It occurred to me recently that the last time I wrote a post with FAQs was before I went to Mussoorie for the Foundation Course and that it was only focused on the Civil Services Exam. I have received many questions over the last three and a half years about the IFS and since I haven’t written in a while, this seemed like a good place to start. I have put together the top 10 questions that almost everyone seems to have regarding the IFS.
First blog post of 2019 and hopefully a useful one, so here it goes…
Q.1. Do IFS officers stay posted abroad all their lives?
A.1. Not really. There is no strict rule that makes officers stay abroad throughout their career. In fact, a balance is encouraged, and even necessary for promotion in higher posts. There are officers who have served abroad for more than 75% of their career, while many have done the reverse. There are benefits to having a balance: serving abroad is a great experience and an opportunity for exposure to the way the world outside India works. It is the unique opportunity to represent the country and its people and, when needed, defend its goals and policies. Serving at Headquarters in the Ministry of External Affairs allows an officer to be at the heart of foreign policy making. It helps one build their personality and reputation, which is important in the IFS considering that it is such a close knit service where word travels fast.
Q.2. Is the pay in the IFS good enough to lead a comfortable life?
A.2. This is the question that nearly everyone has asked me at some point; some have taken the liberty to even ask me what my salary is. To set the record straight, it is considered to be very inappropriate to ask someone their salary, and so I have not answered with any numbers. But I can assure you that when posted abroad, IFS officers are paid well and it is possible to lead a comfortable life, even in expensive places like France or the US. Medical expenses and education of upto two children are also taken care of by the government. When posted in India, we are paid as much as any other officer of our rank in any other service, particularly the IAS, with whom we enjoy pay parity.
Q.3. You spoke about facing racism, how bad is it? I am reconsidering my choice of opting for the IFS because of this.
A.3. This was a query that came from many people after my last post. Yes, racism exists and sometimes it is overt, as I once experienced during a trip to Vienna, and other times it is subtle, like my experience here in the US. But this happens once in a blue moon and is not a regular feature of the job, so to be honest it isn’t worth changing your mind, if the IFS is really something you want. Besides, discrimination of various kinds exists even in our own country and no matter which service you join, there will be some sort of exclusion that you might face. For example, ‘service X is better than service Y’, or ‘you can’t do this job because you’re a woman’, or ‘oh this person must have gotten this posting because of his/her connections (or the lack of it)’. Being thick skinned is an essential attribute for a Civil Servant and someone else’s ignorance and bias shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing a job you want or might be good at.
Q.4. Which is the best Compulsory Foreign Language (CFL) to opt for?
A.4. This is going to be a long answer. I would like to believe it’s French because it is my CFL, but the honest answer to that question is that there is no single language that is the best for one’s career. I think being a good officer overrides everything else. Chinese speakers are doing postings in Europe while a French speaking ambassador has been sent to China. What has worked here is that these are talented officers. I was always interested in the Chinese language and India’s relations with China, but I visited China on a mission attachment and just didn’t feel the vibe. After much thought I decided to place German as my first preference and French as my second, knowing well that I would get French because the topper of the batch decided to take the only German spot. And what a great decision it was! I reached France and started speaking fluently within a month thanks to my prior knowledge of the language. It helped me greatly in my work as an officer in the Press, Information and Culture wing and then again in the Political Wing. And Paris is an amazing city to live in.
My first posting was thus a great success on all fronts: I did well at my language, at work, made some great friends and finally got the opportunity to become an interpreter for our senior dignitaries. My advice to anyone in a dilemma would be to decide based on what you want from your initial few years because the CFL may determine the first posting after your language is done, but after that it is your hard work that will matter. Don’t opt for a language that is too hard for you, because doing well in your language is becoming increasingly important as the Ministry sees value in officers knowing the host country’s language well and everyone has different linguistic abilities.
Q.5. Do I need to have good English to do well in the Foreign Service?
