Indian Defence Estates Service

Indian Defence Estates Service
Service Overview
Abbreviation IDES
Formerly known as Defence Lands and Cantonment Service (1983-1985)
Military Lands and Cantonment Service (1926-1983)
Formed 1926
(As Military Lands and Cantonment Service)
Country India
Staff College National Institute of Defence Estates Management, New Delhi
Cadre Controlling Authority Ministry of Defence
Legal personality Governmental: Government service
Duties Cantonment Administration
Defence Land Management
Managing court cases related to defence land
Cadre Strength 189 members (2016)
Selection Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) Civil Services Examination
Service Chief
Directorate General of Defence Estates Shri G S Rajeswaran, IDES
Head of the Civil Services
Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan, IAS

The Indian Defence Estates Service (abbreviated as IDES) (Hindi: भारतीय रक्षा सम्पदा सेवा) is a Civil Service in the Government of India. Its Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) is the Ministry of Defence. Civil Services Examination conducted every year by Union Public Service Commission provides a gateway for entry into this service. The Service traces its origin to 16 December 1926 and has been constantly evolving since then. The service was initially known as the Military Lands and Cantonment Service (1926-1983), and then Defence Lands and Cantonment Service (1983-1985). In 1985, it was renamed as the Indian Defence Estates Service. The service is governed by the Indian Defence Estates Service (Group A) Rules, 2013, where 75% intake is by direct recruitment and 25% by promotion.