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
AD Exams – MPSC & UPSC Courses, Tests 
Sir, i am rushikesh ghorpade from thane mumbai.i have been preparing for upsc exam for 5 yrs now…every year i clear prelims but hv not passed mains till now.This is my final attempt and i hv opted for ifs as first preference.However i hv no experience of interview.I request u to inform me as to how should i prepare for the interview.I appeared for mains on 8 dec 2013 and want to prepare for interview. Could u tel me as to what specific books should i read keeping ifs in mind?…thnks
@Rushikesh, please refer this: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/2013/12/24/2014-success-mantra-9-interview-preparation/
Hii sir I’ve done graduation a few months back n my subject were eng n sociology so at is ur suggestion for me sir am I eligible for the exams of ifs , n would I have to choose only a single subject to go for or what?
Thanks a lot n I’ll wait for ur quick response.
@Dildar, yes, if your are talking about Indian Foreign Service then Yes. Only 1 subject needs to be chosen for UPSC Civil Services exam.
Hi Sir,
I am doing my MBBS now , and can speak a little bit Chinese. What would be the favorable subjects in UPSC to opt for Indian Foreign Services ?
@Pranav, Political Science and International Relations.
Sir, is there a minimum height requirement for becoming an I.F.S. Officer?
@Savio, no such requirement.
Dear Sir,
I an Engineering graduate, with a fair but general understanding of International relations and general studies. I also have a beginners Certificate and understanding of French language. I have also devoted quite some time(abiut a year) to prepare for the UPSC exam. I look forward to getting into Indian Foreign Services. Although I am pretty sure of my goal, but considering that IFS selections are highly exclusive as only 15-20 candidates are selected every year, I wonder if it is advisable to attempt for the examination right away or is it better to first get a post graduate degree in Political science and international relations, so as to have a deeper understanding of the subjects.
I have already attempted the commission exam once, and being a general candidate I wish to refrain from giving further attempts in vain.
I d really appreciate your advise and guidance.
Regards.
@Chitralekha, getting a PG is not required if you cover every topic of the syllabus (UPSC Mains/PS&IR). You need to read extensively, prepare your own Notes on each topic. Revise and attempt lots of mock tests of the subject. You should go for an attempt only after complete preparation is done.
sir i am 33 years old and i have done my graudation in BBM and persuing MBA through open and i interested in doing IFS as i am aspriant to do this please guide and i have big dream in this please gide me
@Chandrachud, you need to clear UPSC Civil Services exam so prepare for it according to its syllabus.
hello sir I m takdeer I done M.sc ft. but my dream is became a IFS plz tell me wt should I do Now
@Takdeer, you need to prepare for UPSC Civil Services exam. Have a look at the syllabus and then collect lots of books. Study in depth and prepare your own notes. Have revisions at intervals and attempt lots of mock tests. Complete entire syllabus of Mains first and then Prelims.
Respected sir
Am currently a student of class 12 CBSE in Muscat , Oman . I’ll be finishing in march 2014 . What is the kind of preparation I need from now on to become an IFS officer ?
@Poornima, please read this and start accordingly: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/other/12th-std-pass-students-should-prepare-this-way/
pls send me the exam pattern and syllabus of indian foregin service..
@Vishwajeet, refer UPSC Civil Services exam syllabus.
Hello! Sir. Im B.A 2nd year student in chd M.C.M DAV college… i want 2 ho for IFS.. but i dont hav any guidance how 2 go about it wat should i do . I hav sociology , public administration , english, punjabi and fyn arts as my subjects… pls help me out
@Rupam, you need to refer the syllabus of UPSC Civil Services Exam and prepare accordingly from 70-80 books, 5 monthly magazines, 2 newspapers. Prepare your own Notes, revise them and take Mock Tests. Complete your Mains syllabus first and then Prelims. Please read this:https://anilmd.wordpress.com/other/12th-std-pass-students-should-prepare-this-way/
sir am lakshmi have done Microbiology PG..and am a life science student…so really strong in Botany…does this subject suit for Indian Foreign service?? can i continue with Botany and History?? and can we clear all the exams for IFS just by self study?? i can’t afford coaching classes
@Lakshmi, yes, of course, you may go ahead with Botany. At this moment, you need to choose just 1 optional subject for UPSC CS Mains. Yes, if you need professional guidance, you may join our PGP that can be completed from your home itself. Here are details: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/courses/pgps-2014/12-months-pgp-upsc-civil-services-2014/
Sir I am an FYJC (commerce) student and I wish to sit for the IFS examination in the future. My questions is- how can I start preparing for it NOW? I want to crack the exam so I wish to start now- what would you suggest?
@Saumya, please read this: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/other/12th-std-pass-students-should-prepare-this-way/
sir i studied in marathi medium. my english knowledge is weak.sir am intrested in foreign service.
