What is the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)?
The Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) is a Group ‘A’ service under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1926, the service plays a crucial role in managing and administering over 17 lakh acres of defence land and 62 cantonment boards in India. These responsibilities make the IDES one of the most significant administrative services in the country.
Roles and Responsibilities
As an IDES officer, you will be involved in various critical functions, including:
- Land Management: Overseeing the administration of defence lands, including their acquisition, maintenance, and disposal.
- Cantonment Administration: Managing the day-to-day operations of cantonment boards, which are self-governing bodies that provide municipal services in military areas.
- Legal Affairs: Handling litigation and legal issues related to defence lands and cantonment areas.
- Revenue Collection: Supervising the collection of land revenue, taxes, and other dues from properties under the jurisdiction of the Defence Estates Department.
Career Path and Opportunities
The career progression in the IDES is well-structured, with opportunities to rise through the ranks from Assistant Director to Director General, Defence Estates. Officers are often posted in diverse locations, from urban cantonments to rural defence lands, offering a wide range of experiences. Promotions are based on performance and experience, with opportunities for deputation to other ministries and international organizations.
How to Join the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)?
To join the IDES, candidates must clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The CSE is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are selected based on their ranks. Once selected, officers undergo rigorous training at the National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM) in Delhi.
Why Choose a Career in IDES?
To join the IDES, candidates must clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The CSE is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are selected based on their ranks. Once selected, officers undergo rigorous training at the National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM) in Delhi.
IDES Eligibility
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
Age | 21 – 30 years old |
Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
Number of Attempts | General category: Six attempts |
Reserved categories: Relaxation as per rules | |
Nationality | Indian citizen |
Physical Requirement | Must meet the physical standards set by the authorities |
Indian Defence Estate Services (IDES) – Grade & Pay Scales
This is not a very large group “A” civil service cadre like its counterparts. However, it has a very structured grade and respective pay scales associated with it.
Below table gives extensive details on grade and pay scale of IDES cadre
| Grade | Designation in Directorate | Designation in Directorate General | Pay Scale |
| Junior Time
Scale | Assistant Director | Assistant Director-General | 15,600 – 39,100 + Grade Pay 5400 |
| Senior Time
Scale | Deputy Director | Assistant Director-General | 15,600 – 39,100 + Grade Pay 6600 |
| Junior
Administration Grade (Ordinary) | Joint Director | Deputy Director-General | 15,600 – 39,100 + Grade Pay 7600 |
| Junior
Administrative Grade (Selection) | Joint Director | Deputy Director-General | 37,400 – 67,000 + Grade Pay 8700 |
| Senior
Administrative Grade | Director | Additional Director General | 37,400 – 67,000 + Grade Pay 10,000 |
| Higher
Administrative Grade | Principal Director | Senior Additional Director General | 67,000 – 79,000 |
| Secretary-level
Post | —— | Director-General
Defence Estates | 80,000 |