What do they do?

The Indian Foreign Service (IFS), as the name suggests, deals with the external affairs of the country, which includes diplomacy, trade and cultural relations. IFS officers are responsible for framing and implementation of policies which govern India’s relations with other countries. An IFS  officer’s main duties can be summarised as: representing India in its embassies, high commissions, consulates, and permanent missions to multilateral organisations like the United Nations; protecting India’s national interests in the country he/she is posted, promoting friendly relations with the receiving state and its people, including non-resident Indians or persons of Indian origin; accurately reporting developments in that country which are likely to influence the formulation of India’s policies; negotiating agreements on various issues with the authorities of the receiving state; and extending consular facilities to foreigners and Indians abroad.

Skills Needed

. Good communication and inter-personal skills 
. Interest in international relations, expert in global affairs
. Knowledge of your country’s politics, culture and economy
. Analytical skills
. Diplomatic approach to issues
. Decision-making ability
. Leadership quality 
. Physical stamina and poise
. Ability to adapt to different environments and cultures (e.g. you might be posted to a mission in a country with limited healthcare facilities)  
. Loads of patience
. The polish and intelligence to be aware and respectful of the host country’s culture

How do I get there?

Entry to the IFS is through the Union Public Service Commission’s civil services examination, open to graduates in any discipline, though an international relations background would help.

The exam includes a written preliminary test and a main exam, followed by an interview. After a foundation course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, entrants are sent to the Foreign Service Institute for specific training.

For more details, check upsc.gov.in

Typical day in the life of a IFS Officer

Pros & Cons about this career