfers
  • Steady promotions up the secretariat ladder
  • Close view of state policy-making

The hard parts

  • Cost of living and commuting in Mumbai on a state salary
  • Desk-bound, file-driven work
  • Late sittings during sessions

Postings

Almost all posts are in Mantralaya, Mumbai, with movement between departments. Session-time duty in Nagpur comes once a year.

State government job securityRetirement benefits under the state's pension rules in force when you joinMedical reimbursement under state rulesLeave and travel benefits as per Maharashtra Civil Services rules

Questions people ask

What is the qualification and age limit for Assistant Section Officer (Mantralaya)?+

Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, plus working knowledge of Marathi. Age: 18–38 years. Relaxation: Reserved categories, sportspersons, ex-servicemen and others get relaxation under Maharashtra government rules (usually up to 43 for backward classes); check the advertisement.

Which exam do I need to clear for Assistant Section Officer (Mantralaya)?+

MPSC Combined Group B (Maharashtra Public Service Commission).

Is ASO a transferable job?+

Only between departments within Mantralaya. You do not get district postings.

Compare with similar posts

Assistant Section Officer vs State Tax InspectorAssistant Section Officer vs Police Sub-InspectorAssistant Section Officer vs Assistant Section Officer

State Tax Inspector (Maharashtra)

राज्य कर निरीक्षक (महाराष्ट्र)

S-14: 38,600–1,22,800

Group B (non-gazetted) post via MPSC in the Maharashtra GST Department — return scrutiny, audits and tax recovery.

Basic ₹38,600–₹1,22,800MPSC Combined Group B

Police Sub-Inspector (Maharashtra)

पुलिस उप निरीक्षक (महाराष्ट्र)

S-14: 38,600–1,22,800

Group B (non-gazetted) officer in Maharashtra Police via MPSC — investigating cases and supervising staff at a police station.

Basic ₹38,600–₹1,22,800MPSC Combined Group B

Assistant Section Officer (CSS)

सहायक अनुभाग अधिकारी (CSS)

Pay Level 7

Pay Level 7 policy-support post in central ministries in New Delhi via SSC CGL — file work at the heart of government.

₹72,000–₹84,000 in-handSSC CGL

Books to prepare for MPSC Combined Group B

  • Indian Polity (Marathi edition) Marathi

    M. Laxmikanth

    The Marathi translation of the standard polity book.

    See on Amazon

  • Adhunik Bharatacha Itihas Marathi

    B.L. Grover and N.K. Belhekar (S. Chand)

    Modern Indian history in Marathi, the usual choice for Prelims and Mains.

    See on Amazon

  • Maharashtracha Bhugol Marathi

    A.B. Savadi

    Geography of Maharashtra in the detail MPSC asks, with maps.

    See on Amazon

All 7 books for MPSC Rajyaseva, Group B and Group C

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Sources

This profile is being reviewed. Confirm details in the latest official notification. Salary computed from pay rules as of January 2026.