Everything about Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

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Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

Job Code: E

Grade Pay: 4600

Salary in X city: Rs. 41022 (Delhi based, but can also serve in all India MEA offices)

Salary in Foreign Posting: Depends on posted country. MEA has its own formula considering the cost of living, pricing index, currency evaluation of every country (salary varies from 1 lac to 2.xx lacs)

Assistant in MEA is the most sought after job with least chances of earnings except from your salary.

Quick Preview:

1. You need to score really well in CGL Exam(read rank in Single/early double digits) to get it


2. For foreign posting, you need to pass the respective(country wise) language proficiency test


3. A few vacancies and charm of foreign postings makes MEA the most fancy post in CGL Exam


4. Unlike CSS, posting can be anywhere; from MEA, South Block, Delhi to Passport offices to Special Missions in Bangladesh to the Embassies in USA(as well as Uganda)


5. Typical 5 days a week, 9 AM to 5.30 PM job


6. Assistant get official passport (white color), but not the diplomat’s passport (red color). Still, the official passport is different from normal citizen’s passport(blue color)


7. Requires very good communication and interpersonal skills to flourish and grow in MEA


8. There are 162 Indian missions abroad where an Assistant can be asked to serve.

This is one of the most sought after Assistant posts In CGL exam, for the chance of getting international postings and serve in Indian missions abroad. However, the information available and being circulated is laden with errors. Through this post, we have tried to dispel some of the major myths and half-baked truths being circulated on various groups and forums:

What is Ministry of External Affairs?

MEA is a Govt. agency responsible for conduct of India’s relations with foreign nations. MEA is responsible for India’s representation in United Nations and MEA also advises other Ministries and State Govt. when the latter deals with foreign govt. or institutions (signing of MoUs etc)

After Joining

• Joining formalities are almost same as that of any other Assistant in Ministry except for the fact that Assistant in MEA also has to undergo IB (Intelligence Bureau) verification along with police verification. After IB and Police clearance, joining letter is issued and you are asked to report at Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhawan, New Delhi (opp. National Museum).


• Unlike CSS, there is no immediate training on joining. However, before you get a foreign posting you have to compulsorily undergo 30 days training (spread over small modules) as well as foreign language test.


• Foreign language proficiency test is mandatory to get the foreign posting


• Training is hectic with a lot to learn in the brief period of time for effective working

Training takes place at Foreign Service Institute (FSI), JNU, Delhi: the same place where IFS officers, UDC, LDC and Steno of MEA department are trained.

 

Training Course for IFS (B) – Non RG Grade		30 days
01	Passport  & PRIDE	2 days
02	Consular	2 days
03	Visa	2 days
04	IVFRT	2 days
05	MEA Administration	2 days
06	MEA Establishment & Welfare Measures	2 days
07	Protocol & CNV	2 days
08	Personality Development &  Know India	2 days
09	Office Procedure	2 days
10	Financial Procedure	2 days
11	Trade Promotion	2 days
12	Accounts	2 days
13	Computer	2 days
14	IMAS – Theory/Practical	4 days

Job of Assistant in MEA

• The main job of an assistant is to assist the IFS officers in their day to day work


• Assistants do the file work and noting, drafting and communication with the head office in India


• Planning and examination of documents to be signed between the nations


• Filing and other works related to various MoUs to be signed by ambassadors and ministers


• Coordinating between various offices of consulates as well from HQ at Home Nation


• Promoting friendly relations with the receiving state as also its people, including NRI/PIO

 Promotions

First Promotion from Assistant to Section Officer(SO) takes 4-5 yrs after clearing departmental exams, otherwise it may take 10-14 yrs on seniority basis. SO to Under Secretary (US) usually takes long time of 9-12 yrs based on vacancies.
After US, the promotions are time based as with the IFS cadre. Most Assistants in MEA gets 3 career promotions and retires from Deputy Director level or at max Director Level.

Current strength of entire IFS cadre is 600 posts, so the chances of SO to US takes a lot of time as only a fraction of IFS cadre posts are filled by promotions as compared to direct recruitment via UPSC(8-12 IFS posts through UPSC each year).

Assistant starts from Grade-IV, progresses to Grade III and Grade II before being promoted to Grade I

Transfers and Postings

Assistant in MEA is not strictly a Delhi only job. On need basis, you can be posted to Regional Passport Offices, but usually there is shortage of staff in Delhi, so it happens only on requirement basis. You need to have really strong political approach to shift to Regional Passport Office on your own convenience (for home state posting etc.).
For foreign posting, you have to choose 5-10 destinations from the list of 60 destinations provided to you by the ministry. However, it would be the ministry who would decide which place to allot to you. You can deny the allotted foreign destination but then such denials don’t go well with your seniors as it causes hassles in the effective functioning. Besides, what’s the point in joining MEA and then denying a foreign posting to live in India the entire life.

And yes, you get to live in a 5 star accommodation in case your stay arrangement by ministry gets delayed. All this at the expense of government.

Perks and Privileges

In India, all the perks are same as to that of any other Govt. servant in 4600 gp. The govt accommodation can be availed at MEA flats in Chanakyapuri and Dwarka. Since most MEA employees goes for a foreign posting every 3 years, the flats are not blocked/occupied for long. However, with every posting you need to shift your entire set up with you.

In foreign postings, you get the best facilities and amenities. You are entitled to get treated in the best hospital in that location, your children go to best American/British International Schools (having fee more that of your entire monthly salary in foreign posting). Fully furnished accommodation is provided which is better than the Govt accommodation provided to any Grp. A service (IAS/IPS/IRS) official in India.
Previously, Assistant’s economy class air tickets used to be upgraded to 1^st class free of cost. But, due to govt. austerity measures, now Assistant in MEA is allowed free travel by economy class to the foreign location. Also, an Assistant is allotted entire cargo container for goods, so you can take along your car and other requirements easily.

