Indian Foreign Service: Notification Eligibility Qualification Age Attempts Syllabus Salary

Can you provide me the details for Officer Post under Indian Foreign Service (IFS) under UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)?

[Neelu Bhasin]

The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is the administrative diplomatic civil service under Group A and Group B of the Central Civil Services of the executive branch of the Government of India. It is a Central Civil service as Foreign policy is the subject matter and prerogative of Union Government.


IFS Officer Eligibility

One must be one of the following:

a. Citizen of India.
b. Citizen of Nepal.
c. Citizen of Bhutan.
d. A Tibetian refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, for permanent settlement in India.
e. Migrant from any of the following countries for permanent settlement in India: Pakistan, Burma, Srilanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, The United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam.


Educational Qualification

One must hold a graduate degree from any of recognized university or must have an equivalent qualification.


Age

a. The minimum age required is 21 years.
b. The maximum age should be of 30 years.

There is relaxation in upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories:
a. Up to max 5 years for SC/ST candidates.
b. Up to max 3 years for OBC candidates.
c. Up to max 5 years for candidates from Jammu & Kashmir.
d. Up to max 5 years for Ex-servicemen including commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs who have rendered at least 5 years of Military Service and have been released.
e. Up to max 5 years for ECOs/SSCOs who have completed an initial period of assignment of 5 years of military service.
f. Up to max 10 years for Blind, deaf-mute and Orthopaedically handicapped persons.


Number of Attempts

a. 7 attempts for general category candidates.
b. No restriction for SC/ST candidates.
c. 9 attempts for other backward class candidates.


Skills Required

Good communication skills.
Decision-making ability
Leadership ability
Analytical ability
Excellent knowledge about foreign nations and current affairs


IFS Syllabus



Civil Service Exam - UPSC Procedure
UPSC Civil Services exam is conducted in 3 phases:

Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination

Main Examination (Written) for the selection of candidates for interview for a Personality Test.

Interview (Personality Test)


IFS Officer Salary

Junior IFS officers serving as “Under Secretary” will receive a salary in the range of 8000 to 14000/-

Senior IFS officers serving as “Under Secretary” will be paid anywhere between 10650 to 16000/-

Higher rank IFS officers serving as “Deputy Secretary” will receive pay between 12,750 to 17000/-

Selection grade IFS officers serving as “Counselor Director” receive pay between 15,100 to 18,500/–

A Joint Secretary can expect a salary around 18,400 to 22,500/-


One also receives a special foreign allowance that will be an addition to the basic salary. With increments in roles, the grade pay shall also increase accordingly.

One is also entitled to facilities like:
2 or 3 BHK Accommodation
Transportation
Security Guard & Household Helpers
Medical Expenses
Electricity & Water Bill
Free Phone Call
Abroad Study Options
Pension & Retirement Benefits


Roles and Responsibilities of Indian Foreign Service Officer

An IFS officer is delegated to bring on board and open discussions about various issues, both at the national and international level, and hold talks with celebrated and panel members of different bureaucracies.

One is responsible for representing India and support fellow Indians in their respective Embassies and consulates.

One promotes national interests and maintaining good and friendly relations with foreign nations.

One holds talks and facilitating the implementation of foreign policies.

One regulate peace negotiations or mutual agreements and diplomatic meetings in international arenas

One develop a good rapport with facility extension services to all Indians residing at the respective consulates of India represented by the IFS officer