Raj Kumar Arora Takes Charge as Financial Advisor (Defence Services)

On November 1, 2025, senior Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer Shri Raj Kumar Arora assumed the charge of Financial Advisor (Defence Services) — one of the most significant financial positions in India’s defence establishment.

A 1990-batch IDAS officer, Shri Arora brings over three decades of expertise in defence acquisition, budgeting, audit, financial policy, and personnel management. His extensive service record highlights his deep understanding of the financial systems that support India’s defence operations.

Career Highlights

Before taking over as FADS, Shri Arora served as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) — the head of the Defence Accounts Department responsible for auditing, accounting, and financial advice across the armed forces.

Throughout his career, he has held several high-profile positions in the Government of India, including:

• Additional Secretary, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
• Finance Manager (Air) in the Acquisition Wing of the Ministry of Defence
• Director in the Ministry of Finance
• Member (Finance) in the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board
• Integrated Financial Advisor in various Commands and field offices of the Defence Accounts Department

Significance of the Role

The Financial Advisor (Defence Services) oversees crucial financial decisions, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the budgeting, procurement, and financial planning of India’s defence sector. Shri Arora’s appointment is expected to further strengthen fiscal discipline and streamline defence expenditure management.