Indian Economic Service

The Indian Economic Service (IES) is an organized Group ‘A’ Central Service. The IES was constituted in 1961 with the objective of institutionalising a core professional capacity within the Government to undertake economic analysis and render advice for designing and formulating development policies, strengthening delivery systems, and monitoring and evaluating the public programmes. With the initiation of large-scale economic reforms in 1991 and the proliferation of the regulatory role of the government, such analysis and advice within the domain of the service has increased manifold. The Cadre Controlling of the IES is located in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs). The Cadre Controlling Authority is advised, on policy matters pertaining to the service, by the high-level IES Board, which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary. The management of the service is on the basis of the service rules called the IES Rules, first notified in 1961. The service rules, besides constitution of the service, specifies the various grades and sanctioned strength therein, future maintenance of the service, appointment, probation, seniority and conditions of service. The service rules of 1961 have since been superseded by the comprehensively revised IES Rules 2008, which were notified on 6.6.2008. These Service Rules are amended from time to time in accordance with the instructions of the Government. Latest Amendment to the Rules has been notified on 18th February 2011 following the Cabinet approval to the revised cadre structure of the service. A distinguishing feature of the service is that its Cadre posts are spread across different Ministries/ Departments of the Central Government, numbering around 55. The service is, therefore, an inter-Ministerial and inter-Departmental service. The posts are primarily located in Ministries/ Departments dealing with economic and social sectors.