Indian Ordnance Factories Service

The prestigious Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) Group ‘A’ Civil Service exam is conducted each year by the UPSC. Many aspirants begin their preparation with a reputed UPSC coaching centre to strengthen their chances of securing this prominent post, which involves managing the ordnance factories of the country. The IOFS, established in 1935, is one of the oldest and most essential technical services in the nation.

Let us explore how to join the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS), the roles involved, and the career growth it offers in this blog.

Indian Ordnance Factories Services (IOFS) – A brief look

The Indian Ordnance Factories Services (IOFS) has its root back to the British Raj. The British authorities created the Board of Ordnance at Fort William in 1775 which was intended to establish and maintain the economic supremacy of the British East India Company in India.

The first factory was created in 1787 at Ishapore and the commencement of the Indian Ordnance Service happened in 1935. Later it was reconstituted in the year 1954 as the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS).

Recruitment of the IOFS

The UPSC selects candidates for the Indian Ordnance Factories depending on their performance in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and the Engineering Services Examination (ESE).

Typically the recruitment process for IOFS is very tough and competitive. This indicates that only candidates who are highly capable and most qualified will be chosen to serve in this crucial post.

  • Engineering posts will be filled through the Engineering Services Examination
  • Non-technical stream posts are filled through the Civil Services Examination.

Eligibility Criteria

Age limit:

Candidates to become eligible for IOFS should have the age between 21-30 years. Age relaxation can be applied if the applicants fall under specific categories. The age is calculated for the candidates as of August 1 of the exam year.

Educational Qualification

  • Applicants to become qualified for the IOFS should hold a degree in engineering from a renowned university/institution.

Exam Pattern

Since IOFS is a part of the UPSC Examination, the pattern is similar to other posts. This means it covers:

  1. Preliminary Examination
  2. Main Examination
  3. Personality Test (Interview)

Training

The candidates will undergo training and are provided with introduction and reorientation courses for IOFS officials at The National Academy of Defence Production (NADP), Nagpur. The topics include technology, management, and public administration.

Roles and Duties of an IOFS officer

  • The primary role of an IOFS officer covers product research and development, project management, supply management, production planning and control, quality control, materials management, labour welfare, industrial relations management, personnel management, industrial safety maintenance of residential estates, and more.
  • IOFS officers serve in managerial positions in diverse PSUs and SEZs.
  • Responsible for managing administrative activities that cover purchasing items, allocating funds and resources and managing personnel.
  • Serves as secretaries and advisers to the Prime Minister, the members of the Union Cabinet and the President of India.
  • Have to ensure that everything goes well under IOFS, and also have to collaborate with various departments, organizations, and individuals.
  • Have their crucial part in establishing long-range plans that facilitate the expansion and development of the organization in IOFS.
  • Have to serve the armed forces as Commissioned Officers for four years.

Grades and Pay scales of IOFS Officers

GradeDesignationPay ScaleGrade Pay
In the fieldIn HQ
Junior Time ScaleAssistant Works ManagerAssistant Director15600 – 391005400
Senior Time ScaleWorks ManagerDeputy Director15600 – 391006600
Senior Time Scale (Non-Functional)Deputy General ManagerJoint Director15600 – 391007600
Junior Administrative Grade (Functional)Joint General ManagerDirector37400 – 670008700
Senior Administrative GradeAdditional General Manager / Regional Director / Principal Director / Regional Controller of Safety /General ManagerDeputy Director-General37400 – 6700010000
Higher Administrative GradeSenior General Manager / Senior Principal DirectorSenior Deputy Director-General67000 – 79000No Grade Pay
Higher Administrative Grade +Additional Director General

&

Member of the Board

75500 – 80000No Grade Pay
ApexChairman of the Ordnance Factories Board

&

Director General Ordnance Factories (DGOF)

80000 (fixed)No Grade Pay

 

IOFS Salary During Probation Period

IOFS officers will have a probation period of two years and they will receive a stipend during this period.

  • IOFS officers get a fixed monthly stipend in probation period as a part of training and acquire practical experience in their roles.
  • The stipend amount is approximately 50% of the starting pay for the applicable grade.
  • Stipends will be revised periodically and done in accordance with their growing skills and experience.

Ordnance Factories

There are 41 Ordnance Factories in 24 places across the country.

State/UTNumber of factories
Maharashtra10
Uttar Pradesh9
Madhya Pradesh6
Tamil Nadu6
West Bengal4
Uttaranchal2
Telangana1
Orissa1
Bihar1
Chandigarh1

 

Career Prospects of the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)

  • The officers can be promoted from Junior Scale to Higher Administrative Grade based on their performance and service years
  • Can grow to assist ministers as consultants in higher positions
  • IOFS Cadre officers possess the possibility to work in Indian Embassies.
  • Potential prospects at the Ministry of External Affairs

We hope we have covered all essential information related to joining the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IFOS). However, we recommend visiting the official website of the UPSC for the latest news and information.

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