Air Vice Marshal Chotey Lal Gupta was commissioned in the Accounts Branch of Indian Air Force in 1955. Throughout his service, he has distinguished himself in all the Staff appointments held at Stations, Commands and Air Headquarters.

Because of his wide experience in the field of finance he was appointed as Joint Director Accounts in 1980 and was subsequently elevated as Director of Accounts on promotion to the rank of Air Commodore. For nearly a decade he has been virtually the moving spirit behind all important Accounting policies. This has improved the Accounting services in IAF to an exceptionally high standard. For having displayed rare qualities in the field of financial management and planning and co-ordination, he was appointed as Director Financial Planning in 1984, when the Air Force five year plan for 1985-90 was under preparation. Judicious assessment of resources, critical analysis of various projections and close interaction by him with different Branches and Directorates enabled Air Headquarters to present a sound and logical Plan document.

The Revenue Budget of IAF was fully utilised largely because of efforts in constantly monitoring expenditure. New techniques and methodology have also been developed by him to enable critical and effective scrutiny of HAL financial proposals which have paid rich dividends in the form of substantial savings to the Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Chotey Lal Gupta has rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.