Recruitment to the Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) is made through the civil service examination conducted by the UPSC. After completion of the induction training at National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM) located at New Delhi, Probationers are initially posted as Chief Executive Officers in Cantonments. The post involves carrying out executive functions of Civic Administration and Land Management. The post also carries an appointment house, suitable transport and other infrastructural support for discharge of executive duties.