Money

While posted in India, it would be the same as that of any 4600 gp employee posted in Delhi.

However, while posted abroad, you will get salary in dollars. But, don’t get too excited too soon, the foreign package would be just enough to live an average life there. The foreign salary is calculated on many parameters like cost of living, price index, currency exchange rate etc.
There are no chances of under table money. A few foolish greedy guys tried to make some and here is what happened to them

Cons

• Promotions are slow after reaching SO. First, because only 8-15 Under Secretary are needed every year. Secondly, all the Stenographer cadre and Cypher cadre are merged with Assistant cadre for promotion(Reference 1)


• You have to work out of different work environments and usually face a lot of communication problems


• Many assistants (esp. their families) faces insecurities when posted in non-english speaking nation or when posted in hostile location. Look at the list of India’s Missions and see how many country names you know.(Reference 2) You would also be needed to know the foreign nation’s language in order to survive in daily life tasks.


• The Indian food esp spices, vegetables etc are a difficult things to procure, so be ready to change your eating habits(esp. for vegetarians)


• You social life reduces drastically; especially living far from friends and relatives. You miss marriages, birthdays etc of your near and dear ones


• You miss all the festivals (you cannot celebrate Holi in minus 8 degrees in Pennsylvania)


• You are under a lot of pressure from the seniors, since they are IFS officers from UPSC (the best brains in UPSC comes to IFS), they have a lot of pressure and tactics over you. Also, ministers can make you suffer if you don’t oblige to their orders.

 

• While you get all the facilities on foreign postings, the working condition way back in India are not appreciable. Here is an excerpt from a recent news article


• An assistant cannot accept and keep even the cheapest gift received by him on international posting, even the Foreign Minister have to return all the gifts to “Toshkhana” on return to India. (Refer - Image)


• The latest measure adopted by MEA is concerning for people looking for typical “relaxed” govt. job. MEA plans to recruit from Private and Academics sector thereby bringing in the private performance oriented, result oriented and over-burdened culture. With corporate players competing with you, you will have to be on your toes all the time.

Myth Busters

Myth 1: Assistant in MEA gets the best medical facilities his family and best education for his child.

Reality: The medical facilities and education facilities largely depends on the country an Assistant is posted in. You cannot get the Singapore’s hospital facility while being posted in Nigeria. Similarly, your child cannot get a chance at Harvard if you are posted in Pakistan. No doubt, you would get the best hospital access in whichever country you are, but don’t expect first world facilities while serving in a third world country.

Myth 2: Assistant MEA is the best job to earn hefty legalized (white) money.

Reality: It is true that Assistant, MEA gets paid higher salaries but only when posted on international missions. But at the same time, let’s look at the other side of coin, the higher salary comes to help you meet higher expenses and higher standard of living. So, if you like living in the same lifestyle that any middle class Indian do, you won’t be saving anything.

However, if you plan to live like a chindichor (measly), you may save a few dollars. But that defeats your purpose of going abroad to travel the world and explore new cultures. Remember, government jobs can never get you rich as a business man. But a government job can certainly provide you with a lot of perks, respect, liberties and peace of mind.

SSCTube Gyaan

Though MEA, with its whims and fancies would attract every one of us in the first glance, there is a need for a reality check.

It looks very nice from outside the system to get foreign postings and visit various countries, discover new cultures and live in new places. But this only looks good for a few years, you won’t wish to relocate every three years of your life with the entire family. Alien locations, homesickness and foreign language trouble are bound to haunt most of us. In short, MEA post is not everyone’s cup of tea. Ask these two questions to yourself to find your answer:

1. We all love going to Leh or Mussourie as a tourist. But can you imagine living at that place with their slow/limited life style for 3 continuous years with not much contact with family and friends. Is that your idea of living your life?


2. We love visiting the scenic Kerala backwaters on a weekend tour. But think of learning the regional language and conversing n that on a daily basis for tasks for next 3 years. Can you do it?

If the answer to above two questions is Yes, then congratulations, MEA is your dream come true job.
However, for lesser mortals like most of us, why try so hard when there is a shortcut available?
The shortcut is to join CSS or any other ministry, thereby staying in Delhi and enjoying faster promotions (CSS vs MEA).  And for that once in life time urge to work as a diplomat, go to MEA on deputation for 3 years period. MEA comes up with deputation notices every now and then. Also, you get chance to visit various Nations after becoming Under Secretary (for MoUs, Trainings, as a team alongwith Minister etc).
So, make your job post preference wisely, because this is what will define the direction to next 30+ years of your life. All the best!

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Assistant Section Officer in CSS

Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in Central Secretariat Service

 

Job Code: A

Grade Pay: 4600

Salary in X city: Rs.41022 (Delhi Based Job so irrelevant to mention salary in Y,Z cities)

Assistant Section Officer in Central Secretariat Service is the most discussed post among all assistant post offered through CGL.

Note - Recent Notification by DOPT changed the age limit criteria for ASO in CSS from 27 years to 30 years and removed 3 attempts clause

Quick Preview

1. You need to qualify CPT otherwise getting even 1st rank will not make you eligible for CSS


2. Fast Joining Process after selection (within 2 months of final result)


3. Life Time Delhi Posting


4. 5 days/9AM to 6PM Job


5. Fast Promotion


6. Only for Honest


7. Clerical/File Work

Let's understand what CSS is...

The Role of CSS (As per DOPT Website)

CSS का काम क्या है ??

The ultimate objective of all Government business is to meet the citizens’ needs and to further their welfare without undue delay. 

The permanent bureaucratic set up should provide

• A delivery system for policy formulation


• Continuity in policy administration


• Monitoring & review of the implementation of policies/schemes

The CSS Officers as a part of permanent bureaucratic setup are expected to perform on all counts i.e.

