The Ministry of Finance has notified the Indian Civil Accounts Service (Group ‘A’) Recruitment Rules, 2025.
The new rules come into immediate effect and supersede the existing 2006 regulations.
The revised rules lay down the structure, recruitment methodology, promotion criteria, and organizational hierarchy of the ICAS cadre. Aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and service delivery within the government accounting system, the reforms introduce both structural and procedural changes.
50% of the Junior Time Scale (entry-level) posts will be filled through the Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC, and the remaining 50% through promotion from among Senior Accounts Officers.
The new rules prescribe detailed qualifying criteria for promotions, ensuring a clear career progression path from Junior Time Scale to Apex Scale (Controller General of Accounts).
Officers may now receive higher pay scales without formal promotion, provided their IAS counterparts of the same batch receive such grades — a move aimed at pay parity and motivation.
The authorized cadre strength is set at 317, with designations ranging from Assistant Controller of Accounts to the Controller General of Accounts. Pay matrix levels range from ₹56,100 to ₹2,25,000.
Direct recruits will serve a two-year probation period and must complete a mandatory foundation course, with the government reserving the right to extend or terminate probation based on performance.
New rules strictly enforce eligibility norms, disallowing individuals involved in polygamous marriages unless permitted under personal law, and reiterating standard reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC and other special categories.
ICAS officers may be posted anywhere in India or abroad, reinforcing the all-India character of the service.
The rules assign the role of “Controlling Authority” to the Department of Expenditure and establish multiple committees such as the Departmental Promotion Committee and Screening Committee for evaluating suitability for promotions and NFU.
Notification Details
Notification No. F. No. A-12018/3/2015-Ad.I
Date: 30/05/2025
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