@Aniket, improve your English.
may i know the subjects that are needed for the IFS course
@Navdeep, you may go for Political Science and International Relationship + any foreign language.
Sir can you tell me the exact startinf foreign service allowance for IFS officers?Is the allowance sufficient enough to stay with family in a costly country like USA or European countries?
@Jam, my dear friend, I have no idea about “exact” foreign allowance. If the allowance was not sufficient enough then no one would have joined the IFS posts in US and European countries, right?
Yes Sir you are absolutely right! I asked a very foolish question.Actually I had no knowledge about IFS until I found out your blog while I was searching for UPSC preparations.Sorry Sir
Can you inform me on the salary of IFS officers when they are posted abroad?
@Jam, IFS officers are at par with IAS so they get similar salary + Foreign Allowance according to the country and cost of living + other allowances (free furnished accommodation according to status, medical facilities, home leave passage, two emergency passages, annual return air-passage, Children education allowance, etc.).
Hello, i am doing BA eco(hons) from SRCC in final year. I am aspiring for the Indian Foreign Services. I plan to pursue masters in economics. Would it be feasible to attempt the civil service exams after completing masters? I would be at a minimum age of 23 by then.
Secondly, what subjects would be appropriate to prepare for? (given that i am from an economics background) You mentioned that economics was a relatively complex subject to attempt. I will add that i am interested in psychology and history as well. Please advice me accordingly about the time to start preparing.
@Jess, you should choose Economy + Political Science and International Relations.
Is there any option to choose the Compulsory Foreign Language? Can you please give details regarding this and how it will affect posting. Also there are options to work in India only or there is no definite guarantee of where one could get placed?
@Manasi, it depends on which country you have been earmarked/given a posting to. As of now, you cannot decide on this.
Sir ,
I am a b-tech final year student , i not only want to appear for the exam but crack it , can i do it with 1 year preparation ? Pls reply me n suggestions please !
@Iqbal, yes, why not? Go for it with full energy. Read important information on this blog.
Hello Sir
I am a Lawyer and graduated the LLB(Hons) 5 year prog in 2009, since then i have been practicing law, mostly HR & Insurance Laws. I want to join the IFS. Could you give me a brief outline for the prep for prelims and mains considering my education & work ex.
Thank You
@Shivrajgaonkar, you need to clear UPSC Civil Services exam to join IFS. You should prepare according to the syllabus. Complete your Mains’ preparation even before Prelims is conducted. Plan it considering the time available and number of books. For personal guidance, you need to join our PGP:http://anilmd.com/courses/upsc-miracle-2013/
Sir, I am an Instrumentation Engineer working in a refinery with a work ex of 4 years and i want to get into the IFS. When should i apply next? And please guide me on the subjects i should choose. Will Mechanical Engineering and Political science&International relations do or should i opt for other non-core subjects. My other preferences are Economics and Geography. Please advise me.
@Ashish, you can apply for UPSC Civil Services exam 2013 (the advertisement will come up in Feb 2013) but you should start preparation immediately. If you are comfortable with ME and you have sufficient study material according to its syllabus then go for it. Pol Sci and IR is the best subject (considering your preference for IFS). I would suggest History and Pol Sc & IR. Economics is very complex subject as you will have to be aware of all latest happenings in this area and I think that is very very hard to monitor for a working person. Geography is also good subject but it may not keep your interest for a longer period. History is only the subject that would maintain your interest and is very excellent subject ONLY if you like to work hard on chronological part.
History has been one of my more favored of subjects. I thought ME would be more close to my work arrangement. However, I am open to options that would make my case stronger for IFS. If it is History, then I am open to it. Please tell me if my work experience will have any inclination towards IFS so that my taking of ME is justified. Will ME make my case stronger. If not, I’ll go for History. THANK YOU Sir.
History has been one of my more favored of subjects. I thought ME would be more close to my work arrangement. However, I am open to options that would make my case stronger for IFS. If it is History, then I am open to it. Please tell me if my work experience will have any inclination towards IFS so that my taking of ME is justified. Will Mechanical E ngg make my case stronger? If not, I’ll go for History. THANK YOU Sir.
@Ashish, yes, your experience would count for it but check the UPSC syllabus and if you think you have everything in your court then go for it else go for History.
How does PGP work for me? How will i benefit while working at the same time? Pls help.
@Ashish, please read the options available under “Courses” menu on this blog.
dear sir,plz.can you tell me, what is quali.of ifs
@Harishkumar, you need to be a graduate or in final year to be eligible for UPSC Civil Services exam (for IFS).
Hello Sir, I am currently doing a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Government and the London School of Economics and Political Science. I have studied abroad all my life, having been in the USA, Singapore and finally here in London. However, I have retained my Indian Citizenship and have always had a keen desire to return and represent the nation on a global platform. Do you have any advice regarding this matter, a)on how to prepare for the UPSC and b) on whether I would still be recommended even though I am a NRI? Also, please do shed some light on the financial matters, such as the salary and the allowance.
