Revised Transfer-Posting Policy for Senior Accounts Officers (SAOs)
Defence Accounts Department - October 29, 2025
Overview
The Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) has issued a revised and comprehensive transfer-posting policy for Senior Accounts Officers (SAOs) in the Defence Accounts Department. This circular, dated October 29, 2025, supersedes and updates the previous policy issued on January 31, 2024. The revised policy includes updated lists of Hard Stations and Tenure Stations along with modifications to the transfer eligibility criteria, particularly regarding AVL (Available List) inclusions and minimum stay requirements.
Key Policy Changes and Amendments
The most significant change in this revised policy relates to how SAOs are considered for transfer. The amended provision now allows for more flexible AVL inclusion criteria while maintaining tenure requirements at the time of actual posting.
Change 1: AVL Inclusion for Hard/Tenure Stations
Previous Rule: SAOs had to complete prescribed tenure before being included in the Available List (AVL).
Revised Rule: SAOs serving in Hard or Tenure stations can now be included in the AVL even if they have not completed the prescribed tenure at the time of AVL finalization. However, at the actual time of transfer/posting, only those officers who have completed the requisite stay at Hard/Tenure stations will be considered for posting.
Impact: This provides greater visibility for officers' transfer prospects early, while maintaining the integrity of tenure requirements for actual postings.
Change 2: Minimum Stay Requirement for Choice Stations
Standard Rule: SAOs who have not completed a minimum stay of 03 (three) years in their present station will now be considered for transfer to choice stations in the AVL only after completing 03 years in the present station.
Exception Clause: In exceptional circumstances and only on administrative exigency, transfer on AVL basis to choice stations can be considered on completion of 02 (two) years stay in the present station.
Implication: The policy maintains a 3-year minimum tenure while providing a safety valve for administrative exigencies requiring earlier transfers.
Updated Hard Stations List (Annexure-I)
The revised policy includes an updated comprehensive list of Hard Stations across India where Senior Accounts Officers are required to serve longer tenure periods. These stations are designated as "Hard" due to their remote location, challenging working conditions, or proximity to sensitive areas.
Hard Stations Categorized by Region:
- Ladakh: Durbuk, Hanle, Karu, Khumbathang, Leh, Padam, Partapur/Thoise (Tenure: 1-2 years)
- Jammu & Kashmir: Akhnoor, Awantipur, Baramula, Khundru, Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri, Srinagar, Verinag (Tenure: 2 years)
- Arunachal Pradesh: Along, Daporijo, Khirmu, Likabali, Naharlagun, Passighat, Pinegrove, Roing, Sapper, Tawang, Tenga Valley, Tezu, Ying Kiong (Tenure: 2 years)
- Northeast States: Agartala (Tripura), Aizwal (Mizoram), Dimapur (Nagaland), Kohima (Nagaland), Imphal (Manipur), Leimakhong (Manipur), Umroi (Meghalaya), Seling (Mizoram) (Tenure: 2 years)
- Other Remote Areas: Doomdooma (Assam), Bhuj (Gujarat), Naliya (Gujarat), Porbandar (Gujarat), Pachmarhi (M.P.), Paradip (Odisha), Karwar (Karnataka), Kalaikunda (W.B.), Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), Lakshadweep, Uttarakhand Hill Stations (Tenure: 2 years)
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Campbell Bay, Car Nicobar, Diglipur, Port Blair (Tenure: 1-2 years)
Complete Hard Stations with Tenure Requirements
| Station Name | State/UT | Tenure (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Agartala | Tripura | 2 |
| Aizwal | Mizoram | 2 |
| Akhnoor | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Along | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Awantipur | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Baramula | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Bhuj | Gujarat | 2 |
| Campbell Bay | A&N Islands | 1 |
| Car Nicobar | A&N Islands | 1 |
| Daporijo | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Dharchula | Uttarakhand | 2 |
| Diglipur | A&N Islands | 1 |
| Dimapur | Nagaland | 2 |
| Doomdooma | Assam | 2 |
| Durbuk | Ladakh | 1 |
| Hanle | Ladakh | 1 |
| Imphal | Manipur | 2 |
| Jagdalpur | Chhattisgarh | 2 |
| Jhakhri | Himachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Joshimath | Uttarakhand | 2 |
| Kalimpong | West Bengal | 2 |
| Kargil | Ladakh | 2 |
| Karwar | Karnataka | 2 |
| Karu | Ladakh | 2 |
| Khirmu | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Khumbathang | Ladakh | 2 |
| Khundru | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Kohima | Nagaland | 2 |
| Kupwara | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Lakshadweep | Lakshadweep | 2 |
| Lansdowne | Uttarakhand | 2 |
| Leh | Ladakh | 2 |
| Leimakhong | Manipur | 2 |
| Likabali | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Munsiyari | Uttarakhand | 2 |
| Naharlagun | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Naliya | Gujarat | 2 |
| Pachmarhi | Madhya Pradesh | 2 |
| Padam | Ladakh | 1 |
| Partapur/Thoise | Ladakh | 2 |
| Paradip | Odisha | 2 |
| Passighat | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Pinegrove | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Poonch | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Port Blair | A&N Islands | 2 |
| Porbandar | Gujarat | 2 |
| Rajouri | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Ranikhet | Uttarakhand | 2 |
| Roing | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Sapper | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Seling | Mizoram | 2 |
| Srinagar | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Tawang | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Tenga Valley | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Tezu | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
| Umroi | Meghalaya | 2 |
| Uttarkashi | Uttarakhand | 2 |
| Verinag | Jammu & Kashmir | 2 |
| Ying Kiong | Arunachal Pradesh | 2 |
Tenure Stations List (Annexure-II)
In addition to Hard Stations, the policy maintains a list of Tenure Stations where officers are required to serve a minimum fixed tenure period. These stations are typically less remote but require officers to complete their tenure commitment before seeking transfer to other locations.
