HowIndiaEarns

Government jobS-20: 56,100–1,77,500Group AGazetted

Deputy Collector (Maharashtra)

उप जिलाधिकारी (महाराष्ट्र)

Top Group A post of MPSC Rajyaseva — heads a revenue sub-division as SDO and can be promoted into the IAS later.

Revenue and Forest Department, Government of Maharashtra · state government

Exam
MPSC Rajyaseva
Qualification
Graduate
Age limit
19–38 years
Transfers
Within the state
Work hours
Long; evenings and weekends are often taken by emergencies, elections and VIP visits
Probation
2 years, including combined probationary training at YASHADA, Pune, and attachment in a district

Pay scale

S-20: 56,100–1,77,500

Starting basic ₹56,100. HRA and other state allowances are added on top as per Maharashtra rules.

What you will actually do

  • Heading a sub-division as Sub-Divisional Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate
  • Hearing revenue appeals and land cases
  • Land acquisition for roads, railways, irrigation and industry
  • Law-and-order powers, including preventive orders
  • Running elections as Returning or Electoral Registration Officer
  • Supervising Tehsildars and coordinating disaster relief

A typical day

As SDO you hold court for part of the day, hearing land disputes and appeals against Tehsildars' orders. The rest is meetings on acquisition for a highway or dam, visits to villages objecting to it, reviews of schemes with tehsil staff, and protocol when a minister tours. During floods, elections or agitations you are in the field until it is over. Other postings, such as Resident Deputy Collector, are more office-bound.

Stress4/5
CalmIntense
Public dealing5/5
LittleConstant
Field work3/5
DeskOutdoors

Promotion path

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

  1. Deputy Collector (Maharashtra) (joining)

    S-20: 56,100–1,77,500

  2. Deputy Collector (Selection Grade)

    8–10 years · via dpc

  3. Additional Collector

    15–20 years · via dpc

  4. Indian Administrative Service (by promotion)

    Typically after 20 or more years, for those selected · 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 RajyasevaUsually once a year

Maharashtra Public Service Commission

  1. 1.Preliminary examination
  2. 2.Main examination (descriptive)
  3. 3.Interview

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, plus working knowledge of Marathi. Age 19–38. 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

  • The most powerful post available through a state exam
  • Pathway to the IAS by promotion
  • Wide administrative and magisterial authority early on

The hard parts

  • Political pressure and transfers
  • Heavy litigation around land decisions
  • Only a handful of vacancies each year

Postings

Posted anywhere in Maharashtra, in sub-divisions and district collectorates, and later in Mantralaya, corporations or as Additional Collector. Transfers come roughly every three years.

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 rulesGovernment residence and official vehicle in most field postings

Questions people ask

What is the qualification and age limit for Deputy Collector (Maharashtra)?+

Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, plus working knowledge of Marathi. Age: 19–38 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 Deputy Collector (Maharashtra)?+

MPSC Rajyaseva (Maharashtra Public Service Commission).

Can a Deputy Collector become an IAS officer?+

Yes. State Civil Service officers are promoted to the IAS against a quota, usually late in their career.

Compare with similar posts

Deputy Collector vs TehsildarDeputy Collector vs Block Development OfficerDeputy Collector vs IAS Officer

Tehsildar (Maharashtra)

तहसीलदार (महाराष्ट्र)

S-19: 55,100–1,75,100

Group A post via MPSC Rajyaseva — head of a taluka's revenue administration and its executive magistrate.

Basic ₹55,100–₹1,75,100MPSC Rajyaseva

Block Development Officer (Maharashtra)

खंड विकास अधिकारी (महाराष्ट्र)

S-20: 56,100–1,77,500

Maharashtra Development Service officer via MPSC Rajyaseva — heads a Panchayat Samiti and runs rural development schemes in a block.

Basic ₹56,100–₹1,77,500MPSC Rajyaseva

IAS Officer (Indian Administrative Service)

आईएएस अधिकारी (भारतीय प्रशासनिक सेवा)

Pay Level 10

All India Service via the UPSC Civil Services Exam — runs district administration and later heads departments and ministries.

₹92,000–₹1,02,000 in-handUPSC CSE

Books to prepare for MPSC Rajyaseva

  • 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.