AIIMS CRE Salary 2026: Post-wise Pay Scale, In-Hand Pay and Allowances
AIIMS CRE-5 has 1,484 posts across Group B and Group C — and the salary gap between the lowest and highest post is nearly ₹25,000 in basic pay. JAA and Store Keeper Clerk sit at Level 2 (₹19,900), while Dietitian and Office Superintendent are at Level 6 (₹35,400) and Level 7 (₹44,900) respectively. Most salary articles list one number for "AIIMS CRE salary" — this article gives you the full breakdown post-by-post, including why the CGHS benefit at AIIMS is worth more than most candidates realise.
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Post-wise Pay Scale: All Major Posts at a Glance
AIIMS is a central government institution — all posts follow the 7th Pay Commission central pay matrix. Here is the verified pay level for each major post in CRE-5: [Source: aiimsexams.ac.in CRE-5 notification; careerera.com; adda247.com]
| Post | Group | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay (Entry) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Administrative Assistant (JAA) | C | Level 2 | ₹19,900 |
| Store Keeper Clerk | C | Level 2 | ₹19,900 |
| Junior Hindi Translator | C | Level 4 | ₹25,500 |
| Pharmacist | C | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Junior Medical Lab Technologist (JMLT) | C | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Medical Record Technician | C | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Radiographer | C | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| OT Technician | C | Level 5 | ₹29,200 |
| Dietitian | B | Level 6 | ₹35,400 |
| Office Assistant/Superintendent | B | Level 7 | ₹44,900 |
Source: aiimsexams.ac.in CRE-5 notification, careerera.com, adda247.com
In-Hand Salary Calculation: Pharmacist (Level 5 — Most Applied Post)
Pharmacist is one of the most sought-after posts in CRE-5. At Pay Level 5, the in-hand salary depends heavily on posting location — AIIMS Delhi is an X-class city (27% HRA), while newer AIIMS campuses in smaller cities are Y or Z class. Here is the breakdown for AIIMS Delhi: [INFERRED — based on 7th CPC structure, central DA 55% as per cabinet circular Jan 2026; verify exact DA rate at joining]
| Component | Amount (Monthly) | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹29,200 | Level 5, Cell 1 — 7th CPC [Source: aiimsexams.ac.in] |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~₹16,060 | 55% of basic [Central DA Jan 2026 — INFERRED, verify at joining] |
| HRA — AIIMS Delhi (X class, 27%) | ₹7,884 | 27% of ₹29,200 — X-class city rate |
| Transport Allowance + DA on TA | ~₹5,580 | Level 5 central TA: ~₹3,600 + DA [INFERRED] |
| Gross Pay (estimated) | ~₹58,700 | AIIMS Delhi posting |
| NPS Employee Contribution (–10%) | –₹4,526 | 10% of (basic ₹29,200 + DA ₹16,060) |
| CGHS Contribution | –₹500 | Central Govt Health Scheme [INFERRED standard rate] |
| Income Tax + Other | ~₹1,000–₹2,000 | Approximate; depends on regime chosen [INFERRED] |
| Estimated In-Hand (AIIMS Delhi) | ~₹50,700–₹52,700 | [INFERRED — verify at joining] |
Note: careerera.com and adda247.com cite Pharmacist in-hand as ₹38,000–₹44,000. That figure likely uses 46–50% DA (an older rate) and does not include Delhi X-class HRA. At the current central DA of ~55% and Delhi HRA, actual in-hand is higher. The [INFERRED] tag applies to all estimates — confirm with your appointment order.
