Indian Foreign Service

Aimed at a career as an Indian Foreign Services Officer? The Union Public Service Commission, the apex government recruitment agency conducts Indian Forest Service (IFS) exams to make your dream true. As part of the top positions of the Civil Services in India, IFS stands for the diplomatic and administrative division under the Group A services in UPSC.

Let this blog give you a detailed outlook on the IFS exam, the duties of the officer, the pay scale and other perks and benefits.

Indian Foreign Service – IFS

For those with a passion for serving the nation on an international platform, IFS is an ideal choice. This post is a unique and challenging role and the chosen candidates can grab their exclusive opportunity to stand for India on the global platform. This Indian Foreign Service is a privileged post with immense value in the public sector.

These IFS officers are considered diplomats, representing the nation. Just similar to the other prestigious posts such as IAS and IPS, IFS is also a highly-valued civil service in India. As an IFS officer, the candidate can enjoy monetary benefits as well as a greater & proud lifestyle.

Becoming an IFS Officer – Your pathway

Let us look into the detailed steps of becoming an Indian Foreign Service Officer.

  1. Apply for the UPSC exam

Visit the official of the UPSC. Review the eligibility and apply online.

  1. Appear in Preliminary Exam

Make your entry into the initial stage i.e. Preliminary Exam and clear it

  1. Clear the Mains Exam

Once you clear the Preliminary Exam, then you have to clear Mains Exam

  1. Interview

It is the last stage of becoming an IFS officer after you have cleared the UPSC Mains exam.

  1. Training period

After being shortlisted in the interview round, the candidates are allotted the Indian Foreign Service will undergo a 3-month training period at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie.

IFS Officer Age Limit

So, who can become an IFS officer? Let us check with some eligibility criteria required for that.

To become an IFS officer, the age limit set out is a minimum of 21 years and the maximum age limit of the person is 32 years (as of August of the exam year).

IFS Age Relaxation – Category-wise

 

CategoryAge Relaxation
SC/ST5 years
OBC3 years
Ex-servicemen5 years
PwBD10 Years

 

Educational Qualification

The aspirants of the IFS exam should have the following:

  • a bachelor’s degree obtained from a government-recognized university or any equivalent qualification
  • Students in their final year awaiting results are also qualified to apply for the IFS prelims exam.

 Number of Attempts

CategoryMaximum Age Limit for IFSNumber of Attempts Allowed
General Category326
EWS329
SC/ST37Unlimited ( up to
OBC359

 

Skills required to become an IFS officer

  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Diplomacy
  • Analytical capabilities
  • Decision-making skills
  • Other-culture sensitivity
  • Ability to accommodate various cultures and environments
  • Leadership

Roles and responsibilities

  • Responsible to stand for the interests of the nation and promote the foreign policy objectives of India in other countries
  • Should be engaged in diplomatic negotiations, international conferences, and bilateral and multilateral meetings that would encourage positive bonding with other countries.
  • Have their major part in establishing and executing the foreign policy of India
  • Precise reporting on the developments in the country (where they are posted) that would probably impact India
  • Promote Indian culture, traditions and art in the country of posting
  • During crisis scenarios such as natural disasters or conflicts, which may affect Indian Citizens abroad, IFS officers have to collaborate and arrange for safety evacuation measures
  • The IFS officer is committed to all aspects of external affairs including policy manning,  bilateral political and economic work, legal matters, protocols, multilateral organizations, regional groupings, consular affairs, Indian diaspora, disarmament, press and publicity, administration, and more.
  • Plays a major role in organising and administering state visits of foreign dignitaries and works in collaboration with Indian government officials while they visit other countries.
  • Serves as a cultural ambassador, and is responsible for promoting cross-cultural understanding and relationships between India and other nations.

Salary structure of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer

 

Grade

 

Rank

 

Basic IFS Salary per Month

 

Grade Pay

 

Junior Time Scale

 

Under Secretary

 

 

₹8000

 

₹5400

Senior Time ScaleUnder Secretary₹10700₹6600
Junior Administrative ScaleDeputy Secretary₹12750₹7600
Selection GradeCounselor Director₹15100₹8700
Senior Administrative ScaleJoint Secretary₹18400₹10000
High Commissioner / AmbassadorForeign Secretary₹26000 (Fixed)Nil

Benefits after the 7th Pay Commission

Along with an attractive pay scale, IFS officers also obtain various perks and allowances.

Dearness Allowance (DA)

An allowance that enables officers to adapt to increased cost of living

House Rent Allowance (HRA)

If the IFS officers are not given official accommodation, they are eligible to get an HRA that covers their rental expenses.

Special Foreign Allowance

Officers posted abroad will get this allowance, and this can vary based on the purchasing power parity of the posting allotted country

Transport Allowance

Covers the commutation expenses

Foreign Language Allowance

Officers skilled in foreign languages can get an additional allowance to improve their language skills.

Study Leave

To pursue higher education

Leave Travel Concession (LTC)

Entitled to travel to their hometown or any destination within India

Medical Benefits

Includes medical coverage and insurance

Conclusion

If you are interested in this highly rewarding Indian Foreign Service officer, you should study well, appear and clear the UPSC Civil Service exam. Good luck to the aspirants!

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