Entry to the IFS is through the combined Civil Services Examination
of UPSC which is conducted annually to select officers for 23 services
including the IAS and the IPS. The exam comprises a preliminary test (to
reduce the candidates to a manageable number), an essay type written
main examination and an interview. Once the preliminary exam is cleared,
UPSC will send you the application form for the main exam. In case you
do not receive the main exam application form within two weeks after the
prelim results are declared, you have to contact the UPSC office. When
you fill in the form for the main exam you have to mention your
preference for IFS service ( from IAS, IPS, IRS etc) in the application.
If you get a good score in the main exam you will be called for
interview. A merit list is made on the basis of your interview and main
examination marks. Your appointment to the IFS service will be based on
your preference mentioned in the application form, merit rating,
vacancies available, medical check up etc. For details click here
On selection to the Indian Foreign Service through the Combined Civil
Services Examination, the new entrants undergo a multi-faceted and
comprehensive training programme. The training programme is intended to
give a thorough grounding in diplomatic knowledge, qualities and skills.
The probationers commence their training, together with their colleagues
from the other All India Services, at the Lal Bahadur Shastri
National Academy of Administration, Mussourie.
Thereafter the probationers join the Foreign Service Institute in New
Delhi and undergo focused training in the various disciplines that
a career diplomat needs to familiarise himself with. The entire training
programme is for a period of 36 months. It instills a strong sense of
history, knowledge of diplomacy and international relations and a awareness
of general economic and political principles. The course includes modules
on International Relations and Foreign Policy, Defence and Security, Economic
Diplomacy, International Law, Parliamentary Affairs, Cultural Diplomacy,
Protocol and Consular matters, as well as modules on practical skills
such as, Administration and Accounts, Communication Skills, Representational
Skills and relations with the Media.
At the conclusion of the training programme the officer is assigned his/her
compulsory foreign language (CFL). After a brief period of desk attachment
in the Ministry of External Affairs the officer is posted to an Indian
Mission abroad in a country where his CFL is the native language and enrolled
in a language course. The officer is expected to develop proficiency in