A.5. Knowing any language is an asset since it widens your capability to communicate and communication is an essential part of the job of a diplomat. Having said that, do remember that the CSE anyway has a compulsory English qualifying paper. So if you make it to the Civil Services it is because you already have a basic knowledge of English. In the IFS what matters more and more is analytical skill and the ability to express it. You may not speak like an Oxbridge pass out but if your reports and written work shows this skill, it can take you far. The IFS gives everyone the opportunity to put their unique skill set to good use and contribute to governance. Good English won’t be of any use if a person is not a good officer and conversely for a talented officer even basic English skills can do wonders. The important point here is to be open to learning new things. That is after all, the essence of the job.
Q.6. What if you get posted to Africa? You seem like someone who likes comfort, how will you adjust?
A.6. Some people have made the casual assumption that I’m incapable of surviving under harsh circumstances and that I only want to do comfortable postings in Europe and USA. I hope it’s not because I’m a woman. Either way, let me dispel the myth that postings in Africa and West Asia are extremely harsh. Every posting has its own set of challenges, but I know for a fact that the government takes good care of its officers in hard postings as well. There are several advantages to such postings, I have been told. Even in developing countries, IFS officers interact only with their counterparts in the host government, have comfortable housing, transport and pay, and have an interesting work profile.
As for my postings, Paris was a regular posting that any trainee goes through for their CFL. California happened because of my language skills and I was sent here to do a course along with other colleagues who are studying interpretation in other languages. I was at the right place, at the right time and with the right skill set, like my other colleagues, so nothing special about it.
And speaking of survival, if IAS and IPS officers can survive in Maoist hit areas, I’m sure I can do fine in an African or West Asian capital.
Q.7. Do IFS officers get cars, big houses and servants like the IAS?
A.7. We get good houses when posted abroad and we are able to save enough money to buy a good car. If we go out for meetings, then an Embassy/Consulate vehicle is available in case the officer doesn’t have a personal car. We get diplomatic license plates even on personal cars. As for servants, it is a luxury of the developing world that doesn’t really exist in the West. But again, our pay allows us to hire local help as and when needed. I am actually glad that I didn’t have any domestic help in Paris because I taught myself to cook. If I had full time help I never would have bothered. I feel rather empowered and self sufficient thanks to this because everyone in my family thought I was incapable of cooking and would die of hunger.
Bottom line: the job offers a rather high standard of living and an interesting job profile.
Q.8. Is there a lot of political interference in the IFS as there is in the IAS and IPS?
The political interference is certainly not as high as in the IAS and IPS. These services interact with politicians on a daily basis, whereas we do it barely once or twice a year at junior levels.
Every political executive has a certain orientation and varying priorities and it does affect our work but in more subtle ways. But this is felt only at senior levels and not so much at the level of Under Secretary or Second Secretary. I have not experienced it yet. But I think in the era of social media, political interference affects every public servant, irrespective of service and government, because everything today is political.
Q.9. Do I need to know a foreign language to be in the IFS?
A.9. No. But officers are supposed to learn a foreign language once they join the service.
Q.10. How often can I visit India when posted abroad?
A.10. Like any job in government, it depends on your boss. Every government official gets 30 days Earned Leave and IFS officers get 15 additional ELs each year when posted abroad. But whether or not you can take those leaves depends on your boss. I have been lucky so far and had compassionate bosses who understood the difficulties of my personal life since my husband is in the IAS, posted in India and had difficulties with getting leave. While he got to visit me once since we got married, I have visited him in India six times now.
I think I have covered the most common doubts that IFS aspirants have and I hope readers find this useful. In case there still are some doubts, readers can leave a comment.
Cheers!
thescorpionsopinion 
Is there any scope for IFS officers to create groundlevel impact in home country in fields of education,health and other sectors ? If so,what could be the role and how they carry forward?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, of course there is. For instance, during the Covid crisis, it was IFS officers who coordinated all the foreign assistance that came in. I was personally involved in the setting up of oxygen plants across hospitals donated by the French govt. Similarly we are helping foreign universities find partners in India so that young Indians can have access to good educational opportunities.
