Originally Posted by Serve the nation

Most stat-boards pay better than ministries due to the nature of work. The nature of work for stat-boards is operational (i.e. getting the policies implemented on the ground) therefore justifies the higher pay. Operational work is quite tough therefore need to pay them higher. If you look hard enough, you will notice that some public officers have extra allowances such as Overtime or hardship pay. Most officers in ministries just gathers information for policy. During the course of work of a public officer, they are also gathering the required information for the civil servant.

That being said, you will observed that the salary increments in stat-boards are higher and comes with flexi-benefits (ranging from $300 to $800 per year) too. Most stat-boards also allow for higher claim allowances, compared to ministries. Logically, it makes sense to pay the public officer better too. The skill-set of a public officer is more transferable to private sector, so need to pay to retain them.

The worst is to do operational work in ministries. These civil servants need to do the legwork but don't get the same salary as public officers.

One word of advice; If you care for career progression, better stick to public service.

First, due to the nature of public service, many of these stat-board scholars are able to find work in private sector easily. Most of them leave after their bonds. Management tries to retain this batch by offering post-graduate scholarships and bond them for a few more years. Those remaining are just a handful. This means there's not many scholars to compete with in stat-boards.

Second, the stat-board scholars are on a different career path, compared to the Ministry scholars. The gap between the stat-board scholars and farmers are closer therefore the farmer still has fighting chance.

Third, stat-boards are normally larger than ministries. This creates more career progression opportunities.

Fourth, the nature of work in stat-boards are more similar to private sector. This creates more career pathways which translate to more backup plans.

Fifth, stat-boards have more interaction opportunities with private sector. Knowing more people always helps because it creates more career opportunities for yourself.

Lastly, the salaries given by stat-boards are generally higher.