How to become an Indian Foreign Services Officer (IFS Officer)

The Indian Foreign Service is the administrative diplomatic civil service under the Central Civil Services (Group A and Group B) of the executive branch of the Government of India for managing the external affairs of the country. Indian Foreign Service Officers are recruited on the recommendation of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) by the Indian Government to serve in more than 162 Indian diplomatic missions as well as in worldwide organisations.

Job Description, Roles, Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities:

• Represent India at international, foreign location in its Embassies, Consulates, etc.
• Safeguard national interest in foreign country of posting as well as at home, in India
• Establish friendly relations with the with Non-Residential Indian (NRIs), Person of Indian Origin (PIOs), and with the citizens of the receiving nation
• Report accurately about the posted country’s developments to the Ministry of External Affairs which may influence the formulation of policies in India
• Negotiate agreements on different concerns with the receiving state authorities
• Provide consular services to non-nationals, immigrants, and Indian nationals abroad
• Formulate, co-create, and maintain economic collaboration between India and other nations
• Watch closely and examine the developing situation in the host country and country of simultaneous accreditation and conduct comprehensive discussions, negotiations and diplomacy to advance the strategic interests of India
• Uplift and endorse commercial and economic benefits of India, Indian exports, industrial alliance, and trade events
• Develop trade, investment, and cultural relations with the foreign nations
• Collaborate with media to manage multilateral, domestic, and international relations and affairs
• Formulate and enforce policies, governing India's relations with other nations
• When foreign dignitaries visit India, maintain international diplomatic protocol
• Supervise multilateral and regional organizations’ activities
• Manage legal disputes, protocol issues, press and publicity interactions, administration, etc.

Individuals who are patriotic, passionate to serve the nation and have ample knowledge on Indian Constitution, Laws, and other rules and regulations is fit to become an Indian Foreign Service Officer. They need to have strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. They must be comfortable, firm and composed, while dealing with individuals, including talking to them during confrontational situations. They must also be skilled at interviewing, maintain diplomacy, and assertiveness in case of aggression and hostility. Other skills required are problem solving, negotiation, decision-making, commercial, organizational, and analytical.

They also need to be efficient in leadership, team and time management such as meeting deadlines, prioritize tasks, and take personal responsibility for a professional workload. The field also demands self-discipline, patience, punctuality, commitment, self-confidence and a desire to climb up the ladder. They must accept the responsibility attached to the limitless power. To handle things effectively a lot of hard work, stamina, alertness of mind, adaptability, and good team spirit is required. A proactive approach in planning and management is also expected. They need to have a very good understanding of international affairs and also must possess the ability to adjust, respect, and understand different cultures and languages.