LikeLike
Mam do you think that in the coming years as accountability is increased and the power of ias the so called glamour is vanishing specially in urban cities so ifs will gain popularity due to the exposure and opportunity it provides
Ifs have less dealing with common people so is job satisfaction a little tough
If ifs the best job in terms of monetary aspects in government setup
Do ifs people feel homesick ,do you have any batchmates who regret joining the coveted service
In ias at initial level there is househelp and other facilities which lacks in ofs so isn’t it tough after job and doing household chores whereas ias ips counterparts do not have to do so
When are you taking the next foreign assignment?
LikeLike
1. I think with the growing influence that India exercises abroad, yes the IFS will become a more popular choice.
2. Job satisfaction for me has been higher than I expected. You don’t have to deal with the public directly to have an impact on their lives.
3. Perhaps.
4. Sometimes we do feel homesick but it’s so much easier to stay in touch now. I don’t know anyone who regrets joining the IFS.
5. You are paid well enough to afford local help from time to time. It’s also not a bad thing to be able to do your own housework, as many people in our country do.
6. Not sure.
LikeLike
Mam is the fa sufficient to lead a comfortable life in expensive countries and significant saving can be made or it is just enough to survive ? If you can tell the percent that can be saved by a second secretary in an expensive country
LikeLike
Yes it is sufficient. You can save about 50% of it
LikeLiked by 1 person
1)Mam how to decide between ias and ifs if one is equally inclined to both services
2) Is ifs financially better than the home based services due to the foreign allowance attached?if possible ,please try to tell figures of foreign allowance if possible
3) How do ifs manage children’s education with frequent transfers
4) how is IFS in terms of job satisfaction,feeling of helping others
5)Can ifs officers afford audi ,bmw etc type luxury cars in abroad posting
6) can ifs take parents along during foreign posting?
Reply will highly be appreciated 🙂
LikeLike
I have definitely answered this question at least ten times in the past so do try to search for those responses for a detailed answer. But here are the short answers:
1) I have no idea. I was entirely focused on IFS.
2) Yes. It is improper to ask anyone’s salary 😬
3) How do IAS officers manage children’s education with frequent transfers?
4) Subjective, I am quite satisfied.
5) Yes.
6) If they are dependents then yes, otherwise parents can visit frequently.
LikeLike
Does ifs officer get a blue plate for there car
LikeLike
In foreign countries we get diplomatic plates. They are not blue everywhere
LikeLike
Mam, when you were posted abroad, how many times in a year did you come to India ?
LikeLike
At least twice, sometimes more
LikeLike
Mam saw you in paris with the pm when he was talking with the state head of france it must be really proud feeling to be part of such a big meeting!
Are you a little nervous or a little anxious at such a big responsibility?
Do you stay at the same hotel as the pm and other dignitaries and do you travel along with pm?
Being a translator you must have great relations with the pm and other ministers when you are constantly with them during big meetings?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some nervousness is important to keep you on your toes.
Yes at the same hotel usually.
LikeLike
Ma’am I am currently in my 2nd year of undergrad which is of 4 year. I have been flirting with the idea of joining the Indian foreign services for quite some time. At this point I am sort of obsessed with it. From what I have gathered so far, it looks like everything I ever dreamt of, but the ways in which the service operates leaves me in sort of a conundrum. The fixed promotions, rigid salary structures and the thought of developing some sort of a midlife crisis due to the fact that unless you decide to leave the job completely, you are barred from exploring any other domains, keep me up at night. My question revolves around the thoughts that I have mentioned before, should I take on the preparation for UPSC CSE or whether there is some sort of substance to the anxious thoughts that I have and should I discover other carrier choices and abandon the thought of joining the Indian Foreign Srvices?
LikeLike
This is really your decision, my friend. I cannot comment since I haven’t known any other career but this one, and even on the worst of days I believe that this is what I was meant to do.
LikeLike
In interview if we choose ifs do they specially asked about world affairs
LikeLike
Not necessarily
LikeLike
Ma’am is there is any benefit of learning new languages before, I am learning two new languages does it lift up the chances of selected in ifs
LikeLike
Is there any benefit of learning new languages for selection in ifs as I am learning German
LikeLike
Not for selection
LikeLike
1)how often does a ifs officer host/attend parties
2)is there separate accommodation for all ifs or do they rent any house
LikeLike
Bombarding me with the same question from different usernames is hardly useful in eliciting a response. Please be patient.
1. As often as necessary.
2. Govt provides housing.
LikeLike
your guitar + singing skills are very impressive, ma’am. I couldn’t clear the exam but I’ve begun learning to sing and play the piano (which I always wanted to do).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am 27 years old and unmarried and this is going to be my 4th attempt. Can you please tell me if I get into IFS this attempt, will I be able to manage the postings and flourish in my career? Is it late to get into foreign services?
LikeLike
You will be fine.
LikeLike
Mam how did you stay motivated during your UPSC prep?
I’m not talking about watching videos on YT but realistically? How were you able to deal with relatives, family drama etc?
What’s your best advice to improve answer writing skills and what are some books you would blindly recommend for someone who wants to really pursue IFS?
What are some qualities that make you stand out as an IFS officer?
Any biographies of past IFS officers you would recommend to read?
Thank you for patiently reading my questions
LikeLike
Please see my post titled 8 Simple Rules about staying motivated.
Practice writing, that’s the only way to improve. There are no specific books for the IFS. You need a high rank in the UPSC exam and that needs a whole strategy.
I haven’t read any biographies so cannot recommend.
LikeLike
Thank you very much for pointing out to the simple rules most of my questions have resolved. You are amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mam, i entered into preparation with zeal to contribute in public necessities like health, education, sanitation etc. My mother is a government employee so, i have been through all the experiences of a govt school and its problems and the irregularity of staff too. Also, once i touched my optional PSIR, my mind was thrown with another option, IFS. I really love international relations, i used to watch every damn video on YouTube of international relations and explaining it to someone who don’t know about it makes me much more happier. I’m huge admirer of Dr S Jaishankar. Choosing between IAS and IFS is now big task before me. My doubts are.
1. I’m single child of my parents, can i take them along with me?
2. Will the expenses of parents be paid by govt?
3. How often can parents come to India? I mean the easiness of travel.
4. Will they face any loneliness there because due to language constraints?
5. I had read somewhere that once an officer posted in Iraq, travelled 80km to buy tomatoes and onions. Is food really a problem?
6. How about satisfaction? Will there be direct interaction with people and get the same satisfaction as IAS? I’m really concerned with irregularities here, so i wanted to make some change.
7. Would you recommend choosing IAS and then pursue some master’s degree in international relations? As both my interests are met.
8. If posted in some LDC (least developed countries), what will be the experience? Will food be a problem in such countries as Nigeria? I’m a vegetarian?
LikeLike
1. Yes
2. I haven’t had experience with this but many single children are able to take care of their parents.
3. Depends on your savings and ability to pay for tickets
4. Not necessarily
5. No clue, haven’t lived in Iraq
6. No clue about satisfaction in the IAS so can’t compare
7. You will have no time for yourself in the IAS, from what I gather
8. The world isn’t what we think it is. Vegetarianism isn’t such an issue I think.
You seem too afraid of the IFS. Best to go with your instincts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mam , Is it possible for IFS officers to work for extended periods at MEA rather than being posted abroad as I have heard they have to maintain a balance between their postings like 2/3 abroad and 1/3 in India ? Do they have the flexibility?
LikeLike
There is flexibility but there is a minimum requirement for serving abroad to get promoted at senior levels
LikeLike
Mam, What’s the minimum requirement for serving abroad like an approximation for good career opportunities along with promotions and all ?
LikeLike
Not sure I can share that information but if you’re not keen to serve abroad then perhaps the IFS isn’t a good career option
LikeLike
Just asked that out of curiosity mam. Not an iota of doubt about opting IFS as my first preference if I get selected . Have always been fascinated by diplomacy & representing India and the rich diversity it has at international forums. Hoping the dream to turn into reality soon ,working on it (a 2024 aspirant).
