Career in Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)

 

The Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) is one of the Group ‘A’ services successful candidates can get into once they clear the UPSC civil services exam. It is a unique service in that it is the only cadre in which officers are recruited by all four methods – civil services exam, engineering services exam, interviews and promotions. This article helps one to comprehensively understand the Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS).

Officers of this service engage in the management of the Indian Ordnance Factories. These factories engage in the production of defence equipment and arms/ammunition. In this service, there are two types of positions. One of them is the technical position and the other one is the non-technical position. The recruitment for the non-technical position is through Civil Service Examination whereas for the technical positions the recruitment is through the Engineering Service Examination. The article shares information on IOFS functions, grades, pay scales, career prospects.

Training of Probationary Officers:

After the initial Foundation Course at LBSNAA, the officer trainees are provided training in the areas of management, public administration and technology at the National Academy of Defence Production (NADP), Nagpur. This Induction Training Programme is for 64 weeks. After this, they are sent on a Bharat Darshan wherein they visit defence, space, nuclear, industrial and other technical installations. Then, the officers are imparted on-the-job training at the Ordnance Factories.

Functions:

1. The chief functions of IOFS officers at the ordnance factories include product research and development, production planning and control, quality control, project management, supply management, materials management, labour welfare, personnel management, industrial relations, management, industrial safety maintenance of residential estates, etc.
2. These officers also serve in managerial positions in various PSUs and SEZs.
3. They also serve as secretaries and advisors to Union Cabinet ministers, Prime Minister and the President of India.
4. They can also become scientists for the DRDO.
5. IOFS officers can also be asked to serve the armed forces as Commissioned Officers for a period of four years.

Career Prospects:

1. IOFS cadre officers serve in diverse departments from the production department to the administration department.
2. Option for transfer to any public sector organisation or department.
3. At higher roles, they also serve as advisors to ministers.
4. IOFS Cadre officers also get the opportunity of serving in Indian Embassies.
5. IOFS cadre officers also get opportunities for posting in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Grades and Pay Scales:

Before deciding on joining a Group ‘A’ service, all candidates would be interested to know the prospects of promotion and the pay scales associated with the cadre.

The below table gives information on the grades and respective pay scales of IOFS

Grade	Designation		Pay Scale
	In the field	In HQ
Junior Time Scale	Assistant Works Manager	Assistant Director	15600 – 39100 + Grade Pay 5400
Senior Time Scale	Works Manager	Deputy Director	15600 – 39100 + Grade Pay 6600
Senior Time Scale (Non-Functional)	Deputy General Manager	Joint Director	15600 – 39100 + Grade Pay 7600
Junior Administrative Grade (Functional)	Joint General Manager	Director	37400 – 67000 + Grade Pay 8700
Senior Administrative Grade	Additional General Manager / Principal Director / Regional Director / General Manager / Regional Controller of Safety	Deputy Director-General	37400 – 67000 + Grade Pay 10000
Higher Administrative Grade	Senior General Manager / Senior Principal Director	Senior Deputy Director-General	67000 – 79000
Higher Administrative Grade +		Additional Director General and Member of the Board	75500 – 80000
Apex		Director General Ordnance Factories (DGOF) and Chairman of the Ordnance Factories Board	80000 (fixed)