Career as Indian Foreign Service
The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is the administrative diplomatic civil service under the Central Civil Services (Group A & B) of the executive branch of the Government of India. Indian Foreign Service officers are responsible for managing the external affairs of the country. Their role is a diplomatic one and includes the responsibility for developing trade and cultural relations.
- About Indian Foreign Service :
- Job Profile |
- Employment Opportunities |
- How do I get there? |
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Job Profile
- Represent India in various countries and international organizations and protect India's interests, both at home and abroad on a wide variety of issues related to trade and investment, bilateral economic and political cooperation, cultural appreciation and interaction, media relations etc.
- Monitor closely and assess the emerging situation in the host country and country of concurrent accreditation and carry out detailed discussion, negotiations and diplomacy to promote India's strategic interests
- Report all matters which may influence policy formulation and also the views of the host country
- Promote India's commercial and economic interests as well as Indian exports, industrial collaboration, trade events and fairs
- Protect national interests and develop and promote friendly relations with the state and its people
- Provide consular facilities for non-resident Indians and foreigners staying in the country
- Liaison with media to manage relations in multilateral, domestic and international affairs
- Represent the country in permanent missions, multilateral organizations like the United Nations
IFS Officers on Home Posting
- Deal with bilateral political and economic issues specific to a region
- Frame and implement policies, which govern India's relations with other countries
- Are responsible for managing international diplomatic protocol when foreign dignitaries visit India
- Oversee activities of multilateral and regional organizations
- Handle legal disputes, protocol issues, interactions with the diaspora, press and publicity, administration etc.
Employment Opportunities
- Embassies
- High Commissions
- Consulates
- Permanent Missions
- Multilateral organizations like UN
- Ministry of External Affairs
Recruiting Companies
Ministry of External Affairs - Ministry of External Affairs
- World Cultural and Trade Organizations
How do I get there?
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Std XII
Stream: Any
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Graduation
Any
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Entrance Exam
UPSC Entrance Exam*
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Interview
Interview
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Goal
IFS Officer**
*The Civil Services Examinations are held in two phases - the
first is called the preliminary examination (Prelims). This has 2
papers - the general studies and general aptitude paper. Age 21-31
years(must not have attained the age of 32 years on the 1st
of August). Exam is held in May.
The second Main examination (Mains) is held in Oct/Nov. After that,
there is the personality test or viva-voce before the final
selection.
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
Paper 1- One language (300 marks)
Paper 2 - English (300 marks)
Paper 3- Essay( 200 marks)
Paper 4 & 5- General Studies (300 marks each)
Paper 6,7,8,9- Any 2 prescribed optional subjects(2 papers each
subject) (300 marks for each paper)
- Interview
** IFS officers begin their career in foreign postings as a third secretary. Next promotion is to second secretary on confirmation. Further promotions are as first secretary, consular, minister and ambassador or high commissioner or even as permanent representative
Foreign Service Institute
Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of AdministrationFeatured Institutes in India
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Content on this page is by Career Expert Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile |