Civil Servant’s Reddit Post Exposes Struggles of Life After UPSC: Low Pay, Poor Housing, and Overwhelming Workload

A Reddit post by a Central Government officer who cleared the UPSC exam five years ago has gone viral, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles of civil servants. In the post, the officer revealed his dissatisfaction with low salary growth, poor living conditions, and a heavy workload despite earning ₹1 lakh per month after tax.

Rant against govt job!
byu/Fickle_Role3159 inpersonalfinanceindia

The officer, who entered the service on the same pay scale as an IAS officer, compared his stagnant salary with the rapid financial growth of peers in the private sector. “Most of my friends in IT are earning significantly more. Several of my batchmates joined companies like NVIDIA and Qualcomm, and their salaries have nearly doubled, while mine has only increased by 20% over five years,” the post stated.

The officer also criticized the quality of government-provided housing, noting that the Housing Rent Allowance (HRA) does not even cover the rent for a 1BHK apartment in cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru. “The accommodation provided is in a dilapidated state. There’s minimal staff support, a heavy workload, and virtually no perks,” the officer added.

Despite these challenges, the officer highlighted the strict discipline required in the role, stating, “I don’t accept bribes, I clear all files without in-person meetings, and our attendance is tracked through biometric check-ins. It’s honest work—but at what personal cost?”

The officer also acknowledged the upcoming Pay Commission as a potential source of financial relief. “The upcoming Pay Commission is our only hope for financial improvement, even though private-sector professionals often dismiss it.”

The post concluded with a reflective note: “Thousands may dream of this role, but once you’re inside, you realize it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.”

The Reddit post has sparked a wide range of reactions on social media, with many users expressing their support and empathy for the officer’s situation. One user commented, “Finally, someone said it,” while another remarked, “This should be required reading for all UPSC aspirants.” Another user expressed respect for the officer’s honesty, writing, “Respect for staying honest in a broken system.”

This candid post has highlighted the difficult realities faced by civil servants and sparked broader conversations about the challenges within the government service.