• Prompt action


• Checks on delays


• Linking of all relevant material including rules,


• precedents etc. &


• Put up alternative solutions along with possible consequences and conclusions.


• Facilitate maintaining the vital link between Parliament and the Central Secretariat, especially when it comes to handling of Parliament Questions, Assurances & Government Bills.


• Work relating to cadre management of various organized services


• Work relating to financial management and preparation of the budget of various Departments of the Central Government.


• Litigation work of the Central Government (preparing reply for court cases)

Thus, apart from better skills in noting, drafting and interpretation of rules and regulations by members of CSS, the CSS members ensures continuity in the policies of the Government of India. (देश यही से चलता है)

After Joining

DOPT is the department responsible for the after recruitment process of ASO in CSS. DOPT starts process as soon as they receive list of selected aspirants. ASO's will be the first to join government service among all other post offered through CGL. ASO's will receive their joining letter within 2 months of the final result. 

ASO's are directly put in to training from day 1 of their joining. some details of their training are worth to be mention.

* In past Training of ASO's took place in ISTM (istm.gov.in) only, but for CGL 2013 ASO's training is going on at Hyderabad, Shimla and Gurgaon also. Some details about training are worth to mention

1. Training Name - Assistant Direct Recruits (Foundational) training


2. Duration - 8 Weeks


3. Hostel facility for Non - NCR residents


4. Lunch and snacks free


5. In 8 weeks of foundational training you will be taken for village tour and study tour. These tour are mostly excursion hardly any learning takes place.


6. Training schedule is hectic but hardly one needs to be active and listening to the lectures


7. In the last week of training, you have to take a exam and score of that exam will decide your seniority (75% weightage of CGL Merit, 25% of Exam Score)

 Job of Assistant Section Officer

The lowest functionary of the CSS i.e. Assistant (now Assistant Section Officer)

• Routine noting, drafting, writing letter and submission of cases (फाइल वर्क)


• Required to locate and collect other files or papers, information, data and material, if any, referred to in the receipt, or having a bearing on the issues raised therein.


• Identify and examine the issues involved in the court case and record a note.


• Assisting in the formulation and monitoring implementation of policies concerning subjects.

Promotion

Promotion in CSS is pretty fast. Reason being there is no direct recruitment at upper functionary i.e. Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary.

Current Sanctioned strength of CSS Cadre

Assistant Section officer – 6677

Section Officer – 3200+

Under Secretary – 1800+

Deputy Secretary/Director- 750+

So, the promotion of Assistant section officer to section officer (4800) takes 5 years and there is a departmental exam for that conducted by UPSC.

Section officer (4800) get promoted to Section officer (5400) after 4 years of further service.

Section Officer (5400) to Under Secretary Promotions are also fast due to large strength of Under Secretary Cadre and no direct recruitment in this cadre. So it takes minimum 4 years and maximum 6 years for SO (5400) to become US (6600)

Most, Important point here which you must note that in CSS the promotion from Section Officer (5400) to Under Secretary (6600) increases your grade pay and hence subsequent benefits associated with it. While in Inspector posts i.e. Examiner, ITI, and AEO the 3^rd promotion scenario is explained in below example:

                        ITO (GP 5400)                               to                          ACIT (GP 5400)

Pay Band 2 (9300-34800) & Grade Pay 5400 --> Pay Band 3 (15600-39100) & Grade Pay 5400

So, in terms of white money Under-secretary will be earning more than ACIT (5400) with added feature of fast promotion.

This is theoretical scenario, in practical you need to be in good books of your senior to get ACR in your favor for timely promotion.


There is a rumor going on that CSS promotion will get slow for upcoming batches. SSCtube analysis for this rumor is mention below:

• The average age of under secretary is 45 in CSS.


• 600 vacant position at Section Officer level.


• A significant attrition rate.


• Each promotion has an average period of 5 years hence large no retirement at each level is going to happen.


• So, the promotion rate will remain same until the average age of under secretary comes down below 40.

Transfers

मुझे दिल्ली से दूसरे स्टेट में तो ट्रांसफर नही किया जाएगा ??

Transfers are there in CSS but ministry to ministry, City remains same i.e. DELHI only ministry changes. However, some ministries have offices outside Delhi but very less strength allocated for those offices.

CSS Officers also go for deputation in various locations of India

Ministries where ASO's eligible for transfers.

 

Characterstics of some Ministries

MHA - Powerful

Defence - Time bound (closed at 5.30 PM, Jt. Secretary permission required to do overtime)

Commerce - Lot to Learn

Tribal - Best to try other avenues like UPSC

Money

ऊपर का कुछ है क्या?

CSS is not a revenue generation department like CBDT, CBEC, ED, etc. So, scope of money is almost zero. But, you have heard recent case of espionage in government offices. So, a money monger can always find some way to make money in any kind of situation.

बाकी कुछ लोगो के बारे मे सुना है की चिल्लड़ के लिए थोड़ा बहुत हेर फेर करते है

जैसे इन्फ्लेटेड बिल्स, फाइल पास करने के लिए चाय पानी 

Respect/Power

As Assistant Section Officer is working in ministry hence Social respect is attached with this post. However due to kind of work he is doing and large cadre strength there is no value of assistant in the offices. Even the upper functionary doesn’t enjoy any kind of respect in the office. Basic reason for this is large cadre strength at each level and powerful IAS officers lobby in the CSS offices. (बाबू वाली जॉब है)

Government Quarters

क्या मुझे सरकारी घर मिलेगा??

Central government employees eligible for government quarters. So, you are also eligible for the TYPE -III Quarters, but in current scenario the government quarter allotment has huge waiting list and a waiting period of 10 years will be minimum for newly recruited ASO's to move in to Government Quarters.
However, an unconfirmed trick SSCtube want to share is  newly recruited ASO's can apply for Type -II quarters. You can get Type - II easily on the basis of your hierarchy (Type - II is for Grade pay 1900, 2000, 2400, 2800 )

Further some important points to be mention before winding up the description of CSS post

Q - UPSC Aspirant - क्या मुझे UPSC की प्रिपरेशन का टाइम मिलेगा??

