Indian Defence Accounts Service

The Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), a Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service has its core role in managing the financial aspects of the defense forces of the nation. This has been created to provide financial advice, accounting, payment, and audit services to the Indian Armed Forces, which include the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard.

What is the Indian Defence Accounts Service – IDAS?

The Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) is responsible for managing the financial resources of the defense forces of India. This department has been accountable for offering valuable services over two centuries.

The typical recruitment process for IDAS is done through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. Candidates can clear the UPSC CSE successfully and then go for training at the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) Training Institute.

IDAS Eligibility Criteria

Here are the eligibility criteria for appearing in the UPSC exam for IDAS.

Age limit:

  • Between 21 to 30 years
  • Age relaxation will be given for the applicable reserved categories

Qualification

Candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree which is expected from a recognized university.

Nationality

Should be a citizen of India.

Or

Either of the following:

  • Subject of Nepal
  • Subject of Bhutan
  • Tibetan refugees came to India as permanent settlements in India (before January 1, 1962)
  • Migrants from:
  • Pakistan
  • Burma
  • Sri Lanka
  • East African countries of Kenya
  • Uganda
  • the United Republic of Tanzania
  • Zambia
  • Malawi
  • Zaire
  • Ethiopia
  • Vietnam

Number of Attempts

CategoryNumber of attempts
General category6 attempts
OBC9 attempts
SC/STNo limit on attempts
Physically handicapped9 Attempts for general
SC/ST – unlimited

 

Recruitment for Indian Defence Accounts Service [IDAS]

IDAS officers are recruited through the UPSC Civil Service Examinations. With the right UPSC teaching, aspirants aiming for this prestigious role of serving the defense of the nation must undergo 3 stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.

Stage 1:

Prelims

The   Preliminary examination is a qualifying paper that needs a score of a minimum of 33 % to become qualified to appear for the Civil Services (Mains) exam.

Paper I (current affairs) and Paper II (aptitude exam) contain multiple-choice and objective-style questions. They carry 200 points each and are conducted for two hours for each paper.

Stage 2:

Mains

The Mains is used to assess the academic potential of the aspirants and his/her conveying is monitored. The core purpose of IDAS Mains is to assess the general intellectual characteristics and knowledge of concepts of the candidates.

Stage 3:

Interview

Once the candidate successfully clears the above two phases, they will be called out for an interview.

Training

The shortlisted candidates for the interview part will be provided with foundation training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, which is located in Mussoorie.

This training will be for around 4-6 months.

IDAS Career Profile – Roles and Responsibilities

Some of the key roles and duties of the IDAS officers are listed here:

  • Responsible for participating in the training & development of subordinate officers
  • Entrusted to deal with and control the financial resources of the defense forces
  • Committed to offering financial advice, payment, and internal auditing & accounting tasks for varied segments such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Ordnance Factories, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Border Road Organisation, Canteen Stores Department, and similar other bodies
  • Preserving records and ensuring the entire accounting tasks that are categorized under the DRDO, border-defining departments, ordnance factories, and CSD.
  • Ensuring the accounting tasks are carried out smoothly
  • Have to provide financial advice and guidance to the Defence Services, deal with queries, and make sure the financial decisions are in alignment with the goals of national defense
  • Allocated funds are effectively utilized and essential assistance is offered for modernization, defense preparedness, and infrastructure development.
  • Collaborate broadly with other civil services and government departments for a harmonized approach to financial governance. This assures the smooth functioning of the Defence Services.

Grades and Pay Scales

GradeDesignationsPay Scales
Junior Time ScaleAssistant Controller General of Defence Accounts (ACGDA)Assistant Controller of Defence Accounts (ACDA)Assistant Controller of Finance and Accounts (ACFA)Deputy Integrated Financial Advisor (Dy IFA)15600-39100 + Grade Pay 5400
Senior Time ScaleDeputy CGDAJoint Controller of Defence AccountsJoint Controller of Finance and AccountsJoint IFA15600-39100 + Grade Pay 7600
Non Functional Selection Grade of JAGSenior Deputy CGDAAdditional Controller of Defence AccountsAdditional Controller of Finance and AccountsAdditional IFA37400-67000 + Grade Pay 8700
Senior Administrative GradeJoint CGDAController of Defence Accounts (CDA)Controller of Finance and Accounts (CFA)IFA37400-67000 + Grade Pay 10000
Higher Administrative GradePrincipal Controller of Defence AccountsPrincipal Controller of Finance and AccountsPrincipal IFA67000 (annual increment @3%) – 79000
Higher Administrative Grade +Additional CGDA75500 (annual increment @3%) – 80000
ApexController General of Defence Accounts (CGDA)80000 (Fixed)

 

Career Prospects

Some career prospects within IDAS

The officers are allowed to accelerate their growth through various grades. This can be achieved through their performance, experience, and seniority.

The typical hierarchy is:

  • Junior Time Scale (JTS),
  • Senior Time Scale (STS),
  • Junior Administrative Grade (JAG),
  • Selection Grade (SG),
  • Senior Administrative Grade (SAG),
  • Higher Administrative Grade (HAG), and
  • Apex Scale.

Final Thoughts

The Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) has a prominent role in dealing with the financial aspects of the defense forces. This is the perfect post for those who are passionate about contributing to the defense infrastructure. Clear the UPSC CSE and make yourself ready for this posting.

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