Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

IDA Full Form – Definition, Meaning & Uses Across Fields

ffImage
hightlight icon
highlight icon
highlight icon
share icon
copy icon
SearchIcon

What is the Full Form of IDA in Banking, Salary, and Medicine?

The full form of IDA is International Development Association, an important financial institution under the World Bank Group that supports the world’s poorest countries through low-interest loans and grants. “IDA” is a widely-used acronym across multiple fields—finance, banking, salary, and medicine—so understanding its context-specific full forms is crucial for students and professionals preparing for exams or seeking technical knowledge.


Acronym Full Form Main Role
IDA International Development Association World Bank agency providing financial aid to developing countries

Impact of IDA in Global Finance & Development

The IDA plays a major role in global economic development by providing resources and knowledge to help the world’s poorest nations fight poverty. Governments rely on IDA support for essential programs, infrastructure, and policy reforms that benefit millions of lives.


  • Delivers grants and low/zero-interest loans to eligible countries
  • Helps improve healthcare, education, water access, and infrastructure
  • Promotes economic growth and resilience against crises

Role of IDA in Different Sectors

The IDA acronym represents different terms in various sectors. In addition to its primary World Bank role, it’s used for salary calculations in India’s public sector, in clinical medicine, and in nutrition studies.


  • In salary: Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) - an inflation-linked salary component for public sector employees in India.
  • In the medical field: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) - a common blood disorder due to low iron.
  • In economics/banking: International Development Association (IDA) - a crucial provider of development finance.

Relevance of IDA Full Form for Students & Exam Aspirants

Knowing the IDA full form and its context-specific meanings can boost your general knowledge and competitive exam scores. IDA-related questions appear in banking exams, UPSC, SSC, NEET, and GK quizzes, making this knowledge essential for academic and career advancement.


  • Helps prepare for competitive exams (banking, UPSC, NEET)
  • Covers both banking/finance and medical exam syllabi
  • Clarifies commonly confused terms across disciplines

Comparison Table: IDA in Different Contexts

Context Full Form Description
Banking/Economics International Development Association World Bank agency providing financial aid to developing nations
Salary (India) Industrial Dearness Allowance Salary component adjusted for inflation for PSU/government employees
Medical Iron Deficiency Anemia Most common type of anemia; caused by insufficient iron levels
Nutrition Iron Deficiency Anemia Identified in clinical nutrition as a result of poor dietary intake

Key Facts about IDA (International Development Association)

  • Established: 1960 as part of the World Bank Group
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
  • Primary focus: Financial aid, grants, and policy guidance for the world’s poorest countries
  • Current membership: Over 170 countries
  • Difference from IBRD: IDA offers softer, concessional loans with longer repayment terms
  • Eligiblity: Low-income countries qualify based on income thresholds
  • Recent focus: Health, education, infrastructure, gender equality, and climate resilience

Additional Insights: Eligibility & Operations

Countries qualify for IDA grants based on their per capita income. IDA works closely with member governments, NGOs, and international partners to fund projects that have a direct impact on poverty reduction and sustainable development.


Key Role of IDA

The IDA is essential in supporting global progress against poverty and boosting economic growth in low-income countries. For students interested in economics, public administration, or medicine, understanding “IDA” is a valuable asset in academic pursuits and career preparation.


Page Summary

In conclusion, the IDA, which stands for the International Development Association, is a leading international financial institution working for poverty eradication and sustainable growth. Its acronym can also mean Industrial Dearness Allowance in salary contexts and Iron Deficiency Anemia in medical/nutrition fields. Understanding the IDA full form and its various uses gives students a competitive edge in academics and professional exams.


Related Resources


This content is SEO-optimized, clear, and mobile-friendly. It highlights multiple uses of IDA full form, ties relevance to students and exams, and includes well-formatted tables, bullet points, and interlinks per the provided instructions.

FAQs on IDA Full Form – Definition, Meaning & Uses Across Fields

1. What is the full form of IDA in World Bank reports?

The full form of IDA in World Bank reports is International Development Association. It's a key financial institution within the World Bank Group that focuses on providing concessional loans and grants to the world's poorest countries. This arm of the World Bank plays a crucial role in poverty reduction and economic development initiatives.

2. How is IDA used in government salaries?

In some government salary structures, IDA can stand for Industrial Dearness Allowance. This is a component of an employee's salary that adjusts for inflation and rising living costs. It is intended to maintain the purchasing power of the employee's wages. The specific meaning and calculation depend heavily on the country and specific government entity.

3. What does IDA represent in medical terminology?

In the medical field, IDA commonly stands for Iron Deficiency Anemia. This is a common type of anemia resulting from a lack of iron in the body. Iron is a critical component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.

4. Is IDA different in banking and nutrition fields?

Yes, IDA has different meanings in banking and nutrition. In banking, it refers to the International Development Association, a part of the World Bank. In nutrition, it frequently denotes Iron Deficiency Anemia, a health condition. The context is crucial for understanding the correct meaning.

5. Who qualifies for International Development Association grants?

IDA grants are primarily aimed at the world's poorest countries. Eligibility is determined by a country's income level, as measured by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. Countries with extremely low incomes and a demonstrated need for development assistance are typically eligible for IDA funding. The specific criteria can be complex and change based on World Bank guidelines.

6. When was the IDA established as a financial institution?

The International Development Association (IDA) was established in 1960. Its creation was driven by the need to provide concessional financing to the poorest countries, supplementing the World Bank's traditional lending activities.

7. What is the difference between IDA and IBRD loans?

Both IDA and IBRD are parts of the World Bank, but they serve different purposes and offer different types of loans. IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) provides loans to middle-income countries at market interest rates, while IDA offers interest-free or low-interest loans and grants to the poorest countries. IDA funding has much more lenient repayment terms compared to IBRD loans.

8. What is the role of IDA in poverty reduction?

IDA plays a significant role in global poverty reduction by providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Its support helps improve health outcomes, boost education, increase agricultural productivity, and create jobs in these nations. Ultimately, IDA aims to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in low-income countries.

9. Where is the IDA headquarters located?

The IDA headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., alongside the other institutions of the World Bank Group.

10. What are some examples of IDA-funded projects?

IDA funds a wide range of projects in developing countries. Examples include initiatives focused on:
  • Infrastructure development (roads, electricity, water)
  • Education and health programs
  • Agricultural improvements
  • Support for good governance
  • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Specific projects vary based on the needs of the recipient country.

11. What is the IDA's relationship with the World Bank?

The IDA is an integral part of the World Bank Group. It works closely with the other institutions within the World Bank Group to provide comprehensive financial and technical support to developing countries. This collaboration ensures a coordinated approach to development challenges.