| Station Name | Tenure (Years) | Station Name | Tenure (Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra | 2 | Jaisalmer | 2 |
| Barmer | 2 | Kalaikunda | 2 |
| Bengdubi | 2 | Khaprail | 2 |
| Bidar | 2 | Koraput (HAL) | 2 |
| Chilka | 2 | Lalgarh Jattan | 2 |
| Dehu Road | 2 | Manali | 2 |
| Dharamshala | 2 | Mandi | 2 |
| Fatehgarh | 2 | Nal | 2 |
| Gopalpur | 2 | Palampur | 2 |
| Halwara | 2 | Pulgaon | 2 |
| Hasimara | 2 | Saugor | 2 |
| Itarsi | 2 | Shimla | 2 |
| Jamnagar | 2 | Singharsi | 2 |
| Subathu | 2 | Wellington | 2 |
| Suratgarh | 2 | Yol | 2 |
| Talegaon | 2 | ||
| Udhampur | 2 |
Transfer Eligibility Criteria - Summary
Key Eligibility Requirements for SAOs:
Officers serving in Hard or Tenure stations can be included in AVL for transfer consideration before completing the full prescribed tenure. However, at the time of actual posting/transfer, only those officers who have completed the required tenure duration will be selected and transferred.
Officers who have completed a minimum of 3 (three) years in their present station are eligible for transfer to choice stations once they are on the AVL. This ensures officers spend adequate time in their current posting before moving.
In exceptional circumstances and only on administrative exigency, officers who have completed 2 (two) years in their present station can be considered for transfer to choice stations. Such exceptions require special administrative justification and higher authority approval.
The AVL (Available List) is finalized based on seniority and other criteria. Officers serving in Hard/Tenure stations will be included in this list even if they haven't completed tenure, making them eligible for consideration. The actual transfer only happens once tenure requirements are met.
What This Means for Defence Accounts Officers
Impact Analysis for SAOs:
- Better Planning: Officers can now see their transfer prospects earlier through AVL inclusion, even if not immediately eligible for posting
- Tenure Clarity: Clear designation of Hard (1-2 years) vs. Tenure (2 years) stations helps in career planning
- Flexibility: The 2-year exception provision allows for administrative needs while maintaining policy integrity
- Remote Areas Support: The 1-year tenure for Andaman & Nicobar Islands and select Ladakh locations recognizes extreme hardship
- Regional Coverage: Comprehensive lists ensure consistent application across all defence accounts offices nationwide
Abbreviations and Key Terms
Understanding the Policy Terminology:
Important Points to Remember
- All other provisions of the original Transfer Policy dated 31.01.2024 remain unchanged
- Hard Stations require 1-2 years tenure; Tenure Stations require 2 years minimum
- The 3-year minimum for choice stations ensures career stability
- AVL inclusion is now more flexible, but actual posting depends on completed tenure
- Administrative exigency exceptions are rare and require higher authority approval
- This policy applies specifically to Defence Accounts Department SAOs
- All PCsDA, CSDA, PIFAs, and IFAs offices have been notified for implementation
Communication and Implementation
Officers should contact their respective CGDA office for any clarifications regarding their individual transfer eligibility and status.
Download Official Circular
Access the complete official circular from CGDA website
Download PDF CircularSource: Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Document Reference: AN/II/2153/Transfer Policy/SAO/2024
Issue Date: October 29, 2025
Authority: Sr. ACGDA (Admin) - Vinit Parashar, CGDA HQ, Delhi Cantt.
Contact: hqan2.cgda@gov.in | Phone: 011-2566702 | Fax: 25674806
Official Website: cgda.nic.in
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