In a significant administrative reform, the Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure) has notified the Indian Civil Accounts Service (Group 'A') Rules, 2025, replacing the older 2006 rules. The new framework redefines the structure, recruitment, promotions, probation, and pay matrix applicable to the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), a key Group 'A' central civil service.
The new rules, published via G.S.R. 354(E) in the Gazette of India on May 30, 2025, are made in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 309 of the Constitution of India and come into force immediately.
Key Highlights of ICAS Rules, 2025
1. New Organisational Structure and Authorised Strength
- The ICAS will now consist of 317 authorised posts, including 265 duty posts and 52 reserved posts for deputation, training, leave, and probation.
- The service posts have been categorized across various Pay Matrix levels (10 to 17), ranging from Assistant Controller of Accounts to Controller General of Accounts.
2. Recruitment Overhaul
- 50% of Junior Time Scale (JTS) posts will be filled through the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC.
- The remaining 50% will be filled by promotion from Senior Accounts Officers in the Central Civil Accounts Service (Group 'A') with at least three years of regular service.
- Higher posts (Senior Time Scale and above) will be filled primarily through promotion, with provisions for deputation if eligible officers are not available.
3. Probation and Training
- Direct recruits will undergo a two-year probation period, including mandatory completion of a Foundation Course and other specified trainings and examinations (including Hindi).
- The probation period can be extended if performance is not satisfactory, with communication to the officer in writing.
4. Promotion and Career Progression
- Promotion to higher grades will be selection-based, with detailed qualifying criteria and minimum regular service periods defined in Schedule-II of the rules.
- The introduction of Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU) ensures parity with the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in cases where IAS officers of the same batch get higher postings.
5. Seniority and Batch Fixation
- Promotee officers will be clubbed with direct recruits for seniority and batch calculation.
- Direct recruits are assigned a batch based on the year following their competitive exam.
6. All-India and International Posting Liability
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ICAS officers are now officially liable to be transferred anywhere in India or abroad, making the service truly national in scope.
7. Reservation & Disqualification Clauses
- The rules reiterate existing government provisions for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen reservations.
- Specific disqualifications related to marital status have also been codified, with exemptions subject to government satisfaction.
Why This Matters
The overhaul modernizes the governance and management of the Indian Civil Accounts Service, streamlining its alignment with broader administrative reforms across India's civil services. It enhances transparency, ensures fair promotions, and builds in flexibility through deputation and non-functional upgradation to meet dynamic staffing needs.
These changes are expected to strengthen fiscal accountability, boost morale within the service, and improve the efficiency of government accounting and expenditure systems.
Official copy of the notification has been attached
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