In-Hand Salary Calculation: JAA (Level 2 — Entry-Level Post)
Junior Administrative Assistant (JAA) is the entry point for non-technical candidates in AIIMS CRE-5. Level 2 basic is ₹19,900. The in-hand at AIIMS Delhi: [INFERRED — same basis as above]
| Component | Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹19,900 |
| DA 55% | ~₹10,945 |
| HRA Delhi (27%) | ₹5,373 |
| Transport Allowance + DA on TA | ~₹5,580 |
| Gross Pay (estimated) | ~₹41,800 |
| NPS Deduction (–10% of Basic+DA) | –₹3,085 |
| CGHS + Other | ~–₹500–₹700 |
| Estimated In-Hand (AIIMS Delhi) | ~₹38,000–₹39,500 |
HRA by AIIMS Campus Location
AIIMS Delhi is X-class (27% HRA). But CRE-5 has posts across multiple AIIMS campuses — your HRA changes significantly based on where you're posted: [Source: 7th CPC HRA slabs, city classification]
| AIIMS Campus | City Class | HRA Rate | Pharmacist HRA (Level 5) | JAA HRA (Level 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS Delhi | X | 27% | ₹7,884 | ₹5,373 |
| AIIMS Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, Bhubaneswar | Y | 18% | ₹5,256 | ₹3,582 |
| AIIMS Nagpur, Gorakhpur, Bathinda, Deoghar, Bilaspur, Kalyani, Mangalagiri, Vijaypur | Z | 9% | ₹2,628 | ₹1,791 |
[INFERRED — city classifications based on population data; individual AIIMS campus HRA class should be confirmed with the HR office of the respective AIIMS at joining]
Why AIIMS Salary Is More Attractive Than the Basic Number Suggests
Monthly in-hand is only part of the picture. Three benefits at AIIMS make this post significantly more valuable than comparable pay-level posts elsewhere:
1. CGHS — Free Medical Treatment Including at AIIMS Itself
All central government employees and their families are covered under CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme). AIIMS Delhi is a CGHS-empanelled hospital. This means a Pharmacist posted at AIIMS who has a family member needing complex cardiac surgery or cancer treatment can access treatment at AIIMS itself — one of India's top medical institutions — under CGHS coverage. [Source: cghs.gov.in empanelled hospital list; AIIMS Delhi is listed]
Private hospital bills for serious illnesses routinely run ₹5–₹20 lakh. CGHS coverage at AIIMS effectively eliminates this risk for the employee's entire family (spouse, children, dependent parents). If you were to buy equivalent private insurance for a family of four, it would cost ₹25,000–₹40,000/year. CGHS premium deduction from salary is roughly ₹250–₹500/month (₹3,000–₹6,000/year) — far below market insurance rates. [INFERRED comparison — consult CGHS contribution table at joining]
2. NPS Employer Contribution of 14%
Unlike private sector PF where the employer matches only 12%, central government contributes 14% of (basic + DA) to your NPS every month. For a Pharmacist at ₹29,200 basic with DA at 55%:
- Basic + DA: ₹45,260
- Your 10% NPS: ₹4,526/month
- Government's 14% NPS: ₹6,336/month
- Total monthly corpus build-up: ₹10,862/month
Over 30 years with compounding, this creates a substantial retirement corpus. It's not OPS, but the 14% employer match is genuinely generous compared to any private employer. [INFERRED calculation — based on 7th CPC NPS rules; consult PFRDA guidelines]
3. Job Security and DA Revision Twice a Year
Central government DA is revised every January and July. Each revision of 3–4% DA adds ₹875–₹1,170 to a Level 5 employee's monthly salary without any negotiation. Over a 30-year career, DA revisions alone can triple the in-hand salary. This automatic salary growth is a feature no private sector job replicates.
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MACP Promotion Path
All AIIMS CRE posts follow the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme under central government service rules — one automatic pay level upgrade every 10 years if no promotion occurs:
| Post | At Joining | 10 Yrs (1st MACP) | 20 Yrs (2nd MACP) | 30 Yrs (3rd MACP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAA / Store Keeper | Level 2 — ₹19,900 | Level 3 — ₹21,700 | Level 4 — ₹25,500 | Level 5 — ₹29,200 |
| Pharmacist / JMLT / Radiographer / OT Technician | Level 5 — ₹29,200 | Level 6 — ₹35,400 | Level 7 — ₹44,900 | Level 8 — ₹47,600 |
| Dietitian | Level 6 — ₹35,400 | Level 7 — ₹44,900 | Level 8 — ₹47,600 | Level 9 — ₹53,100 |
| Office Superintendent | Level 7 — ₹44,900 | Level 8 — ₹47,600 | Level 9 — ₹53,100 | Level 10 — ₹56,100 |
Source: 7th CPC Pay Matrix; MACP under DoPT OM No. 35034/3/2008-Estt.(D). In-hand doubles from entry to 30-year mark primarily through DA accretion and MACP upgrades combined.
Job Profile: What You Actually Do Daily
Salary is one thing. What you spend 30 years doing is another. Here's what each of the major Level 5 posts actually involves at AIIMS:
| Post | Daily Work | Physical Demands |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | Dispensing medications from OPD and ward pharmacies; stock management; checking prescriptions; patient counselling on drug usage | On feet most of shift; fast-paced in OPD hours |
| JMLT | Blood sample collection; running biochemistry, haematology, microbiology tests on automated analysers; reporting test results | Lab environment; exposure to biohazard samples (PPE mandatory) |
| Radiographer | Operating X-ray, CT, MRI machines; positioning patients; maintaining image quality; radiation safety protocols | Radiation zone work; physically assisting patients onto machines |
| OT Technician | Preparing OT for surgeries; sterilising instruments; maintaining anaesthesia equipment; assisting during procedures | High-focus environment; shift-based including nights |
AIIMS vs Comparable Central Government Posts: Salary Context
How does an AIIMS CRE-5 post compare with similar-paying central government jobs?
| Organisation | Post | Level | CGHS? | Job Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS (Central) | Pharmacist | Level 5 | Yes — AIIMS itself | Clinical; premium hospital setting |
| ESIC (Central) | Pharmacist | Level 5 | Yes | Clinical; ESI hospitals across India |
| Railway Hospital (Central) | Pharmacist | Level 5 | Yes | Railway hospital; transfers across zones |
| State Health Dept (e.g. UP, MP) | Pharmacist | Varies (Level 4–5) | State health scheme only | PHC/CHC; rural postings common |
The AIIMS advantage over state health departments: Central DA (revised faster, currently 55%) vs state DA (varies, often lags by 3–6 months). CGHS vs state health insurance. Brand prestige of AIIMS on your service record. All three factors make AIIMS CRE-5 the better option at the same pay level if you have a choice.