@Akash, I remember, I have already answered your same query some time ago.
sir basically m compliting graduation….n i wanna prepare for IFS…n want to do directly without ny degree bt with graduation…..so how can i get startd..n when!? sir plzz give me detail i”ll be very thnkful to u …..
@Abhishek, yes, why not? You should immediately join our PGP and complete it along with your graduation. You can then apply for UPSC Civil Services exam in your final year. please refer this page for complete process about joining the PGP: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/courses/pgps/miracle-2013-pgp/
You may call me on my number(s) given on blog banner if you wish to discuss this.
Sir,
I passed +2 with 80% marks in science, Now iam gooing for B.Com, I have a passion for IFS. Sir Plsss Guide me.
@Aneesh, excellent. You need to prepare for UPSC Civil Services exam. Read this:https://anilmd.wordpress.com/other/12th-std-pass-students-should-prepare-this-way/
Sir,
I’m a class 12 student from HUMANITIES stream. I would like to go for B.A. in Political Science after my 12th. With which, I would like to prepare for IFS. Could you please give me some guidance for whether I should start for some coaching classes from this year itself, as I’m highly interested to crack this exam.
Please reply soon!
THANK YOU
Manka Malik
@Manka, please read this and start preparation from this year itself. You may join our NanoPGP.
Sir i passed out from NIT DURGAPUR with civil engineering stream,i was always interested in Indian Foreign services,can you please tell about it in detail,i mean from your,i know we get into IFS after we clear CIVIL SERVICES exam with good rank,please guide me in my efforts.
@Abhishek, I have posted detailed info on IFS on this blog, please explore and read it.
sir…i m BE 2nd yer stdnt and i want to do IFS so sir pls tell how can i start preparation …..pls provide mi books and proper guidances
@Pawan, please join ou rMiracle 2013 PGP for UPSC Civil Services Exam 2013:https://anilmd.wordpress.com/courses/pgps/miracle-2013-pgp/
sir, i will be studying B.A 1st yr this year 2012. so which subject should i opt for an honours subject in my degree level which wl help me in upsc (ifs) exams in future.
thank you
@Chem, you should go for Political Science and International Relations, History and Geography.
i m currently in final yr. of engg.
i am an IFS aspirant and have only one yr left for my exam in 2013.
i wud like to know how to start and what should b the manner in which i shud carry out my studies in detail.
i m goin to join ur web pgp.
my optionals,if they persist,are pol sci and geography.
i m just a year away hence quick and comprehensive reply expected.
thanks in advance.
regards,
sarang
@Sarang, soon after you join our Miracle 2012 PGP, we will send you 1st set of books, followed by study plan. We will cover Mains first and then Prelims (UPSC CS). Your subjects are excellent. DOn’t worry, we will plan your studies. All you will have to do is follow our schedule.
sir,
i am doin my b.a.l.l.b(5ydc) 2yr…………wat will be the best optionals to prepare for cse………….as in if i want to try for the ifs service?
@Harika, Political Science and International Relations and History.
what is the age limit for ifs exam & which exam held for ifs
@Sandeep, IFS comes under UPSC Civil Services Exam. Max age limit for Open category is 30 Yrs.
I am done with my first year of B.A.(H) in psychology.
Therefore i just wanted to know whether *psychology* is recommended as an optional subject for IFS or should I prepare for this choosing any other subject?
@Arunshi, yes, best choice. You should choose Political Science and International Relations as your 2nd subject.
Hello Sir,
I’ve completed my B.Sc in Elecronics and Communication science. I want to join IFS. I was literaly confused in opting the subjects. Can you please help me with this? i fond your website and likely to purchase the books for my preparation for IFS. Can you please guide me with the sufficient information regarding this. I’m going ot prepare thoroughly for an year and attempt in 2013. kindly help me
@Vishnupriya, you may go for Political Science and International Relations (since you are opting for IFS)and History or Geography. You may join our Miracle 2013 PGP for complete guidance including reference books and magazines, study plans, etc.
Sir,
I am a first year Btech student at Manipal University. I want to join the IFS. How much time is needed for preparing? Should I start from now?
@Arvind, to join IFS, you need to clear UPSC CS exam and you need 2-3 years of solid preparation (since you are doing B Tech). Yes, you must start NOW.
My dauthter has appeared in XIIts Science (PCM). She interested to get job opportunities in foreign services through UPSC Examinations. Your guidance required to find the correct path. Which examination she should have to prepare in 2012.
@Mr. Bharat, she can’t appear at the UPSC Civil Services exam till she goes in TY. Ask her to start preparation now and then make an attempt in TY. You should join her for our 2 yrs PGP: https://anilmd.wordpress.com/courses/pgps/miracle-2013-pgp/
@Srishti, you should ask NIFT about this. As far as am concerned, NIFT is not recognised by UGC.
