IFS Salary Per Month Overview
For those who are enthusiastic in representing India abroad, the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) serves as a guiding light. As diplomats, IFS officers are essential to the management of foreign affairs; they represent India at high commissions, embassies, consulates, and multilateral institutions such as the UN. This page explores all aspects of IFS Salary per month, including the pay scale, benefits, work description, and route to become an IFS officer.
An IFS Salary reflects not only their financial compensation but also the status and obligations that come with their position. The pay scale for IFS officials was changed after the 7th Pay Commission, making it more lucrative and competitive.
IFS Salary per Month
Examining the monthly pay structure, the salary of an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer is a complete compensation package specifically designed to effectively remunerate for the demanding and important responsibilities they undertake on the global platform. 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
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.
IFS Salary per Month Post-wise
| 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 |
IFS officers Benefits after 7th Pay Commission
IFS (Indian Foreign Service) Officers Benefits under the 7th Pay Commission. The 7th Pay Commission has announced that the Indian Foreign Service Officers who currently get two increments in two years will get three increments when a person is moved to senior level. Perks and accommodation enjoyed by an IFS (Indian Foreign Service) Officer:
- Accommodation of 2 or 3 BHK in cheap rates
- Car for commuting
- Household helpers and security guards
- Medical Treatment expenses
- Official vehicles
- Free electricity and water facility
- Freephone call facility
- Abroad study options
- Retirement benefits and Pension
Perks and Allowances under IFS Salary
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Apart from salary, IFS get dear allowances (DA) is a cost of living adjustment allowance that helps officers cope with inflation and rising living costs.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): IFS Indian foreign Service officers posted in cities without official accommodation receive HRA to cover their rental expenses.
- Transport Allowance (TA): This allowance is provided to cover the expenses of commuting between home and office.
- Special Foreign Allowance (SFA): The (Indian Foreign Service) IFS Officers posted abroad receive this allowance, which varies based on the purchasing power parity of the country of posting.
- Foreign Service Special Pay: The (Indian Foreign Service) IFS officers receive this pay as a special allowance to compensate for the additional responsibilities faced during foreign posting.
- Foreign Language Allowance (FLA): The (Indian Foreign Service) Officers proficient in foreign languages receive an additional allowance for using and maintaining their language skills.
- Furniture Allowance: The (Indian Foreign Service) IFS officers posted abroad are given an allowance to furnish their official residence.
Difference in IAS Salary and IFS Salary
The initial basic salary for an IAS officer is Rs 56,100/-, to which various allowances like House Rent Allowance(HRA), Dearness Allowance(DA) and Travel Allowance(TA).
And on the other hand, the IFS salary in starting is approximately INR 60,000 per month, including all allowances but if an Indian Foreign Service officer has been posted abroad, they will receive Special Foreign Allowance salary up to INR 2.40 lakhs, depending on the country of posting.
IFS Officer – Job Profile
The work description of an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer is both varied and demanding. The responsibilities encompass:
- Serving as a representative of India in its embassies, high commissioners, consulates, and UN bodies.
- 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.
- Engaged in improving mutual relations.
How to be an IFS Officer
To become an IFS officer, one must successfully pass the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which is held on a yearly basis. The selection procedure has three distinct stages: Preliminary, Mains, and the Interview/Personality Test. Below is a comprehensive, sequential guide:
- Fulfill the Eligibility Criteria: Possess a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university.
- Preliminary Exam: A preliminary evaluation comprising of two objective-type papers, namely General Studies and Aptitude Test.
- Mains Exam: Consists of nine papers, which include one Indian language, English, Essay, General Studies (I-IV), and Optional Subjects (I-II).
- Interview/Personality Test: Assesses the candidate’s aptitude for a profession in public service.
IFS Officer – Exam Pattern
The (Indian Foreign Service) IFS exam is conducted in three stages. An aspirant has to clear one stage to qualify for the stage. The syllabus for the IFS exam is similar to the UPSC CSE Syllabus. The 3 stages of IFS Exam explained below:
Stage 1: Prelims Exam
The prelims exam for IFS is the same as the UPSC IAS Prelims exam. There are 2 papers, GS I and CSAT, both objective type patterns.
The cut off for the IFS exam is higher than for the UPSC IAS exam since the number of vacancies is markedly less.
Stage 2: Mains Exam
There are 6 papers in the IFS mains exam.All are descriptive and each paper is for a duration of 3 hours.
There are two optional subjects students have to choose wisely
Stage 3: Interview
The interview will be conducted with 275 marks.
The questions on general awareness, communication skills, intellectual curiosity, critical powers of observation and assimilation, balance of judgement and alertness of mind, initiative, capacity for leadership, etc.
| Events | Important Dates |
| Official Notification | February 14, 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 03, 2024 |
| Prelims & Mains | May 26, 2024 & November 24, 2024 |
Indian Foreign Service (IFS) – Skills Required
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Analytical skills
- Interest and knowledge in International relations
- Diplomacy
- Decision-making skills
- Leadership
- Ability to adapt to different environments and cultures
- Sensitivity to other cultures
Conclusion
The IFS Salary per month starts from 56,100 INR and goes up to 2,40,400 INR 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 Government 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. The path to becoming an IFS officer is challenging, but the benefits, both in terms of career and personal growth, are incalculable.
