Career and Rank Structure
Hi Friends, many of you must be dreaming of IFS- Indian Foreign Service. Do you know what if IFS and how the recruitment takes place? Many of the UPSC aspirants fill-up the choice as IAS/IPS/IFS but many of them do not know what IFS is all about, so here is some concise information.
Recruitment for IFS (Indian Foreign Service) is done by UPSC through Civil Services Exam. About 20 officers are selected every year.
IFS – Indian Foreign Service
Career and Rank Structure |
|
| At an embassy: | Third Secretary (entry level) |
| Second Secretary (promotion upon being confirmed in service) | |
| First Secretary | |
| Counsellor | |
| Minister | |
| Deputy Chief of Mission/Deputy High Commissioner/Deputy Permanent Representative | |
| Ambassador/High Commissioner/Permanent Representative | |
| At a consulate: | Vice Consul |
| Consul | |
| Consul General | |
| At the Ministry of External Affairs: | Under Secretary |
| Deputy Secretary | |
| Director | |
| Joint Secretary | |
| Additional Secretary | |
| Secretary | |
Training of IFS:
IFS officers are trained at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration at Mussourie near Dehradoon followed by specialized training at the Foreign Service Institute at New Delhi as well as attachments with different government bodies and tours both in India and abroad. The entire training programme is for a period of 36 months.
At the end of the above training, the IFS officer is given a compulsory foreign language (CFL). After a short period of desk attachment in the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India, the IFS officer is posted to any of the Indian diplomatic missions abroad where the CFL is the native language.
There the IFS officer is given language training and after certain period (s)he is expected to develop proficiency in that CFL and then pass an examination before (s)he is allowed to continue in the IFS.
If you have the passion to become an IFS officer, you need excellent and proper guidance so our PGP is best to join…take a step forward towards changing your destiny…Join our program TODAY
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sir, my self sheetal. I want to know, if IFS means (INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICE) so how to give exam for INDIAN FOREST SERVICE(IFS).
@Sheetal, Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination is conducted through CS(P) Examination and if you clear the Prelims then you need to appear in the separate Mains exam for Indian Forest Service conducted by UPSC.
Greetings Sir !
The article is quite helpful for me. Thank you for sharing up with us.
Sir I am a graduate in technology in electronic and communication. As my academic background is largely based on science and technology so I am opting for physics to be my main subject. Do still I need to have a deeper knowledge of history, geography and such others subject for the sake of general knowledge and studies as I would have to if history or geography was my main subject? I mean do i ned to have detailed knowledge of history, geography and rest of the subjects?
Sir, as I am interested in french language as well and have started preparing for it; so will not it be beneficial for my while CFL?
It would be helpful enough if u can tell me the sections i should really focus on more. What is the criteria for the selection of an IFS at the time of personality test and rank in cse and mains.
Expecting a sooner reply.
Thanking you !
@Shivani, you need to clear Prelims and Mains so obviously you need to study according to the syllabus (history, geography etc). For Mains, you can have Physics as the optional subject. As regards foreign language, you will be provided training in it according to the country you would be allocated to. You should cover each and every topic of the exam syllabus. Do not skip anything. No criteria at Interview (for selection of IFS). You need to score high and within top 300 in order to get your choice of service, i.e. IFS.
Hello Sir
I want to be an IFS Officer but I’ve little time on my hands. I am 30 yr. old woman having a small child. Will it be possible for me to pursue this aim? If yes, then kindly guide me for preparations as i don’t have much time.
Thanks
@Shreya, you must understand that to prepare yourself for UPSC CSE 2017 (you did not mention your complete date of birth so can’t guess how many chances you have), you need to devote your maximum time, let’s say 8-10 hrs everyday for next five and half months as the CSP is on 18.06.2017. If you work harder (in right direction), you can achieve anything.
Hello Sir,
I am a Doctor, with a valid degree from a MCI recognized Medical University in Europe. I want to appear for next year’s UPSC. Am I eligible? Is my MCI eligibility Certificate enough for me to appear the exam? Or do I need to pass the screening test and complete my internship?
Thanks.
@Dr. Sonal, if you do not complete your internship by the time of submission of your application for the Civil Services (Main) Examination, you will be provisionally admitted to the Examination provided you submit along with your application a copy of certificate from the concerned authority of the University/Institution that you have passed the requisite final professional medical examination. You have to produce at the time of your interview, original Degree or a certificate from the concerned competent authority of the University/Institution that you had completed all requirements (including completion of internship) for the award of the Degree. You will also be required to submit the MCI eligibility Certificate.
I have already completed my internship in Ukraine and I have acquired the degree only after that. I just want to know If I need to pass the mci fmge screening test for my degree to be valid?
