The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is the administrative diplomatic civil service under the Central Civil Services (Group A & B) of the executive branch of the Government of India. Indian Foreign Service officers are responsible for managing the external affairs of the country. Their role is a diplomatic one and includes the responsibility for developing trade and cultural relations.

IFS officers on foreign assignments:

• Represent India in various countries and international organizations and protect India's interests, both at home and abroad on a wide variety of issues related to trade and investment, bilateral economic and political cooperation, cultural appreciation and interaction, media relations etc.
• Monitor closely and assess the emerging situation in the host country and country of concurrent accreditation and carry out detailed discussion, negotiations and diplomacy to promote India's strategic interests
• Report all matters which may influence policy formulation and also the views of the host country
• Promote India's commercial and economic interests as well as Indian exports, industrial collaboration, trade events and fairs
• Protect national interests and develop and promote friendly relations with the state and its people
• Provide consular facilities for non-resident Indians and foreigners staying in the country
• Liaison with media to manage relations in multilateral, domestic, and international affairs
• Represent the country in permanent missions, multilateral organizations like the United Nations

IFS Officers on Home Posting

• Deal with bilateral political and economic issues specific to a region
• Frame and implement policies, which govern India's relations with other countries
• Are responsible for managing international diplomatic protocol when foreign dignitaries visit India
• Oversee activities of multilateral and regional organizations
• Handle legal disputes, protocol issues, interactions with the diaspora, press, publicity, administration, etc.

Career Roles & Responsibilities

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest: This officer is also called as the head of forest force. The major responsibility of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest is to manage the forests, environment and wildlife issues of a state of India. It is regarded as the highest post/ position in Indian Forest Service in a state.

Additional Chief Conservator of Forest: The additional conservator of forest plays a vital role in assisting the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest. He or She is directly answerable to the Principal Chief and must carry out the responsibilities assigned by the chief.

Deputy Conservator of Forest: A deputy conservator of the forest is also considered as Divisional Forest Officer. The major responsibility of these officials is to manage the forest, environment and wildlife-related issues in Forest Division of a state.

Assistant Conservator of Forest: The major responsibility of these officers is to assist the higher-level officials in the department and completing the tasks assigned by them. They also carry out certain responsibilities applicable to their post.

Forest Range Officer (FRO): A forest range officer is responsible for the efficient management of the respective forest range, act as custodian of all government property associated with the respective forest range and follow the instructions or Deputy/ Divisional Conservator of Forest.

Career Education Path Summary

How do I get there?

• Std XII
• Graduation: in any stream
• Entrance Exam: UPSC Entrance Exam*
• Interview
• Goal: IFS Officer**

DETAILS

*The Civil Services Examinations are held in two phases - the first is called the preliminary examination (Prelims). This has 2 papers - the general studies and general aptitude paper. Age 21-31 years(must not have attained the age of 32 years on the 1st of August). The exam is held in May.
The second Main examination (Mains) is held in Oct/Nov. After that, there is the personality test or viva-voce before the final selection.

• Preliminary Examination

Comprises of two compulsory papers of 200 marks each. The question papers are objective (multiple choice questions) of two hours duration and are set in Hindi and English. English Language Comprehension skills is only in English

• Main Examination 

Paper 1- One language (300 marks)
Paper 2 - English (300 marks)
Paper 3- Essay( 200 marks)
Paper 4 & 5- General Studies (300 marks each)
Paper 6,7,8,9- Any 2 prescribed optional subjects(2 papers each subject) (300 marks for each paper)

• Interview

** IFS officers begin their career in foreign postings as a third secretary. The next promotion is to the second secretary on confirmation. Further promotions are as first secretary, consular, minister, and ambassador.