Richest IAS Officer in India (2026) – Net Worth, Salary & Assets

Published On : January 17, 2026

Author : Arvind Sharma

Amit Kataria, an IAS officer from the 2013 batch, has around ₹8.90 crore in total wealth, which makes him the richest serving government officer in India. His money comes from his family’s property business, not his government job. 

Kataria studied at IIT Delhi and ranked 18th in the UPSC exam and works in the Rajasthan state government. He became famous for choosing to take only ₹1 as his yearly salary to show that serving people matters more than earning money. 

This article looks at his life, career, where his wealth comes from, and the rules about how IAS officers must report their money and property.

Amit Kataria – The Richest IAS Officer in India

Amit Kataria is different from other rich officers because he is open about his wealth. He was born into a family that owns property and land. He got this wealth from his family before becoming an IAS officer. 

Amit Kataria - The Richest IAS Officer in India
Image source: X

His total worth, which he reported to the government as required, is about ₹8.90 crore. This includes houses, land, and money from the family business. His wealth is legal and has nothing to do with taking bribes or misusing his power. 

He shows that someone can have personal money and still work honestly in government service. His choice to work for just ₹1 each year proves he didn’t join the IAS to get rich.

Educational Background & IAS Journey

Amit Kataria finished his studies at IIT Delhi, one of India’s best colleges for engineering. After that, he passed the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2012 and achieved AIR 18, a great result in one of the country’s toughest entrance exams. 

He joined the 2013 IAS batch and was posted to Rajasthan. As of December 2025, he holds an important position in the Rajasthan state government. 

His good grades and exam success proved his ability long before people started talking about his money. 

Amit Kataria Net Worth: How Much Does He Own?

Amit Kataria’s net worth is about ₹8.90 crore, which comes from his family business, not his IAS salary. The IAS is the main civil service of the Government of India, where officers make and carry out policies at the state and national levels.

IAS officers earn between ₹56,100 and ₹2,50,000 per month based on experience, plus extra allowances, good money, but not enough to become a crorepati.

Kataria’s wealth report, which all government officers must file, shows he got his money before joining the IAS and from sources outside his job. Every IAS officer has to file detailed papers listing their property, savings, and loans.

Anyone can check Kataria’s reports using the Right to Information laws. His wealth is inherited money and legal business income that existed long before he entered civil service.

Amit Kataria’s IAS Career & Postings

After ranking 18th in the UPSC, Kataria completed his training at the government academy in Mussoorie. His career includes jobs in district offices, where IAS officers handle law and order, collect taxes, and run development programs. 

Government records show he has worked in different roles in the Rajasthan government, managing policies and administrative work. People know him for doing his job well and staying professional. 

Amit Kataria's IAS Career & Postings
Image source: AajTak

Kataria doesn’t appear much in the news or media. He focuses on his government work. His career path follows the normal IAS pattern, first working in districts, then moving to state offices, without any problems or complaints against him.

Why Did Amit Kataria Take a ₹1 Salary?

In a move that got attention across India, Kataria chose to take just ₹1 as his yearly salary. No rule forced this; IAS officers can’t completely give up their salary, but he picked the smallest amount possible. 

He said he did this to show that helping the country matters more than making money. For students preparing for UPSC exams, his choice sent a clear message: join the IAS to make a difference, not to earn a big salary. 

Some people say this is easy when you already have ₹8.90 crore, but others think it shows he truly believes in public service. 

His decision also started talks about rich people in civil services and whether having money should stop someone from taking these exams meant to pick the best candidates.

Can an IAS Officer Be a Billionaire? Legal Aspects

Yes, but only through legal and reported sources. Government rules require all IAS officers to file yearly reports about their property, loans, and income. 

Officers can inherit family wealth or benefit from family businesses if they are properly declared and there is no conflict of interest. The Prevention of Corruption Act targets unexplained wealth that doesn’t match known income. 

Kataria’s property predates his government service and is fully documented, making his wealth completely legal.

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Conclusion: Amit Kataria Is The Richest IAS Officer in India With An Estimated ₹8.90 Crore Net Worth

Amit Kataria’s story shows that personal wealth and public service can exist together legally. His ₹8.90 crore net worth comes from the family business, not corruption or government salary. 

His IIT Delhi education, UPSC rank 18, and successful IAS career prove he earned his position through merit. The ₹1 salary gesture highlights his commitment to service over money. 

His case teaches us to separate inherited wealth from illegal earnings. Before believing viral claims about IAS officers’ wealth, always verify through official records and trusted sources. Kataria’s transparency sets a positive example.

FAQs

Why is Amit Kataria so rich?

His wealth comes from his family’s property business, which he got before becoming an IAS officer, not from his government job or bribes.

Who is the wife of IAS Amit Kataria?

Information about Amit Kataria’s personal life, including whether he is married, is not available in public records as of December 2025.

Who is the richest IAS officer in India?

Amit Kataria, from the 2013 IAS batch working in Rajasthan, has a total wealth of around ₹8.90 crore from the family property business.

What is the salary of Amit Kataria?

He chose to take only ₹1 yearly as a symbolic choice; a regular IAS salary ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹2,50,000 monthly plus extra benefits.

What is Amit Kataria IAS’s current posting?

As of December 2025, he works in an administrative role in the Rajasthan state government under his assigned posting area.

Arvind

Arvind Sharma is a civil services mentor and contributor at Online IAS, based in Noida. With years of experience in UPSC preparation and a background that includes reaching the interview stage, he now focuses on sharing clear and helpful guidance. Working with a small research team, he aims to support self-learners through honest and well-structured content.

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