A - Depends on ministry to ministry, for e.g. you will get enough time if posted in tribal ministry but if posted in MHA then you need to do overtime

Q - क्या लड़किया होती है CSS में ??

A- Most of the girls appearing in CGL aspire for ASO Post. Hence, CSS has fair sex ratio among all other departments

Q- Is qualifying CPT is necessary to become ASO ??

A- Yes, as mentioned in starting, securing 1st rank but getting disqualified in CPT can not make you ASO

For CPT help you can visit on this link - Click Here

EXAMINER in Customs (CBEC) - In Demand post in CGL

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EXAMINER in Customs (CBEC)

Job Code: M

Grade Pay: 4600

Salary in X city: Rs.41022

Salary in Y city: Rs.37604

Salary in Z city: Rs.35890

Vacancies in 2014: 848

The most discussed and most infamous post for Under Table Money, yet the best post in promotion profile is “EXAMINER”

As explained in our previous Excise Inspector job profile, Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) have 2 branches i.e. Customs and Excise.

Examiners selected through CGL Exam works in Custom branch of CBEC

Process after Selection

After getting selected for Examiner in final result your dossiers will be sent to CBEC Head Quarters in Delhi. After receiving dossiers, CBEC dept. will ask your preferences for the cadre e.g. Mumbai Custom Zone, Chennai Custom Zone etc., so no state preference will be asked. After receiving preferences CBEC then allots Custom Zones on the basis of Merit vis-à-vis preference basis.

After allocation, your dossier shall be sent to the respective Custom Zones and then you will get a call for physical test from that respective zone.

Reminder for Physical Test – See CGL Notification (If you don’t fulfil physical standards, please then do not fill examiner in your top preferences or else you won't get any job from the CGL exam)

After being successful in physical test you will get your joining letter.

After Joining

Work Profile

Examiner is an all-time coastal job. If posted in current posting then the main duty of an Examiner is to give clearances, he has the power to access and examine goods, power to take samples, examine the cargo which needs to be imported or exported to other countries and then, levy the charges (duty) on that shipment. After examining the goods, examiner need to prepare lists, check market values of confiscated goods, loading and unloading of the goods whether generally or specifically, escorting goods from one Customs area to the other(esp in case of gold and other precious material), and any other customs work authorised to him by the Commissioner of Customs. Moreover, an examiner also need to help the officers in Auctioning of Goods.

Work Pressure/Working Environment

Work pressure in examiner depends on the posting, if you are posted in current posting i.e. on port than you might need to work extra hours and on weekends too. There is always a pressure from seniors and an honest person if become examiner feels himself uncomfortable in the deep rooted corrupt system.

Pay for overtime 

	6AM-8PM(Working Days)	8PM – 6AM(Working Days)	6AM-8PM(Holidays)	8PM – 6AM(Holidays)
Examiners	Rs. 75/hr	Rs. 100/hr	Rs. 105/hr	Rs. 145/hr

Working Conditions are quite good, well-built infrastructure and facilities will never let you feel that other posts have anything better to offer.

PROMOTIONS

Current sanctioned strength of examiner cadre after restructuring stands at 1595; for appraiser it is 1194 and for ACIT it is 3367.

Now, SSCtube analysis –

Appraiser is only appointed by promotion of examiner cadre as there is no direct recruitment in the cadre of appraiser. Hence, Examiner has fastest first promotion among all other offered posts of CGL.

Appraiser to Examiner Ratio – 1: 1.33

Now, the promotion to Group A, Junior Time Scale i.e. Asst Commissioner(AC) should be made on the basis of a common Seniority List of all the three feeder grades (Superintendent in Excise, Superintendent in Customs, Appraiser) 13:2:1 (Initially it was 6:1:2 but supreme court order changed it to 13:2:1)

For Instance if 16 Asst. Commissioners(ACs) are to be made through promotion from three group B feeder cadres then 13 will be promoted from Superintendent in Excise, 2 from Superintendent in customs and 1 from Appraiser.

Now, one more point needs mention before putting up the promotion aspect of Appraiser as AC. The 50% of non-reserves AC i.e. 625 are directly recruited from UPSC. Thus, only 2742 ACs should be made from promotion. Now according to ratio 2228 ACs should be made from Superintendent in Excise, 343 from superintendent in customs and 171 from appraiser.

So AC to Appraiser ratio is 1:7 means 1 Appraiser out of 7 will get promoted.

So, in current scenario promotion of Appraiser to AC get slowed drastically which can be understood from changed ratio and changed cadre strength.

Time frame of promotion in current scenario

Examiner(4600) to Appraiser(4800) – 4-5 years

Appraiser(4800) to Appraiser (5400) – 4 years

Appraiser (5400) to AC(5400) – 5-7 years

Respect/Power

Its a non uniform job (PO, Excise Insp. have uniforms). Social respect and pride is attached with this post. An examiner enjoys much power when posted in current posting i.e. on port. As mentioned in work profile this is the only post offered through CGL which provides so much authority to a Group B Non- Gazetted officer, which other posts don't have.

Transfers

In the Examiner profile, you will remain only in coastal region, so spouse ground for transfer will not work if you want non coastal transfer. Moreover, Examiner is liable to transfer anywhere in his custom zone. You may get temporary deputation(usually 1 year) to Northern India, but otherwise would stay in coastal areas only.

Money

Examiner is the most infamous post among others in terms of under table money. Hope you read the work profile of examiner above and got some idea how under table money can be made. Still SSCtube will try to explain how it is done.

