The officers of Indian Defence Accounts Services (IDAS) are the Group 'A' civil service in India, with a significant reputation for its standing as a Central Civil Service under the Ministry of Defence, with its object being to provide financial advice, payments, internal auditor and accountancy in the Defence Forces. The IDAS officers carry out an essential part of the Defence finances and accountability structures between the services of Army, Navy and Air Force.
It is very important to note that in 2025, the IDAS officer salary is very good and conforms with the norms of the pay commission of the government of India. In fact the salary and allowances provided to an IDAS officer, ramifies into some attractive perks.
IDAS Salary Structure 2025
The salaries of IDAS officers are structured on the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix, according to ranks and seniority. The starting salary of an IDAS officer is at Level 10, which in the case of many other Group ‘A’ central services is the grade for a start.
Rank / Post | Pay Scale (₹) | Pay Level | Grade Pay (₹) |
Assistant Controller of Defence Accounts (ACDA) | ₹ 56,100 – ₹ 1,77,500 | Level 10 | ₹15,500 (Military Service Pay included) |
Deputy Controller of Defence Accounts (DCDA) | ₹ 69,400 – ₹ 2,07,200 | Level 11 | ₹15,500 |
Joint Controller of Defence Accounts | ₹ 1,21,200 – ₹ 2,12,400 | Level 12A | ₹15,500 |
Controller of Defence Accounts (CDA) | ₹ 1,30,600 – ₹ 2,15,900 | Level 13 | ₹15,500 |
Additional Controller of Defence Accounts | ₹ 1,39,600 – ₹ 2,17,600 | Level 13A | ₹15,500 |
Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) | Fixed ₹ 80,000 | Fixed | – |
- The entry-level basic pay for an IDAS officer is ₹56,100 monthly (Level 10).
- Officers also generally get Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 monthly on top of their basic pay.
- Salaries rise steadily due to promotion, seniority, and annual increments.
IDAS Officer In-Hand Salary
The in-hand salary is the real monthly take-home amount after standard deductions (including the Provident Fund, Income Tax, and Professional Tax, and other contributions), including allowances.
- In-hand salary for an IDAS officer from the beginning is around ₹70,000 – ₹85,000 per month, depending on placement and deductions.
- As officers progress through the ranks, where pay is many times higher for senior-level positions, such as Controller and Additional Controller , this in-hand pay may exceed ₹2,00,000 per month, depending on location and allowances.
- In addition, allowances may create additional factors that may also increase the monthly pay after any hardship, altitude, or even for field postings.
Allowances and Benefits for IDAS Officers
In addition to basic pay and MSP, IDAS officers also get several allowances that form a part of their salary package:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): This is revised quarterly and is calculated as a percentage of the basic pay and is to compensate the officers for inflation. Currently, it is in the range of 42-45% of the basic pay.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): This is determined based on the city where the officer has been posted:
- X Cities (24% of basic pay)
- Y Cities (16% of basic pay)
- Z Cities (8% of basic pay)
- Transport Allowance: To the officers to meet the expense of commuting and is calculated based on the city category.
- Travel Allowance: Provided to the officers on official travel for inspection visits and defence establishment visits.
- Medical Benefits: Comprehensive medical treatment for the officer and dependent family members under various central government health schemes.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): For visiting home town.
- Other Benefits: Government accommodation (the availability of which varies from place to place), pension on retirement, group insurance, opportunities for professional development.
IDAS Officers' Job Profile and Responsibilities
IDAS officers only handle finances and accounts in defence and form part of IDAS which is responsible for ensuring financial discipline and transparency. Responsibilities include:
- To provide Financial Advice/ Guidance to defence services on planning their budget allocation/expenditure.
- To process and vouchers payment in relation to defence contracts, paying suppliers and personnel.
- Internal audit and the accounting for defence establishments.
- To implement the Government's financial rules and conduct financial inspections.
- To undertake co-ordination with other ministries and departments in respect of management of defence expenditure.
- To supervise budget and accounting systems in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
- Analytical skills, detailed knowledge of financial regulations and having integrity is required in this role.
Career Growth and Promotion
The career growth of an IDAS officer is clearly defined, with the possibility of promotions, additional responsibilities, and increase in salary:
Career Level | Typical Duration & Progression | Pay Level / Pay Scale |
Assistant Controller of Defence Accounts (ACDA) | Entry-level post after training | Level 10 |
Deputy Controller of Defence Accounts (DCDA) | 6-8 years of service | Level 11 |
Joint Controller of Defence Accounts | Senior mid-level post | Level 12A |
Controller of Defence Accounts | Senior administrative position | Level 13 |
Additional Controller of Defence Accounts | Higher management | Level 13A |
Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) | Apex post, head of department | Fixed pay |
Job Security and Other Benefits
As government servants, IDAS officers enjoy:
- Assured employment in the government and all of its pension and gratuity benefits.
- Medical facilities for themselves and their families through CGHS or any other equivalent service.
- Leaves including earned leaves, casual leaves, and medical leaves.
- All benefits of the Central Government cadre including subsidized housing and loans.
- Training leaves/study leaves conceptualized in DoPT’s orders with a view to upgrade their capabilities.
- Good reputation and social standing of the IDAS officers because of their importance in the country’s defence services.
The salary of the Indian Defence Accounts Service officer in 2025 remains compatible with a government pay commission, ensuring a secure and rewarding remuneration package which starts at over ₹70,000 in hand for newly inducted officers. With a number of allowances, good prospects for promotion, good perks, and security - an IDAS role has a lot to offer in terms of prestige, growth opportunities and job security in defence financial administration.a
