Indian Foreign Service (IFS) 2024, Complete Details, Positions, Recruitment Procedure, Exam Schedule, and Salary
Many candidates for the UPSC Exam aspire to join the coveted Indian Foreign Service (IFS), which is highly sought after. An IFS officer is a key figure in representing India internationally, participating in a number of international gatherings, and managing India’s trade, diplomatic, and cultural activities abroad.
The Indian Foreign Service qualifying requirements are the same as those of other civil services. These qualifying requirements will be thoroughly examined in this essay.
IFS Eligibility Standards
The following factors determine if a person is eligible for IFS:
1. Origin
2. Maximum Age
3. Qualification for Education
Nationality:
1. The applicant must be an Indian citizen;
2. The applicant must be a subject of Nepal;
3. The applicant must be a subject of Bhutan;
4. The applicant must be a Tibetan refugee who arrived in India prior to January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling there permanently;
5. The applicant must be a person of Indian origin (PIO) who immigrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka; East African countries: Kenya, Uganda; United Republic of Tanzania; Zambia, Malawi; Ethiopia; Zaire, Vietnam, etc. – Candidates falling under categories (2), (3), (4), and (5) are required to present an eligibility certificate from the Indian government. The exam can be taken prior to the certificate being given, but the position offer won’t be extended until the certificate is received.
-Note: Applicants are not eligible for appointment to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) under categories (2), (3), or (4).
Age Requirement
As of August 1, 2022, candidates must be at least 21 years old and no older than 32. This suggests that the applicant’s birthdate must fall between August 2, 1990, and August 1, 2001.
– Take note: The age restriction is predicated on the UPSC notice from 2022. This article will be updated to reflect any modifications to the UPSC notice for 2023.
Additionally, the UPSC offers age relaxation to applicants who fall within the following categories:
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation | Number of Attempts |
| General | 32 | 6 |
| OBC | 35 | 9 |
| SC/ST | 37 | Unlimited (Up to age limit) |
| Disabled Defence Services Personnel | 35 | 9 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 37 | 9 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability – EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 42 | 9 |
Qualification for Education
The following qualifications for education are listed in accordance with the IFS qualifying criteria:
– The applicant must be in possession of an equivalent qualification or hold a degree from a university recognized by the government.
– Candidates may also take the UPSC preliminary examination if they are in their final year or are awaiting their results. When submitting an application for the main exam, these candidates need to show that they passed the test.
– Applicants having technical and professional credentials that the government recognizes as being on par with degrees in certain fields.
Indian Foreign Service 2024 (IFS) – Roles & Responsibilities
1. Representing India at its Permanent Missions to Multilateral Organizations such as the United Nations Organization and its Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, and in Foreign Countries
2. In the nation where they are deputated, IFS officers are required to protect Indian interests and matters.
3. Must establish friendly ties with all parties involved in the nation where they are posted.
4. Any events that occur in the delegation nation that are likely to have an impact on Indian policy must be reported.
5. Effectively deal with the relevant authorities in the posting country on a variety of significant issues.
6. Grant Indian and foreign nationals access to consulates.
7. All issues pertaining to India’s international relations fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Two divisions exist. The territorial divide is one of them; it deals with bilateral, political, and economic issues with the relevant nations. The functional division is the second division that deals with a wide range of problems related to policy matters, press, publicity, multilateral organizations, disarmament, and many other areas.
Indian Foreign Service (IFS) – Career Prospects
The below table gives the promotion chain in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
| At an Indian Mission Abroad | 1. Third Secretary (Language Trainee) 2. Second Secretary 3. First Secretary 4. Counsellor 5. Minister 6. Ambassador |
| At MEA Headquarters, India | 1. Attaché 2. Under Secretary 3. Deputy Secretary 4. Director 5. Joint Secretary 6. Additional Secretary 7. Secretary (The Highest Post under IFS is the Foreign Secretary, who serves from India). |
The Skills Needed for Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
1. Outstanding interpersonal and communication abilities
2. Capabilities for analysis
3. An understanding of and interest in international relations
4. Diplomacy
5. Ability to make decisions
6. Leadership
7. Flexibility in adjusting to various settings and customs
8. Openness to different cultures
Jobs in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Compared to other highly sought-after services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Revenue Service (IRS), there are fewer openings for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
The lowest rank (last rank) that received an IFS award in prior years is listed in the table below.
| YEAR | GEN | OBC | SC | ST |
| 2021 | 88 (EWS – 369) | 398 | 517 | 600 |
| 2020 | 103 (EWS – 376) | 403 | 474 | 625 |
| 2019 | 113 | 344 | 565 | 654 |
| 2018 | 134 | 450 | 468 | 603 |
| 2017 | 152 | 602 | 717 | 616 |
| 2016 | 208 | 615 | 740 | 922 |
| 2015 | 157 | 624 | 727 | – |
| 2014 | 114 | 567 | 756 | 926 |
FAQs Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
How may I enlist in the Foreign Service of India?
Candidates must pass the UPSC-conducted Civil Service Examination each year in order to be considered for an IFS officer. Candidates who pass the UPSC CSE are assigned to the Indian Foreign Service based on their rank and get specialized training.
Indian Foreign Service: What Does It Do?
The duties of an IFS officer include defending India’s interests at home and abroad. fostering cordial ties with the aforementioned nation and its citizens, especially PIOs and NRIs. providing factual reporting on events occurring in the posting nation that could have an impact on India.
Who can apply to be an IFS officer?
Applications for the UPSC IFS post must be submitted between the ages of 21 and 32. In accordance with the UPSC IFS educational qualifications, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field from an accredited UGC university and have passed their 10 + 2 secondary exams.
What is IFS’s salary?
The monthly compensation for an IFS Officer is ₹60000 cumulatively. Officers receive grade pay ranging from ₹5400 to ₹10,000. The oversight of foreign relations and the direction of diplomacy within India are the principal functions and responsibilities of Indian Foreign Services Officers.November 14, 2023
Which position in IFS is the highest?
the Foreign Secretary (the Foreign Secretary, who works from India, is the highest position under IFS). The benefits and pay are really alluring. IFS officials would get a Special Foreign Allowance in addition to their salaries. The fee varies according on the posting country.
What is the IFS minimum rank?
For candidates in the general category, the required rank for Indian Foreign Service is between 90 and 130. The Indian Foreign Service is distributed based on the candidate’s category.
How many IFS are chosen each year?
Only individuals with high levels are eligible to join the IFS, as it is a top-tier service. Compared to other services like IAS, IPS, or IRS, there are less openings for the IFS. Every year, between thirty and forty applicants from all categories are chosen to join the Indian Foreign Service.
Can I start at IFS after the 12th?
Educational Requirements: A degree from a university accredited by the government or an equivalent credential is the minimal requirement to work as an IFS Officer. Those who are waiting on results or are in their last year of study are also eligible to take the preliminary exam.
Who is India’s youngest IFS officer?
Kumar Abhay
Who is the youngest Indian Foreign Service officer (IFS officer)?The youngest Indian Foreign Service Officer is Abhay Kumar. He’s from the IFS cohort of 2003. At the age of 38, Abhay Kumar was named the Indian ambassador to Madagascar in 2018.
Is it dangerous to work as an IFS officer?
The life and safety of an IFS officer can frequently be in jeopardy when there are abrupt social upheavals, like coups or revolutions. They must always be on the lookout in politically risky nations, and occasionally the entire mission may need to be evacuated quickly.
