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

Block Development Officer (Maharashtra)

खंड विकास अधिकारी (महाराष्ट्र)

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

Rural Development Department (Maharashtra Development Service) · state government

Exam
MPSC Rajyaseva
Qualification
Graduate
Age limit
19–38 years
Transfers
Within the state
Work hours
Office hours plus field visits and meetings that often run late
Probation
2 years, including combined probationary training

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.

This is the scale for Block Development Officer, Group A. Rajyaseva also recruits Group B development officers on a lower scale; check which post the advertisement lists.

What you will actually do

  • Heading the Panchayat Samiti office as its executive officer
  • Implementing housing, MGNREGA, sanitation, water supply and livelihood schemes
  • Supervising Gram Sevaks and extension officers
  • Monitoring gram panchayat finances and works
  • Coordinating with elected Panchayat Samiti members and the Zilla Parishad CEO
  • Reviewing primary health, education and anganwadi services in the block

A typical day

Your day is split between the block office and villages. There are targets for houses completed, toilets built and labour days generated, and the Zilla Parishad reviews them weekly. You inspect works, pull up Gram Sevaks whose entries are behind, hear villagers' complaints and attend Panchayat Samiti meetings where members press for works in their areas. A lot of time goes into online reporting.

Stress4/5
CalmIntense
Public dealing4/5
LittleConstant
Field work5/5
DeskOutdoors

Promotion path

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

  1. Block Development Officer (Maharashtra) (joining)

    S-20: 56,100–1,77,500

  2. Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Zilla Parishad)

    6–10 years · via dpc

  3. Additional Chief Executive Officer

    15–20 years · 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

  • Direct charge of development work in around a hundred villages
  • Less law-and-order pressure than revenue posts
  • Group A status and scale

The hard parts

  • Scheme targets and constant online reporting
  • Pressure from local elected members
  • Postings mostly in rural talukas

Postings

Posted to Panchayat Samitis anywhere in the state, mostly at taluka towns, and later to Zilla Parishad headquarters as Deputy CEO or project director.

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 block postings

Questions people ask

What is the qualification and age limit for Block Development Officer (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 Block Development Officer (Maharashtra)?+

MPSC Rajyaseva (Maharashtra Public Service Commission).

How is a BDO different from a Tehsildar?+

The Tehsildar heads revenue administration and has magisterial powers. The BDO heads rural development through the Panchayat Samiti and has no magisterial role.

Compare with similar posts

Block Development Officer vs TehsildarBlock Development Officer vs Deputy CollectorBlock Development Officer vs Gram Sevak

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

Deputy Collector (Maharashtra)

उप जिलाधिकारी (महाराष्ट्र)

S-20: 56,100–1,77,500

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

Basic ₹56,100–₹1,77,500MPSC Rajyaseva

Gram Sevak (Gram Panchayat Adhikari)

ग्राम सेवक (ग्राम पंचायत अधिकारी)

S-8: 25,500–81,100

Zilla Parishad post in Maharashtra — secretary of a gram panchayat, running its accounts, records, taxes and village schemes.

Basic ₹25,500–₹81,100ZP Bharti

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.