@Dr. Sonal, you have to pass the MCI certification exam.
Dear Sir,
I have completed Bsc. under CU. on 50.50%. Currently am doing distance MBA . Can I apply for IFS? My age is 25 and am very much fond of travelling as a student of Geography. Please reply .
@Mainak, yes, of course. You need to clear UPSC CS exam.
Sir
Student with backlog in engeneering can apply ?
@Priyanka, yes, you can apply but must clear the paper by the time you apply for the UPSC CS Mains. You need to provide a proof at that time.
This is Neha, Sir I have started with my Coching for UPSC but still confused please help me from where to start and how and sir I am very bad with my general knowledge also please help !
@Neha, why should there be confusion as you have already started coaching? Don’t they guide you after taking coaching fees? You need to read the 10 success mantras I have written here. Exam preparation tips are same for MPSC/UPSC.
Respected Sir,
It is my pleasure for asking you my difficulty.I am the student of b.e. mechanical second year.
My technical skill is better. So, i decided to do mtech from IIT mumbai ,after that , i am dreaming for best salaries in MNC. My dream is working for NASA ,
But, when i searched for IFS(foreign) ,i found it as a bit interesting. i don’t know, what to do in my life? But ,if after 23 of my age,without any delay of 1 year perfect study of upsc cs .would i crack it. for that exam in which way i may practise or make myself from this time.
i hate those geography,history.
would i prefer IES or IFS?
@Chaitanya, you need to plan your preparation at least an year or two before the UPSC CSP. Once you start studying history, geography, economy etc, you will start loving it. All you need to remember is that if you don’t take it seriously, you won’t be realising your dream of IFS. If you choose IES then you would be limiting yourself and your dreams.Take your decision right NOW my dear. Time won’t wait for you.
Respect ed sir my name is akram I have done my mba and I am interested to do ifs so my question is how much take time to become a ifs officer and which is better ias and ifs and if possible to detail about advantages and disadvantages about ifs
Thank you
@Akram, in order to become an IFS officer, you need to prepare for UPSC Civil Services exam and clear it. This will take about one or two years. Both services are excellent. As IAS, you can accomplish a lot by implementing govt schemes/programs for the development purpose within India. As IFS, you can serve India by working in foreign countries (Indian Ambassies) and achieve a lot in foreign relations (for India).
Sir which foreign language is must to get selected for IFS ? I am Bcom graduate in 2014 ,and is I am late to apply for CS ?
@Arpit, there is no need to choose any foreign language at this moment. When you clear UPSC CS Exam and get selected for IFS then you will be allocated a country. Based on that you will be learning the language and need to clear proficiency exam in that language before you are posted to that country.
Sir, what if I already have some sort of proficiency in a foreign (european) language and in the coming years of my preparation, quite confident to reach up to C2 level..?Would I get a preference on my selection of that language or have to follow the general rules.
Thanking you,
Suranjan Ghosh
@Suranjan, you need to clear the UPSC CS exam and if you get IFS then your language skills would be helpful to you. There is no preference to anyone based on language skills. They might consider your posting for the language spoken countries.
Sir I m anandita I want to be an IAS OFFICER
m 12th pass out with 76 percent in CBSE board will I be able to pass IAS exam
How should I prepare for it
I am doing B.Com honours will it help me in further study of IAS
@Anandita, with a solid preparation over one or two years, you can clear the UPSC CS exam. Arts stream (History, Geography, Political Science, etc) would have helped you in your preparation.
I am in 9th standard and becoming an IFS OFFICER is my only ambition in life. I have no idea how to prepare for UPSC EXAM. Please guide me
@Ananya, you should first complete your 12th standard and then along with your first year of degree, you should start preparation of UPSC Civil Services exam. Please read this: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/other/12th-std-pass-students-should-prepare-this-way/
Sir, am a second year engineering student and I want to join in IFS service. How can I join for your guidance program?
@Suvishnu, you can follow the procedure mentioned here:https://anilmd.wordpress.com/courses/nextgenpgp-2017/12-months-upsc-civil-services-2017/
Sir, I’m in my final semester of my b.a history hon. And I’ll be 21 on April 2016. Am I eligible for IFS? and can you please tell me what should I mainly focus on and how my grad subject can help me in this ?
