Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) - 2023

The Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) is a civil service of the Government of India. The officers of Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) are Gazetted (Group A) defence-civilian officers under the Ministry of Defence. They are responsible for the management of the Indian Ordnance Factories, provide the defence production capabilities of India.

The Indian Ordnance Factories is the oldest and largest industrial setup of family of 41 Ordnance Factories under the aegis of its corporate headquarters at Ordnance Factory Board (Kolkata). The organisation possesses the unique distinction of over 200 years of experience in defence production functioning under Department of Defence Production( Ministry of Defence). Besides, they are also engaged in production, testing, logistics, research, development and marketing of a comprehensive product range in the area of land, sea and air systems.

What are the eligibility conditions?

The recruitment in the Indian Ordnance Factories is done by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) based on the performance in the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) and the Civil Services Examination (CSE). While engineering posts are filled through the Engineering Services Examination, posts in the non-technical streams are filled through the Civil Services Examination. IOFS is the only cadre in which officials are selected by all four means - CSE, ESE, interviews and promotions. IOFHS officers are also selected through the Combined Medical Services Examination, conducted by UPSC.

What are the trainings offered for the selected candidates ?

Selected candidates are offered training at National Academy of Defence Production (NADP), Nagpur in areas of technology, management, public administration as induction and re-orientation courses. Later, an induction training programme of probationary officers is given for 64 weeks, which comprises technical, managerial and administrative modules of theoretical, practical and field nature. Many of the classes are held at specialized educational institutions across India. After completion, they are sent on Bharat Darshan (Tour of India), which includes visits to the nuclear, defence, space, industrial and other technical installations of India. In order to understand the nuances of bureaucracy, they are familiarised with the functioning of district, state, national and international bodies, including the Parliament of India. Later, they are sent or on-the-job training to various Ordnance Factories and are expected to apply the knowledge and experience gained. Examinations are held at the end of the training. The training concludes with interactions with the Members of Parliament, Ministers in-charge of the Home, Foreign and Defence ministries, Prime Minister, Vice-President and the President of India.

What are the roles and responsibilities of Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) officer ?

The roles and responsibilities of an IOFS officer are vast. They are assigned to various categories like product research and development, project management, materials management, production planning and control. Some of the other areas which include are quality control, supplies management, industrial safety, labour welfare, personnel management, industrial relations, management and maintenance of residential estates etc. Other duties include:

• Discharge managerial duties of the various departments.
• Meet the day-to-day operational requirements of the organisation.
• Ensure welfare of the workforce employed in the ordnance factories.

Since, IOFS is a participating civil service under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS). It enables deputation of the officer to move to any organisation, department, institution depending on their interest, educational qualifications, seniority and age. Besides, these officers are also serve at key posts in Public Sector Units (PSU) and also as advisors and secretaries to Ministers.

Indian Ordnance Factories Service Ranks and Salaries

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