STI (State Tax Inspector, Maharashtra): STI is a Class 2 gazetted post in government of Maharashtra which is either recruited directly from MPSC(Maharashtra Public Service Commission) group B exam or by promotion of post Tax Assistant.We will take a tour through STI full form,Job profile,Job locations, recruitment through, STI Salary, STI promotion etc.
STI full form
The full form of STI is State Tax Inspector. Earlier, before the introduction of the GST Act, the full form of STI was Sales Tax Inspector.(मराठी: राज्य कर निरीक्षक)
How to become STI in Maharashtra
Basically, There are two ways to get STI post.
- Through MPSC combine group B Exam
- By Promotion from Tax Assistant post
MPSC Combine group B exam is conducted by MPSC every year. This exam is conducted for PSI, ASO, SR, and STI. So, you can attempt this exam and become STI. This is a 2-stage exam.
- Prelim
- mains
You can get the detailed syllabus STI Syllabus
You can download previous years’ papers STI question papers pre and mains
Educational Qualification: You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university. Final-year graduation students can also appear for the prelims, but must pass before the mains/final verification.
STI job profile
Department: State Tax Department (formerly Sales Tax Department), Government of Maharashtra.
Core Duty: Administration, assessment, collection, and enforcement of state-level taxes (such as GST and other state taxes), detecting tax evasion, and managing financial documentation and audit records.
STI Job Locations
STIs are posted in offices under the State Tax Department and various GST offices, which handles GST and state tax administration. Postings can be in:
- Headquarters / Commissionerate: Offices located in major administrative hubs like Mumbai, Pune,
- पहिली पोस्टिंग generally मुंबई ला मिळते
- District & Division Offices: GST / State Tax division and circle offices located across various district headquarters and commercial hubs throughout Maharashtra.
Like most state government services, STIs are subject to periodic transfers (usually after completing a specific tenure, such as 3 to 5 years in a particular office or division) as per the Maharashtra Government’s Transfer Act guidelines.
STI Salary in Maharashtra
Pay Scale: S-14 pay matrix ranging from ₹38,600 to ₹1,22,800. (Which is getting soon to S-16)
Starting Basic Pay: ₹38,600 per month.
In-Hand Salary: Typically ranges between 65,000 to 70,000 per month, depending on the posting location and applicable allowances (DA, HRA, etc. as per Maharashtra government norms).
STI promotion in Maharashtra
- State Tax Inspector (STI) — Entry Level (Group-B)
- The initial post you secure through the MPSC Combined Group-B examination.
- State Tax Officer (STO) — First Promotion
- After completing a specific number of years of service (6-8 years) (usually dependent on seniority, rules, and departmental vacancies) STI is promoted to State Tax Officer, which is a gazetted post.
- Assistant Commissioner of State Tax — Second Promotion
- Further career progression moves officers into senior management, handling broader tax assessment circles, policy execution, and appeals at the district or zonal level.
- Deputy Commissioner of State Tax and Higher Ranks — Senior Levels
- Higher administrative tiers managing regional divisions, large-scale commercial tax audits, and enforcement operations.