@Swatika, yes, you are eligible (as age is calculated on 1st Aug for UPSC Civil Services exam). Your History subject will be very helpful in Prelims and Mains General Studies paper (topics related to History) and optional subject in Mains if you opt for History as optional subject. You should focus on each and every topic of the syllabus of all subjects (Pre and Mains). You will need at least 450 days to complete the preparation. Don’t worry, you can set your goal to 2017. You MUST ask one of your Maharashtrian friends to read and translate this to you: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/success-mantra6-shortcut-is-injurious/
Sir,
Am an 2nd year mbbs student in Hyderabad. I have a dream and passion for ifs since my schooling. Could you please provide information with regard to preparation such as when to start, how to study, which subject to choose as main and optional. I don’t have proper guidance with regard to civil services. Am good in English and Tamil and can speak little Telugu, Hindi and French . Have also visited a couple of countries in the south east.
@Karthik, you should start right away as it takes around 450 days to complete the UPSC exam preparation (Pre & Mains – all subjects). You need to have a look at the syllabus of Psychology(am suggesting it since you are a medical student and you can easily cover this subject) or Political Science and International Relations (since you are opting for IFS). Once your subject is chosen, you can collect around 70-90 books. Plan your studies over next 450 days covering every subject and then start your preparation. You may consider joining our PGP. Details are available under “Courses” menu. We will be able to assist you with all subjects except your regional language.
sir i will complete my Civil Engg in 2017 and i want to start prep right from this moment. so please kindly suggest me what to do now and afterwards so that i can get in govt job.
@Rahul, you may read this: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/other/12th-std-pass-students-should-prepare-this-way/
Respected sir,
M interested in doing IFS cud U pls. Let me no the process for doing it after my 12th? Do v have any height needs for girls?
@Anamika, IFS is a non-technical service so there is no requirement of minimum height.
Respected sir,
Is there any height requirement for girls to become an I.F.S. OFFICER? N could U please tell me the process to bcome. An I.F.S. officer after 12th?
@Anamika, you need to prepare for UPSC Civil Services exam and take an attempt at the exam when you will be in your final year of Degree, not before that. Ni minimum height required for IFS.
Sir,
I’ve been considering about civil service examinations as I’m interested in IFS. And I found out that Hindi is a compulsory subject in main exams. My Hindi is very poor. What should I do or is there any other way to do that?
@Nikita, Hindi is NOT compulsory, you can choose any of the 18 regional languages (Marathi/Punjabi/Urdu, etc etc).
sir ,I’ll complete my graduation(b.com) in 2016 but my age will be only 20 years , am i able to apply for upsc civil service exam in 2016
@Anjali, you need to be at least 21 yrs of age on 1st Aug 2016, to be eligible for UPSC Civil Services exam 2016.
sir is it true that academic profile and avademic achievements of a candidate is of no use/ help during the selection process in upsc.is there any advantage of getting a good % in 11th and 12th,going to a good college,and having good work experience to join ifs??because too many ppl blog that academic profile is not a plus point and is not counted at all,so it demotivates me to do well in puc.ifs is my main aim & im in 11th now.pls guide me .
@Akash, who says that? Do not fall prey to such blogs. Concentrate on your education dear. People with excellent academic qualification perform even better (in exam, during training and during service).
sir but is it not also true that people with lesser poor academic record has done much better in ias exam and fared much better in training and service????
@Aurobindo, yes, my dear, I agree with you. Everyone who has a strong will power and an ambition to serve the nation can do better in govt services, irrespective of the academic record.
May I choose History Or Other NOn-Technical Subjects for optional mains
@Jyoti, yes, why not. You may go for Political Science and International Relations, if you are interested in Indian Foreign Service.
Which subject in under graduation will be most favourable for IFS selection?
@Ritwik, Political Science and International Relations.
How to become an IFS officer??
What are the steps and study which will make me to win my career??
@Pranay, you need to clear UPSC Civil Services Exam. Refer “UPSC CivSer” menu on this blog and also upsc.gov.in for more details.
How are IFS offices seleced?
Is it based on marks claimed or interview or rank?
@Rohit, its purely on your final rank and your choice of service in the preference list. If it is matched then you are allotted IFS.
Sir,
I am 24 year old. And i Have done B.Com and M.B.A in hr. So, should i go for IFS Exams?
@Naina, it depends on your potential. Know it and start preparation accordingly.
Sir my name is Pradipta and I want to know whether it is wise to compete for state level PSC first and then UPSC for beginners like me? I have just passed my Post Graduation course.
@Pradipta, it depends on the individual. If you are confident about yourself and also have time in your hand then prepare seriously for 1 or 2 yrs and then make an attempt at UPSC. If you are not sure about yourself then prepare for state PSC and after you build your knowledge base then shift to the preparation of UPSC.
Sir, are IFS trainees paid during their training and is it necessary to be fluent in english or any other language? -Tanisha Yadav
@Tanisha, not only IFS trainees but all trainees of IAS and other services get paid from the day they join the training. Yes, of course, you need to be fluent in English as you will be handling lots of delegations from various countries, lots of communication from different embassies, etc. You will be taught a foreign language and you are expected to pass an examination in that language.
