CO stands for Circle Officer, an administrative position within a Circle Office under state governments in India. A Circle Officer oversees revenue administration, land management, as well as the implementation of government schemes at the local level. Circle officer salary typically ranges between ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month, depending on the state, seniority, and allowances. A circle officer’s job profile is very diverse. As a Circle Officer, his responsibilities include supervising revenue collection, maintaining law and order, managing disaster relief operations, as well as resolving local disputes. Moreover, the role requires excellent communication, decision-making, and leadership qualities, impacting local governance directly.
Circle Officer Salary Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Post name | Circle officer |
| Recruiting agency | Assam State Public Service Commission (APSC) |
| Salary | ₹30,000 – ₹1,10,000 |
| Pay band | 4 |
| Grade | Group B |
| Department | Revenue & Disaster Management Department |
Who is a Circle Officer?
A Circle Officer is a revenue officer who looks after the functions of a Circle Office, which is a subdivision within a district administration. The Circle Office not only handles revenue, land records, but also disaster management, law and order at the local level. The CO acts as the person in charge of this office and ensures the smooth execution of various government functions within their jurisdiction. The CO is also known by other names in different states — For instance, they may be referred to as Revenue Circle Officer, Revenue Officer, or Tehsildar, depending on the administrative terminology used.
Protection of government land reserved for specific purposes including roadside reserves and riverside reserves is the prime responsibility of the officials of the Revenue & Disaster Management Department. Rule 18 of the Settlement Rules under Assam Land and Revenue Regulation 1886 mandates that encroachment on government land should be removed and the power to remove encroachment is assigned to Circle Officers.
Source:- https://www.asdma.gov.in/download/office_mem_VGR_PGR.pdf
Circle Officer Job Profile: Key Responsibilities
A circle officer performs various duties, including land revenue management and administration, maintaining law and order, implementing state government and central government schemes, coordinating with other departments, etc. Some of the primary responsibilities include:
- Revenue Collection & Land Administration:
- Supervising land revenue collection
- Ensuring proper maintenance of land records
- Conducting land surveys and resolving land disputes
- Law and Order Maintenance:
- Assisting the police and district administration during elections, protests, and emergencies.
- Coordinating disaster management efforts during floods, cyclones, or other calamities.
- Implementation of Government Schemes:
- Monitoring and executing welfare schemes at the ground level.
- Ensuring fair distribution of resources and benefits to eligible citizens.
- Public Grievance Redressal:
- Attending to complaints related to land and revenue.
- Organizing public hearings and inspections.
- Coordination with Other Departments:
- Working closely with departments like agriculture, irrigation, health, and rural development.
Circle Officer Job Profile: As a revenue Officer
Former Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has issued a directive that restricts Revenue Circle Officers and Land Records staff from engaging in non-core miscellaneous tasks. The aim is to prioritise essential duties related to Land Governance matters, Law and Order, Election, Census, Disaster Management, as well as other statutory obligations.
Under the new directive, all Revenue Circle Officers and Land Records staff have been relieved of any additional charges, assignments, or responsibilities that were previously assigned by the jurisdictional District Commissioner or any other authority or department apart from the Revenue and Disaster Management department. This exclusion applies unless the tasks fall within the specified core areas mentioned earlier.
Circle Officer Salary: What Does a Circle Officer Earn?
One of the major attractions of the Circle Officer role is the financial stability and comprehensive benefits that come with it. In addition to a respectable pay scale, Circle Officers enjoy various allowances, government-provided facilities, and long-term job security. Their earnings reflect the responsibility they carry and the critical role they play in local governance. In Assam, the position also includes perks such as housing, travel, and healthcare benefits. Overall, the compensation package aligns with the prestige and impact of the role, making it a highly sought-after post among the aspirants.
Circle Officer Salary in Assam
In Assam, the recruitment of Circle Officers falls under the Assam Land and Revenue Service (Junior Grade). Consequently, the salary structure is detailed as follows:
- Pay Scale: Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 1,10,000 per month
- Grade Pay: Rs. 12,700
- Pay Band: PB-4
- Total Monthly Salary (Including Allowances): Approximately Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 70,000 depending on location and other factors.
Perks and Benefits:
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Travel Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Government Quarters (in some areas)
- Pension and other retirement benefits
This compensation makes the CO’s salary quite attractive, especially when combined with the job’s prestige and responsibilities.
Circle officer: Recruitment
The recruitment of Circle Officers is generally handled by the State Public Service Commissions (PSCs). In Assam, however, this process is managed by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) through the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE). Therefore, candidates aspiring for the position must go through the CCE conducted by APSC.
Stages of the recruitment process:
- Preliminary Examination –
- Consists of two papers – General Studies – I & General Studies – II (CSAT) 200 marks each
- Objective type paper
- Main Examination –
| Papers | Type | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Essay | 250 | 3 hours |
| Papers 2 to 6 | General Studies | 250 each | 3 hours |
- Descriptive papers on General Studies, Essay, Optional Subjects
3. Interview / Personality Test:
- Candidates are evaluated on leadership, communication, decision-making, and awareness.
Only candidates who successfully clear all three stages and rank among the top scorers will be appointed as circle officers. Therefore, it is essential to perform well in each stage to secure a position.
Eligibility Criteria of Circle Officer
To apply for the post of Circle Officer, a candidate must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
- Be within the age limit specified (usually 21 to 38 years, with age relaxations for reserved categories)
- Candidates should be proficient in Assamese or another official language or associate
official languages of the State or any of the tribal languages of the State.
- A candidate must be an original inhabitant of Assam.
Certain additional conditions must also be fulfilled. Please check the official notification for APSC CCE 2025: https://apsc.nic.in/advt_2025/cce_2024_12_2025.pdf
Circle Officer: Skills Required
The role of a Circle Officer is a challenging job profile. Not only do you often need to deal with difficult situations, but you must also handle public outrage at times. Additionally, you may have to meet dignitaries on occasion, which adds to the complexity and responsibility of the position. So you need to have a mix of hard and soft skills such as:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- In-depth knowledge of land and revenue laws
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Ability to work under pressure and handle public grievances
- Leadership and administrative capabilities
Circle Office: Center of power at the local level
The Circle Officer plays a crucial role in rural and semi-urban governance, acting as the first point of contact for the public in need of administrative services and assistance with grievances. Furthermore, this position ensures the smooth delivery of government services at the grassroots level, making it an essential part of local administration. As a result, the Circle Officer significantly contributes to maintaining effective governance in these areas.. It serves as a central hub, responsible for tasks such as issuing land documents, caste certificates, and addressing land encroachments. The Circle Officer (CO), who heads the office, holds significant authority and responsibility. In many rural areas, the CO is seen as the face of the local government.
Conclusion
Becoming a Circle Officer is not just about securing a government job, but it’s about stepping into a profile that directly impacts people’s lives at the grassroots level. The post gives a mix of power, responsibility, as well as service. From overseeing important functions in the Circle Office to drawing a respectable CO salary, the position is both challenging and rewarding. For those aspiring to make a difference through public service, the role of a Circle Officer offers a prestigious and fulfilling career path. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to serve the community while contributing to the betterment of society. Consequently, this position is highly regarded and sought after by many.
Also Read: APSC CCE 2024-25 Notification | Best study materials for APSC exam | Why You Should Take Mock Tests Before the APSC Exam?