Examiner has the authority to provide clearance, examine containers, cargo, assist officers in auction. So, abusing this authority will let him make under table money. The nexus is huge and everyone in the custom knows about it. So, the money flows from down to top including politicians. The below news will further clear the picture.

[quote font="verdana" font_size="14" font_style="italic" color="#474747" bgcolor="#F5F5F5" bcolor="#dd9933" arrow="yes" align="centre"]CBI arrests DC & Appraiser for taking bribe

MUMBAI. 6th June 2012.

CBI has arrested Deputy Commissioner of Customs Nhava Sheva RK Singh and Customs Appraiser Sanjay Prasad for allegedly taking bribe of Rs 22000/- for clearing container of the complainant.

The Customs officials asked the complainant to pay bribe amount to their conduits Shashikant Kokate and Rahul Devlekar  Kokate who were appointed by them as their authorised agents for collection of bribe according to CBI sources.

The residences of Customs Officers have also been searched by CBI.

A posting in Nhava Sheva is considered to be most lucrative in the Department and it is the dream of every Customs Officer (from the rank of Appraiser to Commissioner) to have a posting there. Most of the Officers give their first preference to Nhava Sheva at the time of transfers and even Ministers and Top Officers of the Department recommend their own favorites for this posting.

Nhava Sheva witnesses a movement of 5000 containers each day and if one multiplies 22000X 5000; the figure is mind boggling.

Finance Ministry needs to set its own house in order by transferring Commissioner & concerned Additional Commissioners from Nhava Sheva as they cannot claim to be a mute spectator to on-going affairs  as they have their supervisory role. Since they do not have any work related to clearance of import (as the Bills of entry are finalised at the level of Deputy Commissioner); they have enough time and resources at their disposal to keep a watch on corrupt officers.[/quote]

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All About Divisional Accountant in CAG

Divisional Accountant

Job Code - Q

Grade Pay – 4200

X Cat. Cities – 33082

Y Cat. Cities – 30028

Z Cat. Cities - 28678

Vacancies in 2014 – 400

Introduction

This is a post which comes under Comptroller and Auditor General of India i.e. C&AG: “An autonomous institution established under the constitution of India”. Till CGL 13 it was the most unknown post (potential wise) and not preferred by most of the candidates. In SSC CGL 13, C&AG recruited 852 divisional accountants, this was a mass recruitment of divisional accountant done by SSC on behalf of C&AG when compared to the past few years.

So, after allotment of DA post to 852 candidates in CGL 13, this increased the curiosity among the candidates who got appointed as a DA and they started enquiring about this post. On the basis of inputs provided by on job DAs, SSCtube hereby analyze and presents each and every aspect of this post.

Process after Selection

C&AG head office will ask for state preferences, personal information and attestation form. Once the deadline gets over, they will allot state according to your merit vis-à-vis preferences provided by you.

Getting a home state in DA is like winning a lottery. As all the seniors working in DA cadre recommends that new recruits must prefer their home state to join as DA. Reason for this recommendation is simple; working in home state will make you comfortable to work with the state government employees (where you natively reside, hence a stronger local connection) while in other state you might be treated with parity. Moreover, other factors like commuting to your hometown and life time same posting i.e. home state also favors this recommendation.

Once state allotment is finalized, your dossiers shall be sent to respective state AG offices. They will issue the appointment letters. With appointment letter you will be asked to give preferences for the cities you like to be posted in, options you can opt might be 3, 4 or 5 depending on state to state basis. After receiving your preference, state AG Office shall allot you the cities and specific division in that city, most of the candidates can get their first or second preferred city. You will work under a senior DA or DAO for 6 month from the date of joining. He may or may not be interested in mentoring you to learn the intricacies of the job. During this time period, it’s entirely up to you whether you attend office or skip it. No one will say anything to you because your absence will help them to carry on their usual activities (including corruption, job bunks) smoothly.

Training

After 6 months of work in the division, state AG office will call you for training. The training lasts for 10 months and in this period you will stay in the city where state’s AG office is located. You have to make all the staying arrangements yourself. No extra allowances will be provided for the said training period. After completion of training, there will be Divisional Accountant Grade Examination (DAGE) which is conducted twice every year. Your get confirmed if you pass this exam, in case you fail (very rare chance) your probation shall continue till you clear (within 6 given attempts). Just after passing this exam you will be allotted a light division charge but in current staff crunch scenario, a single DA is handling the charge of 2 or more divisions, so scope of under the table money increases many folds.

Note 1 – Unlike CSS, in Divisional Account Cadre your seniority is not decided by the date on which C&AG stated the no. of vacancies to SSC(Assistant CSS of CGL13 shall get seniority from the date of advt. of CGL13). Your seniority will depend on your confirmation after passing the DAG Exam. For e.g. if you get failed in DAGE but your junior clears it before you, then he will be your senior forever. However, you will get 6 attempts to clear this exam which is pretty easy to clear.

Note 2 – This is a very important point, which shall decide your entire career graph. DAGE exam consist a compulsory paper of regional language like Gujarat state will have Guajarati language paper, Maharashtra will have Marathi and so on. So you must give your state preferences judiciously. If you are sure enough to pass the regional language exam then chose different states whose regional language is not Hindi.

JOB Profile

1. How C&AG defines DA profile - The Divisional accountants are constituted in a separate cadre with its own leave and training reserve under the administrative control of the accountant General. This cadre is intended to provide trained Accountants for public works divisions (PWD), irrigation divisions, public health and engineering divisions, or other independent executive charge. These divisions are headed by Executive Engineers who are on state government payroll.

2. How DA defines their profile – They (Divisional Accountants) are the central government employees but works in the state government office coordinating with the state government officials. The Divisional accountant cadre i.e. state once allotted cannot be changed except for mutual transfers that too only in probation. The DA cadre is controlled by State Accountant general Office, their promotion and transfers are under the jurisdiction of state AG Office.

