The Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES), an organised 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 Organisation (DEO) is committed to managing the cantonments and defence lands of the country.

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

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’) Rules, 2013, recruitment to this service is achieved through 75% by direct recruitment; the remaining 25% is done by promotion.

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

• Preliminary Examination: An objective-type screening test.
• Mains Examination: A written descriptive examination.
• Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who successfully qualify from Mains are called for an interview.
• Medical Examination: Selected candidates must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the prescribed medical standards.
• Final Selection: Based on performance in the Mains examination and interview, the final merit list is prepared.

The Directorate General of IDES is located in Delhi Cantonment and serves as the Headquarters. 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 supports the Directorate General.
• The Directorate General administers the land and building needs of user Services through requisitioning, acquisition, or hiring.

Middle Tier:

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

Field Level:

• Administration is executed by Chief Executive Officers present in the 62 Cantonment Boards, as well as 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 responsible for day-to-day administration.

The eligibility criteria for IDES are similar to those for other UPSC posts. See details below:

IDES officers recruited through the Civil Services Exam undergo orientation training at the National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM) in Delhi.

• The training at NIDEM is conducted for a duration of 6 months and is intended to teach learners about the diverse departments of municipal control in Cantonment and Security Territory Management.
• During the probation period, probationary IDES officers undergo two months of 'End of Probation Training', which combines practical knowledge from orientation training and field expertise gained in primary postings.
• IDES officers also go on a tour that covers the whole of India, referred to as Bharat Darshan.

• Manage defence lands of approximately 57 lakh acres and conduct regular surveys of defence lands.
• Administer the 62 Cantonment Boards.
• Ensure the use of defence land complies with 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 unauthorised 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.
• Handle litigation related to the ownership of defence land.
• Assist the Defence Ministry with matters related to Cantonments and defence land.

* Grade Pay not applicable for HAG and above.

• Opportunities for deputation with the Central Government.
• Can work with State Governments.
• Ability to work in Public Sector Undertakings.
• Can contribute to administrative reforms and policy-making.

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

As with all other UPSC CSE recruitments, certain requirements are set for IDES. Make yourself deserving of the post and crack the exam with dedication and the right preparation strategy.