The Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), an organized Group A Central Service, falls under the Ministry of Defence. Candidates who have successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination can opt for this service — and with guidance from a reputable UPSC coaching academy, aspirants can better prepare for the specific demands of IDES. Working with a cadre of DES officers, the Defence Estates Organization (DEO) is committed to managing the cantonments and defence land of the country.

Let us dig deep into the details of the IDES profile, eligibility criteria, and the career growth the post offers.

IDES – Its evolution from Military Lands to Indian Defence Estates Service

If you look into the evolution of the IDES, it has an intimate connection with the nation’s recent history. Initially known as the Military Lands and Cantonments Service and established in 1926, IDES underwent various name changes and finally evolved as the Indian Defence Estates Service – IDES in 1985.

Provided under the Indian Defence Estates Service (Group ‘A’), based on the Rules, 2013, the recruitment to this service is achieved through 75% by direct recruitment. The pending 25% is done by promotion.

Path to Indian Defence Estates Service Recruitment

Recruitment to the Indian Defence Estates Service – IDES, the renowned post is done through the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). Typically, the recruitment process consists of different stages, which are listed below:

Preliminary Examination:

An objective-type screening test

Mains Examination

This stage comprises a written examination

Interview/Personality Test:

Candidates who successfully qualified from Mains will be called for an interview.

Medical Examination:

The selected candidates have to undergo a medical examination to make sure they are qualified as per the mentioned medical standards.

Final Selection:

Depending on the performance of the candidates in the Mains examination and interview, the final list will be prepared.

Organizational Hierarchy – Indian Defence Estates Service

The Directorate General of IDES is located in Delhi Cantonment and it is the Headquarters. Looking into the hierarchy of the IDES is a three-tiered structure.

Highest TIER:

The Directorate General is the highest-level
The officers who staff the Directorate General are referred to as IDES members.
A Senior Additional Director General (HAG) along with 4 Additional Director Generals will support the Directorate General.
Typically, Directorate General will administer the land and building needs of user Services through, requisitioning, acquisition or hiring.

Middle TIER:

There will be six Directorates that are aligned with the six Army Commands. They are located in Pune, Lucknow, Jammu, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Jaipur.
Principal Directors will lead the Directorates and the Principal Directors are assisted by Directors (SAG), staff officers of the IDES.

Field Level:

Administration will be executed by Chief Executive Officers present in the 62 Cantonment Boards as well as the Defence Estates Officers (37 Defence Estates Circles) and 4 Assistant Defence Estates Offices.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the executive head of the Cantonment and is committed to daily administration.

Eligibility for Indian Defence Estates Service

The eligibility criteria for the IDES are just similar to the other UPSC post recruitment. See below for details:

Age:

Between 21 – 30 years old

Educational Qualification:

Applicants are expected to have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

Number of Attempts:

Six attempts for the general category

Relaxations applicable for the reserved category

Nationality:

Indian

Recruitment and Training

The IDES officers recruited through the Civil Services Exam have to undergo orientation training. This will be conducted at the National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM) in Delhi.

The training at NIDEM is conducted for a duration of 6 months. This training is intended to teach the learners about the diverse departments of municipal control in Cantonment & Security Territory Management.

During the probation period, the probationary IDES officers will have two months of ‘End of Probation Training’. This is a combination of practical knowledge obtained in orientation training and field expertise which can be obtained in primary postings.

The IDES officers will also go on a tour that covers the whole of India and is referred to as Bharat Darshan.

Roles and responsibilities of the Indian Defence Estate Services (IDES)

To manage the defence lands of57 lakh acres approximately. They should perform a regular survey of defense lands.
Should administer the 62 Cantonment Boards.
Ensure the use of defence land follows the law
Coordinate with other defence and civilian authorities.
Address and resolve complaints from civilians regarding defence land matters.
Prevent and eradicate encroachments and any unauthorized constructions on defence land.
Maintain up-to-date accurate and digitised records of land.
Administer the implementation of the Cantonments Act 2006.
Acquire, hire and requisition immovable properties for defence purposes.
Handling litigation related to the ownership of defence land.
Assist the Defence Ministry with things that are related to Cantonments and defence land.

Indian Defence Estate Services (IDES) –Pay Scales and Grade Pay

Grade	Designation in Directorate	Designation in Directorate General	Pay Scale	Grade Pay
Junior Time Scale	Assistant Director	Assistant Director-General	15,600 – 39,100	5400
Senior Time Scale	Deputy Director	Assistant Director-General	15,600 – 39,100	6600
Junior Administration Grade (Ordinary)	Joint Director	Deputy Director-General	15,600 – 39,100	7600
Junior Administrative Grade (Selection)	Joint Director	Deputy Director-General	37,400 – 67,000	8700
Senior Administrative Grade	Director	Additional Director General	37,400 – 67,000	10,000
Higher Administrative Grade	Principal Director	Senior Additional Director General	67,000 – 79,000
Secretary-level Post	—	Director-General Defence Estates	80,000

Career Prospects

The potential career opportunities in the Indian Defence Estates Service are comparable with similar Group ‘A’ Services.

Opportunity to get deputation with the Central
Can work with State Governments
Ability to work in Public Sector Undertakings
Can contribute to administrative reforms and policy-making.

Other Perks and Benefits

House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Dearness Allowance (DA)
Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
Medical Facilities
Pension and Retirement Benefits
Education Facilities

As similar to all the other UPSC CSE recruitment, certain requirements are set for IDES. Make yourself deserving of the post and crack the exam.

Indian Defence Estates Service

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