 Divisional Accountant is amongst the most relaxed jobs in all other job profiles offered under SSC CGL. We all know how unprofessionally the PWD, irrigation division or public health and engineering departments (which are under state government) works, almost every division works unprofessionally for e.g. no attendance, passing deadlines and no direct accountability to central government. So, you can very well understand that a Divisional Accountant posted in these divisions also works in the same unprofessional manner.

Divisional Accountant is the central employee and working in the state owned office and his controlling authority is situated either in state capital or some other city of that state. So, indirectly Divisional Accountant is his own boss. Salary of Divisional Accountant comes from state treasury, so you have to be vigilant/aware enough to claim all allowances applicable to central government employees.

Work of Divisional Accountant in the Division

The nature of duty of divisional accountant in the state government divisions is to act as a financial advisor to the Executive Engineers of that division and pass/object bills put up by the executive engineer. He is the sole signing authority to pass the finance bills of the division. So, the duties performed by the divisional accountant is not an uphill task, basic knowledge of the rules and regulation compiled from the training period will let you perform your work smoothly. Moreover, you will be allotted a cabin to perform your duties. There will be a head clerk and 3-4 more subordinates who will be assisting you on the basis of work load and size of division.

Power/Respect

Before rating DA in terms of power, we must divide power in 2 types

1. Social Power/Respect/Status – ZERO


2. Power/Respect/Status in Office – In his own office DA enjoys so much power which is not enjoyed in most other CGL jobs. But, over the period of time, as stated before, a DA’s work will remain same even after promotions and hence the power level will also remain the same. This is in stark contrast from other posts offered through CGL where the power level/authority increases after every promotion.

Money Matters???

[icon type="vector" icon="momizat-icon-arrow-down" align="center" size="32" hover_animation="border_increase" ]

If your appetite for earning money isn’t fulfilled by the stipulated salary, then Divisional accountant post offers you enough opportunities to earn. The divisions stated above have their budget for the year and that can start from lakhs to hundreds of crores. For passing every bill you are entitled for 0.25 to 1% of commission (for bill amount is higher than 5 lakhs), in case of lower amount bills, the percentage increases accordingly.

NOTE – There are certain dead divisions also where the allocated budget is Rs. 0 (Don’t Worry See Training section for this)

Transfers

All DA are entitled to transfer in every 3 year period but within the state. Preferences will be asked by the AG’s Office and if the division is vacant i.e. no DA is available in the division then you will be allotted that division. No one from state government or any local politician can influence your transfer before 3 years.

Work Pressure and Working Conditions

[caption id="attachment_4768" align="aligncenter" width="300"] DA Office will like this Typical Sarkari Office[/caption]

This is the post which have least work pressure as compared to other interview post in CGL. No Boss, having signing authority and sub ordinates to assist you. Regarding working conditions, this post will not give you a high quality working environment as in other Interview post of CGL. You have to work in state owned divisions which may or may not located in good city of that state. Infrastructure wise, most divisions are far backward and will remind you of a true sarkari office feeling like RTO offices of a city. Some of the divisions might be located in undeveloped sectors of that state, thus, facilities like good house, light, water, sanity will come under luxury for that area. But, one must remember that the under the table income is directly proportional to the scope of development in the area under that division. The more undeveloped the division, more are the projects and funds allocated for that division’s development.

Promotion

Promotion in divisional accountant are average neither too fast nor too slow. The hierarchy pyramid of DA cadre is shown below

Hence, from above pyramid it is quite clear that DA will get only 3 promotion in whole service. Moreover, Promotions are quite slow once you start reaching top of pyramid and also varies from state to state.

But to overcome this negative aspect of this post, a DA can give SAS exam after completion of 2 years of service. Clearing SAS exam directly promote him/her to 4800 GP and he can join C&AG as AAO (Assistant Audit Officer).

 

Everything about Income Tax Inspector (4600 GP)

INCOME TAX INSPECTOR (ITI)

Job Code: J

Grade Pay: 4600

Salary in X city: Rs.42000          

Salary in Y city: Rs.38000

Salary in Z city: Rs.36000

Vacancies in 2014: 410

Job Description

As soon as you join the Office as an Income Tax Inspector, you will be greatly respected by general public, relatives, friends and even unknown people you meet for the first time. ITI is post with strongest social influence, eg. You can show your card to Police and can get away with pity offences like red light jumping, talking on phone while driving etc.

Coming to the position inside your office; for the starting 3-4 years you shall most probably be allotted clerical work. But that is a phase where you learn a lot about your job function so you must make full use of that. This learning while on job shall help you in your life long career in the IT department. Fresh it is don’t get much respect in the department until they get promoted to ITO. And same applies to the extra money opportunities.

Most people who think that from the day of becoming ITI, they shall be feared/respected everywhere and can earn under the table, these people start complaining as soon as they join the Office.  However, after getting promoted to ITO there would be a drastic change in your overall life. You shall be allotted your own cabin, would have staff directly reporting to you, and you will have complete jurisdiction in an assigned area. You will become a Gazetted officer under Pay grade 4800. Normally it takes 5-7 years to become ITO depending on your zone.  After that, another 10-12 years to Assistant Commissioner of Income tax .Then in every 4-5 years you will get a promotion. One can go up to the level of Additional Commissioner if he/she joins at an early age.

Infrastructure and Technology wise, IT department is considered best amongst all the govt. departments. Workload varies from zone to zone but overall the workload is directly proportional to your appetite to earn. You can even manage to get time to prepare for other exams (like State PSC, UPSC). IT offices are mostly in urban or semi urban areas, so location wise also it’s a good choice.

Overall it’s not a very adventurous job as depicted. Even when you go on raids, mostly you raid on businessmen, govt. employees or politicians who can’t harm you in any way as they fear the IT sleuths themselves.

