How Many IFS Officers are Selected Every Year

Introduction

The number of vacancies for the Indian Foreign Service is relatively low each year. On average, approximately 35 qualified candidates are selected to join the IFS. The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is a prestigious "Group A" core service of the Indian Civil Service, which includes the IAS and IPS. The IFS officers are responsible for representing India's interests globally, managing diplomatic, economic, and cultural relationships, and formulating the country's foreign policies. It is a highly coveted position, with only 17-18 vacancies posted each year by the UPSC. The competition for these limited positions is intense, as the IFS is the second most sought-after position after the IAS. However, despite its significance, the IFS cadre is one of the smallest in the country, with only around 600 officers serving in the service.

What is IFS?

The administrative and diplomatic department of Group A and Group B Central services within the Indian government is known as the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). IFS service attracts a lot of individuals since it offers rewarding financial incentives and new challenges. The opportunity for IFS officials to travel to several nations and experience local cuisines and cultures is just the tip of the iceberg. In this post, we'll examine the responsibilities, benefits, and other aspects of IFS.

How many IFS Officers are selected every year?

The MEA website states that the IFS has recently admitted an average of 30-35 people yearly. Around 193 Indian posts and missions abroad and in India are currently manned by about 850 officers. There are 795 IFS officers currently employed by the Indian Foreign Service (A) as of 2019. There are over 2,700 officers with diplomatic rank overall.

Duties and Responsibility of an IFS Officer

• Serving as an ambassador for India in its high commissions, consulates, and permanent posts abroad as well as to multilateral organisations like the UN

• IFS representatives have a duty to defend India's interests and affairs in the country where they have been stationed.

• Must develop cordial ties with all the influential figures in the country where they are placed.

• Any developments in the deputation country that might have an impact on Indian policy must be reported.

• Successfully haggle with the appropriate authorities in the posting country on several crucial matters.

• Provide foreigners and Indians with access to consular services.

• The Ministry of External Affairs is in charge of everything pertaining to India's international affairs. Two divisions exist. One of them is the territory division, which handles the political, bilateral, and economic matters with the pertinent states. The functional division is the other part. It deals with a wide range of concerns, including those related to multilateral organizations, disarmament, different regional groupings, publicity, legal, press, policy matters, and various other issues.

Salary

An IFS officer typically makes roughly Rs 60,000 per month in total compensation. Additionally, they receive several advantages like travel, lodging, medical costs, and much more. A government worker also gets a pension and several retirement benefits. The salary package for the officer may also be increased depending on the location of the posting. The wage in this situation has a ceiling of 2.4 lakhs. The ambassador or foreign secretary is the highest post an IFS officer can have. An IFS officer represents the nation while stationed in several overseas countries. In addition to the benefits for family members, it also offers a number of other advantages & perks.

Their compensation is particularly appealing because they receive allowances based on the security and posting levels of the country. Due to their posting and exposure to the local context (political, economic, social, etc.), they receive compensation commensurate with their exposure. Additionally, they must maintain the level of living in other foreign nations. It depends on the country in which the IFS personnel are posted and the level of risk.

Age Limit

According to the UPSC CSE notice, the minimum age is 21, and the highest is 32. There is no cap on the number of attempts for SC/ST applicants, and the age restriction is up to 37 years. It is up to 35 years old for OBC. The age restriction also varies for candidates in the Defense, J&K residents, and those who are physically challenged.

Conclusion

Whether a candidate wants to work as an IAS or IFS officer relies entirely on their interests. Candidates should keep in mind, nevertheless, that working for the government requires a lot of dedication and commitment. A distinguished position that allows you to serve and represent the country is becoming an IAS/IFS officer. You should put in a lot of effort because passing these tests is a challenging task.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, analytical abilities, interest in and knowledge of international relations, diplomacy, decision-making abilities, leadership, flexibility to adapt to various contexts and cultures, and cultural sensitivity are all expected of an IFS officer. Since the IFS officer represents the country abroad, the Candidate should suitably shape your personality. IFS officers receive a lot of attractive rewards and perks, but their duties are quite demanding. There are over 1.34 billion Indians, and their decision is final.