NPS: What It Means in Practical Terms
All CRE-5 recruits come under NPS — there is no pension in the traditional sense. Here's what actually happens at retirement:
- At 60 years: You receive a lump sum from your NPS corpus. Mandatory 40% must be used to buy an annuity (monthly pension from an insurance company). The remaining 60% is yours to take as a lump sum — completely tax-free.
- Monthly corpus build-up at Level 5: ₹10,862/month (your ₹4,526 + government's ₹6,336). Over 30 years at 8% return, this corpus could exceed ₹1.5 crore [INFERRED — illustrative calculation; actual return depends on NPS fund performance].
- Important caveat: Unlike OPS, the monthly pension amount is not guaranteed — it depends on annuity rates at retirement. This is a real risk difference from the old pension system. Candidates who recall OPS paying 50% of last basic as pension should understand NPS does not guarantee that number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the in-hand salary of AIIMS CRE Pharmacist in Delhi?
Pharmacist is at Pay Level 5 — basic ₹29,200. At AIIMS Delhi (X-class city), with DA at ~55%, HRA at 27%, and transport allowance, gross comes to approximately ₹58,700/month. After NPS and CGHS deductions, estimated in-hand is ₹50,700–₹52,700 [INFERRED — verify at joining; DA rate changes affect this]. Earlier figures cited as ₹38,000–₹44,000 in-hand use older, lower DA rates.
Q: Is the AIIMS salary central government or state government?
Central government. AIIMS are autonomous institutions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. They follow central 7th CPC pay structure, central DA rates, CGHS, and central service rules — not any state pay structure. This means faster DA revision and access to CGHS, which state government employees do not get. [Source: AIIMS Act 1956; aiimsexams.ac.in]
Q: What is CGHS and why does it matter for AIIMS employees?
CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) is the health insurance scheme for central government employees. It provides free OPD and IPD treatment at CGHS-empanelled government hospitals and subsidised treatment at private empanelled hospitals. AIIMS Delhi is itself a CGHS-empanelled hospital — meaning AIIMS employees can access the institution's world-class treatment for themselves and their families at minimal cost. For serious illnesses (cancer, cardiac procedures, organ transplants), this benefit can be worth several lakhs over a career. [Source: cghs.gov.in]
Q: What is the JAA salary in AIIMS CRE-5?
Junior Administrative Assistant is at Pay Level 2 — basic ₹19,900. At AIIMS Delhi with current DA and HRA, estimated gross is ~₹41,800 and in-hand after NPS deduction is approximately ₹38,000–₹39,500 [INFERRED — verify at joining]. At Y-class city AIIMS campuses, HRA is lower — in-hand drops by about ₹1,800–₹2,000/month compared to Delhi.
Q: Is there a pension after retirement from AIIMS CRE?
NPS applies — not the old pension scheme (OPS). All central government employees recruited after 2004 are under NPS. You contribute 10% of (basic + DA) and the government contributes 14% every month. At retirement (60 years), you receive a lump sum from the accumulated corpus — 60% tax-free, 40% converted to monthly annuity. The monthly annuity depends on corpus size and annuity rates at retirement, not a fixed percentage of last drawn salary. [Source: PFRDA guidelines; 7th CPC report on NPS]
Q: What is the highest paying post in AIIMS CRE-5?
Office Assistant/Superintendent is at Pay Level 7 — basic ₹44,900. At joining, this is a Group B post. With DA and Delhi HRA, gross is approximately ₹90,000+/month [INFERRED]. Dietitian at Level 6 (₹35,400) is the next highest. Pharmacist, JMLT, Radiographer, and OT Technician all share Level 5 (₹29,200). [Source: aiimsexams.ac.in CRE-5 notification]
Q: How does AIIMS CRE-5 salary compare to ESIC Pharmacist or Railway Pharmacist?
All three posts are central government Level 5 (₹29,200 basic) — the base salary is identical. The difference is posting location and type. AIIMS Delhi gives the maximum CGHS benefit because AIIMS itself is a top-tier empanelled hospital. Railway Pharmacist involves postings across railway zones (transfers are common). ESIC Pharmacist postings are ESI hospitals, typically in industrial cities. If staying in Delhi is a priority and maximising CGHS access matters, AIIMS Delhi is the best option among the three. [Source: comparative cadre rules — central health ministry, railway ministry]
