IOFS was formed in 1954 with the cadre controlling authority of Ministry of Defence – Department of Defence Production and Supplies.

Cadre size: 1760 posts. (direct recruitment 60%; promotion 40% )

It is one of the Group A Civil Services of India.

Functions

The main functions performed by IOFS officers include product development, project management, materials management, production planning and control, quality control, supplies management, industrial safety, labour welfare, personnel management, industrial relations, management and maintenance of residential estates etc.

In discharging these functions, the IOFS officers interact extensively with R&D organisations such as the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) , quality controlling agencies such as Bureau of Indian Standards and Directorate General of Quality Assurance, Military Engineering Service, educational institutes such as IITs , IIMs , NITs , National Laboratories such as those of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , Ministry of Home, Ministry of Labour and others.

Besides, in order to meet the day to day operational requirements of the organisation, fulfill various statutory obligations, and ensure the welfare of the workforce employed in the ordnance factories, these officers also interact with the officers of the Indian Army , Indian Navy , Indian Air Force , Central Armed Police Forces , State Armed Police Forces , Paramilitary forces of India , Special Forces of India , Indian Administrative Service , Indian Police Service , Indian Audits and Accounts Service , Central Board of Excise and Customs , Indian Defence Accounts Service, Indian Revenue Service , Indian Railway Traffic Service etc.