Sir,
I am a Physiotherapist graduated from RGUHS, Karnataka. I want to prepare for the 2013 Civil Services Examination. I want to know whether Physiotherapists are eligible to appear for the exams. I tried sorting out the query myself, but to no avail. Your guidance will be appreciable.
Regards
Sambit
@Sambit, of course, you are eligible. Your degree (B Sc in PT) is 4 and 1/2 yrs duration and is of honours level. Put in your best efforts for UPSC CS 2013. Good luck.
Dear Sir,
I am a medical doctor. I am currently studying in Oxford. Would you advise taking medicine as an optional paper? I have heard that subjects like Anthropology are easier than medicine as such because in 5 years we do not really study subjects in great depth. I know I would have to apply for the 2013 exams, but do you think it is reasonable to prepare from abroad?
@Dr. Sangeetha, we have many doctors who have joined our Web-PGP:https://anilmd.wordpress.com/courses/pgps/upsc-civil-services-web-pgp/
Yes, Anthropology is is excellent subject and you should select Public Admin as second optional for UPSC Civil Services exam. Yes, of course, you can prepare from abroad under professional guidance like our Web-PGP.
hello…
sir i am pursuing my b-tech(computer). I am in final year .Can i give the IFS exam this year?
@Priyanka, No. The last date of application for UPSC Civil Services exam 2012 is already over. IFS comes under this exam. Start preparing for 2013 exam.
Sir, m in b.com final yr… … I am eligible for ifs or not…..
@Sneh, yes, you are.
sir,
is there a chance to loose our post if failed in probationary period ?
what are the internal exans conducted in IFS probationary period ?
If he/she losses post.Does they r placed in any other services.
@Bharadwaj, yes, you will not be confirmed if you fail to clear the exams of your probation period. You are selected for certain service and if you fail to qualify for it, why they will consider you for another service?
DEAR SIR,
i want to give the ifs exam. I am totally new. I know very little about IFS. From where I will prepare?
what is the syllabus? please send me a link where i can get all the information about IFS….
@Anwesha, IFS is covered under UPSC Civil Services exam. You can get syllabus from UPSC website.
Sir I am from rural background.I use computer of our neighbour. Sir I cant afford the fee of your pgp. So I request that will you please provide me just books that you provide to your other students.I wii pay all the fee of books that you wiil give me if.
@Birappa, you people do not understand what is our Web-PGP. Plz plz plz compare it with courses of other academies and then you will understand why our web-pgp is different. You just calculate money but you dont care about what you get in return. Please grow up boys. Our PGP is worth 1 Lakh rupees. If you do not wish to join, don’t join but you will come back after wasting your precious years when you don’t clear the exam. My dear friend, seriously explore what our Web-PGP is. After all its your decision but we do not provide ONLY books to anybody because they are integral part of our Web-PGP.
Sir,
I wish to know what Subjects to prepare for Indian Foreign Service Exam ?
How is the selection done for the IFS and what are the average cut-off marks for the same ?
What was the average marks obtained by the Officers who got selected last year in main examination and Interview?
Thank you !
Best Wishes,
Jimit
@Jimit, please visit UPSC website, they have annual reports on their website, all details are mentioned in those reports.
Sir,,
my wife just passed MBA in HR.i want her to prepare for Indian foreign services IFS exam…what should i do…kindly help and email me ..my email id is darshanjajoo@gmail.com
@Darshan, ask her to prepare for UPSC Civil Services Exam 2012. She can also join our PGP: Miracle 2012
https://anilmd.wordpress.com/about-ads-ias-academy/miracle-2012/
Miracle 2013
https://anilmd.wordpress.com/about-ads-ias-academy/miracle-2013-pgp/
PGP Details:
https://anilmd.wordpress.com/about-ads-ias-academy/program-details-and-fee-structure/
sir i want to know what level of language is expected from you if you intend to write the UPSC mains exam in English? Also tell me how benificial it is to opt English literature?
@Swapna, The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates rather than merely the range of their information and memory.
The scope of the syllabus for the optional subject papers for the examination is broadly of the honours degree level i.e. a level higher than the bachelors degree and lower than the masters degree. In the case of Engineering and law, the level corresponds to the bachelor’s degree.
Choosing English Literature as optional subject depends on your interest in that subject, availability of study material, etc. I personally suggest Public Admin and History/Geography/Sociology.
excellent,i wl like 2 knw more about IFS.
can you please tell me if i give mpsc exam by taking history and public admin can i apply for job in IFS or STO.
@Cecilia, you can go for UPSC Civil Services exam if you wish to join IFS.
Realy imrsiv and inspiring would lik to more abt ur delite insti.