What is IFS Full Form?
The IFS full form represents Indian Foreign Service and IFS is one of the top three Civil Services in India. IFS represents the administrative and diplomatic division of Group A services in UPSC under the Government of India.
| IFS Full Form | |
| IFS Full Form in English | Indian Foreign Service |
| IFS Full Form in Hindi | भारतीय विदेश सेवा |
| Role of IFS | Role involves to represents India at an International level and deals with external affairs of the country |
What is IFS?
The IFS,Indian Foreign Service is a best career option for individuals who aspire to work in the Indian government’s foreign affairs department. The IFS is an administrative government service, and its primary role is to represent India in diplomatic affairs with other nations.Every year, numerous candidates dream of becoming IFS officers due to the many opportunities it offers for serving the country in a unique way and the attractive monetary benefits associated with this post make it even more appealing.
Eligibility Criteria for IFS Exam
IFS stands for Indian Foreign service. To become an IFS one can qualify the Entrance exam conducted by UPSC.
UPSC Examination is one of the toughest exams to be conducted in India. UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission is the government agency responsible for the recruitment of officers into the civil services commission and make their career as IAS,IFS,IPS etc. officers. The UPSC exam is conducted and candidates are selected on the basis of eligibility ,age ,education qualification criteria.
The civil services includes a following major Post by UPSC CSE examination.
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
The civil services are the backbone of the administration of the country. Let’s also have a look at the eligibility criteria required to be satisfied in order to appear for UPSC examination.
Aspirants are needed to satisfy the following conditions to become eligible for the exam:
- A citizen of India
- A degree from a recognized university or institution
- Age between 21 and 32 years as of August 1 of the year of examination
- The applicant must meet the physical and medical standards prescribed by the UPSC
There was relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to certain categories:
- OBC (Other Backward Classes): Up to 35 years.
- SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes): Up to 37 years.
- Defense Services Personnel: Up to 35 years.
- Ex-servicemen: Up to 37 years.
- Disabled candidates: Up to 42 years for General category, 45 years for OBC, and 47 years for SC/ST.
IFS Exam Pattern
The Indian Foreign Service Exam is divided into 3 stages- Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test. Candidates need to crack all three stages and secure good ranks to become an IFS officer. Let’s take a look at the IFS exam pattern for all each stages.
Stage 1: – Preliminary Exam
Marks obtained in Prelims exam won’t be counted for the final UPSC result as this is only a screening test you only need to qualify the exam. In the Prelims exam, candidates must face two papers- General Studies-1 and General Studies-2 (CSAT). Both papers are multiple-choice questions and carry 200 marks each.
Stage 2: – Mains Exam
Candidates who qualify for the UPSC Prelims can only appear for UPSC Mains. This is a descriptive exam that has a total of 9 papers. Among these 9 papers, two are optional subjects, and two are compulsory UPSC subjects. The candidates can choose the optional subjects from a list of 48 optional subjects. Two papers, namely- English and Indian language, are qualifying in nature, and the other seven are merit ranking in nature.
Stage 3: – Personality Test/ Interview
The final stage of the UPSC Exam is the UPSC Interview /Personality Test round which consists of 275 marks.
| Events | Important Dates |
| Official Notification | February 14, 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 03, 2024 |
| Prelims & Mains | May 26, 2024 & November 24, 2024 |
Roles and Responsibility of IFS Officer
Role and Responsibility of an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer is both varied and demanding. The responsibilities includes
- They are required to serve as a representative of India in its embassies, high commissioners, consulates, and UN bodies.
- Responsible for Safeguarding India’s national interests within the country where it is located.
- Engaging in discussions to reach agreements on a range of topics, such as economic, cultural, and political matters.
- Offering consular assistance to Indian nationals residing overseas.
- Responsible for Engaged in improving mutual relations.
IFS Salary Per Month
The Salary of an entry-level IFS officer starts at INR 60,000 per month, in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. The monthly salary of an IFS officer can increase in proportion to one’s experience and job level, peaking at INR 2,50,000 as the Cabinet Secretary.
Basic Pay and Grade Pay of IFS
The IFS (Indian Foreign Service) Officer Salary Pay Band depends on the grade. Let’s take a look at what the pay band looks like for different grades for each scale.
- Junior Scale: A newly appointed IFS (Indian Foreign Service) Officer’s Salary would be Rs 15,000- Rs. 39,000.
- Senior Scale: IFS (Indian Foreign Service) Salary for senior scales ranges from Rs.15,600 to Rs.67,000.
- Super Time Scale: It takes 20 years for the IFS (Indian Foreign Service) officer to reach this grade, and the salary would be Rs.37,400- Rs.67,000.
- Above Super Time Scale: The IFS (Indian Foreign Service) salary for the above super time scale ranges from Rs.37,400- Rs.90000.
| Rank/Position | Pay Level | Basic Pay (INR) | HRA (INR) | Other Allowances (INR) |
| Under Secretary | 10 | 56,100 | 8,000 – 24,000 | Varies |
| Deputy Secretary | 11 | 67,700 | 8,800 – 26,400 | Varies |
| Director | 12 | 78,800 | 9,600 – 28,800 | Varies |
| Joint Secretary | 13 | 1,23,100 | 12,000 – 36,000 | Varies |
| Additional Secretary | 14 | 2,05,400 | – | Varies |
| Secretary | 15 | 2,25,000 | – | Varies |
| Cabinet Secretary | 17 | 2,50,000 | – | Varies |
Difference Between IAS and IFS
IAS Full Form– Indian Administrative Service
IFS Full Form– Indian Foreign Service.
IAS and IFS are among the top civil Services in India.IAS officers deal with the root level, while IFS officers sit with the leading members of society. IFS officers also travel to various countries.Unlike IAS, IFS officers spend most of their time in different countries.The IFS officers posted in different countries get several allowances that are higher than other civil services.
Conclusion
The IFS officer path is challenging, but the benefits, both in terms of career and personal growth, are incalculable.The position of an IFS officer is more than just a profession; it involves a dedication to serving the nation and advancing its interests on a worldwide scale. The highly competitive salary, generous allowances, and esteemed work profile render it one of the most coveted positions in the Indian Civil Services. To excel in this sector, aspiring candidates must commit themselves to thorough preparation and demonstrate a profound comprehension of global politics, as well as a strong moral compass.