Thank you sir.
Sir i want to know that is there any special magazines only for upsc exam?
Sir how can i join PGA???
@Rimpa, please explore “Courses” menu here on this blog.
Thank you sir.
Sir i want to know that is there any special magazines only for upsc exam?
@Rimpa, Civil Services Chronicle.
Respected sir,
I am a student of B.Sc(h) (math)student.i am interested in IFS exam.kindly can you tell me how can i prepare myself for this exam.which book can i follow???
@Rimpa, you need to prepare for UPSC Civil Services exam (IFS is part of it). Refer the syllabus, collect max books, subscribe to magazines, newspapers and after in-depth study of each topic of each subject, prepare your own Notes. If you wish you may join our PGP for personal guidance. All details are available under “Courses” menu.
sir can you please suggest some of books for self study as iam a working professional
@Aniruddha, entire list of books, etc is available in eProspectus.
how to start the study for this exam sir
@Ketki, you need to prepare for UPSC Civil Services exam. Look for the syllabus and get max books, magazines, newspapers, etc. Read the success mantras available at the bottom of this page.
Just keeping connected to ur comments.my close relative deciding about upsc…ifs taking up
Sir, I am currently a masters student studying abroad. I want to start preparation for IFS. Does your institute provide long distance programs?
@Jedidiah, yes, we have candidates in USA and South Africa. Due to high cost of transportation, we can courier the study material to your home in India and they can forward it to you.
ifs saathi english madhye fluent asne required ahe ka???
@महेश, हो नक्कीच कारण परदेशात काम करायचे असते.
sir i am vishnu studying in 11th std what are the things i should do from now to be a good ifs officer
@Vishnu, just concentrate on your studies and do well till you complete your academic education. You can start preparation for UPSC Civil Services exam in your First Year of degree.
sir,tilak maharashtra vidyapeethachi BA chi degree mpsc ani upsc la chalte ka?ani 12th pass compulsory ahe kay?
@अमर, हो चालते. जास्त माहितीसाठी एमपीएससी ऑफिसशी संपर्क करावा.
Sir,I am Avirup Saha. I am in Class 12and want to pursue Chemical Engineering.Can i apply for IFS Exam..??
@Avirup, anybody with a degree in any stream can apply for UPSC Civil Services exam (IFS is part of it).
dear sir,
your blog is really helpful for the upsc aspirants, i m kamal ,can u pls tell me that is it compulsory for a ifs officer to be posted in abroad or he/she can choose to work in india also in foreign ministry in new delhi.
pls reply
@Kamal, yes, its compulsory for an IFS officer to serve at foreign embassies and then serve in India. All details are mentioned on this page itself.
thanks for reply sir,
but sir my dream is IFS and i m living with my family in delhi itself, thats why i want a job in delhi. sir, pls tell that after doing job in foreign country for about 3-4 years can anyone get a job in delhi in foreign ministry bcoz i hav to tak care of my family also. thanks
pls reply sir
@Kamal, my dear friend, I think you have not understood the meaning of Indian FOREIGN Service. You have to work in different embassies outside India from lowest rank to the highest. You also get a chance to work in India, too.
SIR, MY NAME IS ASHAR ,I did my 12th,I want to do IFS ,so is it compulsory to do graduation or directly I can prepare for upsc exam and give the upsc exam … and if I do my graduation then is It compulsory to obtain some specific percentage in that graduation degree or even if I get just passing percentage and got the degree then also I can apply for IFS …
@Ashar, you need to complete your graduation for the UPSC Civil Services exam (IFS is part of this exam). No minimum marks required in graduation; a simple pass can apply for UPSC exam.
Dear Sir,
My name is farhan & I m Post graduate my question is my brother against divorce case in civil court & my name also include in this case. case are finished. I am eligible or not MPSC and Upsc.
pls reply me…
Thank you……….
@Farhan, I have already replied to this query, yesterday. What is the result of that case? Are you found guilty?
Dear Respected Sir,
No sir i am not found guilty but court say my brother paid accommodation there little child up to there not responsible him self. Sir your response or reply not received me then again I asked sorry for this….
Thank you….
@Farhan, then you will face no problem. Prepare for MPSC exam. While filling up your profile, you should mention about this case ad its result.
Thanx Sir, for ur valuable responce…
This blog is useful but please tel me what digress Required for IFS preparing exam.
@SM Ghalib, a degree in any stream.
Sir , this blog is very useful for preparation of ifs exam. Please tell me how to start preparing for this exam ?? Where to find your pgp program ??
@Pinky, please refer “Courses” –>”NextGenPGP 2015″ menu.