So overall it’s a balanced job. You get power, money, fame, time for family and good infrastructure but you won’t get anything in excess. Also you shouldn’t expect all these things before becoming an ITO. So people who have patience and can learn for first few years can opt for this profile but those who wants instant money and power from the first year itself should avoid opting for ITI post.

You are eligible for petrol reimbursements, free SIM card (with data) and govt. accommodation. Income tax department has many Income Tax colonies in most cities with flat system for accommodation of its staff. Additionally, you get a fixed amount from the department when you go with the raiding teams. Please note the large scale raids can extend for 24-48 hours during which you cannot leave the raid spot and have to compile all the findings before going home. However, in lieu of that time, you are granted a substitute off day.

Being an ITI you can get assessment or non assessment work profile. When you are posted in non assessment profile, you do the clerical work of handling the files while on assessment assignments you can accompany Raid teams. Also, PAN card department is also a sub-branch of IT department which comes under non-assessment posting.

 

Here are reviews of people already working as an ITI (we are posting them without editing):

• Income Tax Inspector 1

”Personally I feel if have to stay and work in India then ITI is much respected and powerful post for the outside world though you may not encounter such treatment within the department. One can get to ITO in around 7 yrs. time, from ITO post, the actual power starts, and he/she is the controlling officer of a complete ward. So, any case that comes there, he/she has the authority to deal those cases. AC promotion in around 13-14yrs which heads an entire circle, so dealing with bigger cases independently, and public interface is there in this job. A job with public interface have more value since you get to build contacts with all segments of the society. You get the chance to go on raids as well. So, if u want something relatively respectful and authority then choose ITI. Within 7yrs ITO, in next 6-7yrs Asst. Commissioner, then in next 4 yrs. Deputy Commissioner, then next 4 Joint Commissioner, then Addl. Commissioner. One can get promoted to Addl. commissioner if get into ITI job at a young age. If u want to prepare for civils then again it’s quite good, not much work if u don’t wish to do. Demerits of ITI - you may feel in starting there is no such value of inspector in the dept. But let’s be realistic, you can’t compare IT inspector with police inspector.”

 

• Income Tax Inspector 2

”Power and influence of ITI is more in smaller area and lesser in places like Delhi. In the eyes of general public you would get respect, as they wouldn't know what goes inside the IT dept. Police guys would respect you. Overall, a respectable job and one in which you are supposed to be powerful. But then you can only act as per the law and your jurisdiction, your profile and place/area you are posted to. So in all after getting your posting, you would only know what your power is. Which is always debatable until you become ITO. As inspector is the only one who doesn't needs to sign anywhere and is practically unaccountable hence no realistic power in work as an ITI. In general the power is on decline over the years as things becoming more transparent and people becoming more aware. Thus, ITI is not as powerful a post as it was 10-15 years ago, but it is still the best among all the posts available”

 

• Income Tax Inspector 3

One guy after working as ITI said he wants to go back to Excise (He left Excise inspector and joined ITI after working for 1.5yrs in Excise dept.) from ITI as in excise from day one. An Excise Inspector gets the signing authority. Signing authority means more respect, more power and more opportunities to earn. But yes, then there are promotion issues in Excise as per him.

Everything about Central Excise Inspector(4600 GP)

CENTRAL EXCISE INSPECTOR

Job Code: K

Grade Pay: 4600

Salary in X city: Rs.41022          

Salary in Y city: Rs.37604

Salary in Z city: Rs.35890

Vacancies in 2014: 4298

Job Description

Excise Inspector in Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is one of the preferable post among all in SSC CGL.

Let’s start with CBEC dept., Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) is a part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. It deals with the tasks of formulation of policy concerning levy and collection of Customs & Central Excise duties and Service Tax, prevention of smuggling and administration of matters relating to Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax and Narcotics to the extent under CBEC's purview. The Board is the administrative authority for its subordinate organizations, including Custom Houses, Central Excise and Service Tax Commissionerates and the Central Revenues Control Laboratory.

Why Excise and customs are separated and why CBEC recruits 3 different posts in 4600 GP i.e. Examiner, Preventive Officer and Excise Inspector.  Basically Customs deals with import & export of goods through ports or airports while excise deals with the goods manufactured and sold in India or service providers in India.

 

Process after Selection

\After getting selected for Excise Inspector in final result your dossiers will be sent to CBEC Head Quarters in Delhi. After receiving dossiers CBEC dept. will ask preferences for the cadre e.g. Delhi CX Zone, Chandigarh CX Zone etc., so no state preference will be asked. A particular cadre may serve one or more state like Rohtak and Panchkula comes under Delhi CX Zone. After receiving preferences CBEC allot CX Zones on the basis of Merit vis-à-vis preference basis.

After allocation your dossier will be sent to the respective Excise Zones and then you will get call for physical test from that respective zone.

Reminder for Physical Test – See CGL Notification (If you don’t fulfil physical standards then do not fill excise inspector in your top preferences)

After being successful in physical test you will get your joining letter.

 

After Joining

 Work profile – Initially it was mentioned that custom and excise is separate branches of CBEC, but in most of the state these branches are under single Commissionerates or Zone for e.g. Chandigarh CX Zone have custom dept. also. So, an excise inspector in Chandigarh may get custom profile and if on filed job can be posted at Chandigarh airport. An Excise Inspector in custom profile will do similar work as done by preventive Officer. But the designation, seniority, promotion will be according to the rules of excise branch.

Further, if not in custom profile, you will be posted either in Excise dept. or service Tax dept.

The jurisdiction of the Central Excise Commissionerates has been divided into Divisions. The area of a Division depends upon the density of the industry, complexities of the commodities being dealt by the Division and quantum of revenue receipts. Each Division is headed by a Deputy Commissioner/Assistant Commissioner and assisted by four to six Superintendents and about eight to ten inspectors in the Divisional office besides the ministerial staff and an administrative officer. Each division is placed under the supervisory control of an Additional Commissioner/Joint Commissioner. [Clerical/File Work Profile]

The jurisdictional area of a Division is again divided into Ranges. Each range is headed by a Superintendent designated as 'Range Officer'. Each Range officer has two to four inspectors in his charge. Each inspector is in charge of a certain number of units, which varies from Range to Range. The jurisdiction of an inspector is called 'Sector'. [Field Profile]

The Central Excise returns or Service Tax returns filed by the assesse after self-assessment are checked by the Inspector and put up to the Superintendent. For any dispute arising out of assessment, a notice to the assesse is issued by the Assistant/Deputy Commissioner of the division or officers senior to him depending on the monetary limit involved.

Audit of the Service Tax assesses is being conducted as per norms prescribed by the Department.  A service tax audit cell is functioning headed by the Joint/Addl. Commissioner under the overall supervision of the Commissioner.  The audit of all units is being conducted by a team of officers comprising of Superintendents and Inspectors.

Preventive section in Excise is to prevent and stop the evasion activities of the assesse including in duty evasion by collecting intelligence or information. The branch is headed by Assistant/Dy. Commissioner who is assisted by sufficient number of Superintendents and Inspectors and is answerable to Commissioner.

 Training - Induction training of Excise Inspectors is scheduled in batches and in Regional Centre of National Academy of Customs, Excise & Narcotics (NACEN).

http://www.nacen.gov.in/

 

Some training Snaps

 

Excise Inspector in Training – Gun will be provided once you get posted in range

 

Work Pressure/Working Environment

 

Excise Offices are not so good in terms of infrastructure when compared to offices of CBDT (Income Tax). Moreover, most of the work in CBEC is still need to be done manually. Offices of Excise department divided in to Commissionerates HQ, Division Office & Range Offices. Range offices may located in Tier 3 cities also.

Work Pressure in Excise Inspector post depends on your seat, if its clerical/file work then you will get enough time for your personal life or other ventures. But in field or range Excise Inspector need to work overtime, on weekends. Workload of Excise Inspector in Range increases when date of filing returns gets over for assesses. There are cases of immense pressures from bosses which is quite understandable through the pictures shown below.

        

 

 

Promotions

 Excise Inspector àSuperintendent (Group-B Gazetted)àAssistant Commissioner à Deputy Commissioner àJoint Commissioner àAddl. Commissioner àCommissioner.

Promotion aspects in excise before cadre restructuring was worst among other offered posts in CGL. Before cadre restructuring, Excise Inspectors are forced to retire at a PB2 post after only one promotion in the service career while their common entry counterparts are easily enjoying PB4 levels after getting 5-6 promotions. Excise Inspectors are getting promotion (if any) merely to Junior Time Scale while their counterparts of CPWD, CSS etc. to Senior Time Scale. Excise Inspectors are also forced to work under the extreme juniors of Customs belonging to the same cadre. So, before cadre restructuring an Excise Inspector take 18-25 years to get promoted to superintendent.

Scenario after Cadre Restructuring – Cadre restructuring created 4035 new posts of superintendents, now new allocated cadre strength of superintendent is 15526. While the new cadre strength of Excise Inspectors is 20638, hence ratio of Excise Inspectors to superintendents is 1.32, initially it was 1.54, so promotion aspects improved somewhat. Recently, a large number of excise inspectors (having more than 3 years of service) promoted to superintendents and 2000+ superintendents promoted to AC.

 

Respect/Power

Being a Uniform job social respect and pride is attached with this post. However, Uniform (khaki) is optional to wear. In social circle other than your department you will be able to show your power/status for e.g. getting liquor bottle free, garments free.

 While in department an Excise Inspector has limitations to use his power for e.g. being in clerical profile he have to do file work which is not adventurous and no use of power, however in field profile an Excise Inspector directly interacts with assesse and he is the in charge of a certain number of units, which varies from Range to Range. The jurisdiction of an inspector is called 'Sector'.

 An Excise Inspector in field enjoys much power than Income Tax Inspector.

 

Excise Inspector position after GST

GST is “Goods and Service Tax”. It is the new single layer tax structure of indirect taxes levied by Central & State Govt. replacing multi layered existing tax structure.

After implementation of GST the Central Excise Inspectors will be coordinated by state Excise departments. The local shops, businesses will also come under central excise department and hence increase in power of excise inspector is expected. Promotion scenario will also get improved.

 

Transfers

Except regular transfers, there are ICT i.e. inter Commissionerates Transfer or Transfer on Spouse ground.

ICT – An Excise Inspector eligible for ICT after 2 years of service, in this case he can put up an application requesting his transfer to other CX Zone but if transferred then he has to lose his seniority.

Spouse Ground- If your spouse is working in central government and both of you are not posted at the same location then you can put up an application for transfer to your spouse location or nearby CX Zone.

 

Money

Scope to earn apart from your official salary is much higher in Excise department as compared to CBDT. Excise department is still following manual procedures and direct interaction with manufacturers or service providers widens the scope to earn extra. Being posted in custom profile you can earn same amount of under table money as earned by preventive Officers.

Moreover, Excise Inspectors has nexus with Charted Accountants, so they know the tax evaders and hence monthly amount to excise dept. is fixed from these tax evaders.

Some Examples – Gujarat is infamous for excise post, huge scope to earn due to lot of industries and custom branch is also under excise dept.

Kundli Border near Delhi is also infamous for excise post. To get posting at Kundli border excise inspectors have to shell out money to transfers section.

 

• Real Experience of X- Excise Inspector

One guy after working as ITI said he wants to go back to Excise (He left Excise inspector and joined ITI after working for 1.5yrs in Excise dept.) from ITI as in excise from day one. An Excise Inspector gets the signing authority. Signing authority means more respect, more power and more opportunities to earn. But yes, then there are promotion issues in Excise as per him.

 

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