Thankyou for responding back .You are an inspiration.
LikeLike
Dear ma’am, I recently came across a podcast in which an IFS officer who resigned at the age of 35 expressed disappointment about the superior officers taking advantage of the hierarchy (mentioned an example of expecting junior officers to carry their bags). The officer mentioned about such scenarios taking place 2 decades ago and also said that times have changed now but can any such exploitation of juniors by senior officers occur in the contemporary times, what measures can prevent such incidents if they occur? This is not really a personal question to you ma’am but just because I am a 19 year old student, thinking about a career in the foreign service and when i came across this, I felt a bit discouraged. If you could enlighten me on this, would be helpful. Thanks.
LikeLike
This has been a trend across the civil services indeed, but younger officers are increasingly drawing the line with what type of behaviour is acceptable from a senior and what is not. There is no justification for bad behaviour and it is increasingly being called out. This isn’t something you should worry about too much.
LikeLike
Good evening from India mam,
I started preparation with idea of becoming an IAS/IPS, because my mother is government teacher, i had seen lapses in the system of education and very unethical works that are being done by people of lower administration.
I questioned why don’t someone report, and everyone were reluctant to report. This brings me to the idea of anonymous reporting or friendly reporting, trust building. I’m even active with municipal corporation in making the area clean without even letting them know my identity, it really gives me satisfaction when i see them work which they kept pending for days from 4th floor of my apartment.
With passing days of preparation, i found PSIR optional that suits me. However, there enters the third option, IFS into my mind. Now i really love International Relations, became huge fan of S Jaishankar. I even made my father who had no idea of IR before my preparation, recognize the world leaders faces.
If you were in this situation, what would you chose mam?
LikeLike
I honestly don’t know what to advise you. IFS is a lot more than just IR, it is also a form of administrative job, but in all aspects of foreign policy. If you have always wanted IAS/IPS then it may be better to stick to that.
I was in a different position. IAS/IPS never interested me, I always wanted to be a diplomat.
LikeLike
you’re doing extremely great work by sharing this information ! The more I appreciate, lesser it would be.
kindly inform me regarding “dependent criteria” . I have “mother + grandmother” as dependent ( both my father and grandfather have passed away ) . I have no siblings/brother/sister to take care of them.
Will these two be allowed to be with me throughout my tenure abroad , as my grandmother won’t be able do to-and-fro on 3 months visa which I read you have to do if you’re non-dependent ? Kindly give the clear picture.
Thank you so much ! Foreign Service is my top preference . I always knew about you mam,even saw you with prez Macron on republic Day. Never knew you’re running this page and doing such a great service 🙏
LikeLike
Thank you.
On your query about your mother and grandmother, I think it is likely that it could work for you but I cannot say for sure since this is ultimately the Ministry’s decision.
LikeLike
Thank you so much! 🙏kind of you to reply so soon.
LikeLike
Mam thanks for the wonderful content on IFS
1) if one is equally inclined to both the services ias and ifs so how she should make the choice as which to opt for
2) Mam is IFS like you go in a country and read the newspaper make input and send back to ministry (as told by some Coachingwallahs)
3) Mam you have done the interpretation course and have been in various high-profile meetings with the pm ; defense minister,please write a blog sharing those experiences as well as does that course added additional wings to your career
4) Mam how ifs cope up in foriegn environment without any help and do they miss the perks associated with home based services
5) Do you have ifs friends;colleagues;seniors who regret chosing ifs over other home based services.
6) You are working in multilateral wing,so how the work is different and how interesting it is if you had to rate it on a scale of 10
7)There are places which are very costly so at these places are the salaries sufficient for saving or its just enough to survive. If you could tell how much percent an officer living with family can save living a comfortable life
Thanks in advance
LikeLike
Hi. Here are some answers. Hope you find them useful.
1. Go by your own instinct and not anyone else’s opinion.
2. Clearly coachingwallahs never worked in the IFS. So no, that is not what we do. To know about what we do, just follow twitter handles of some of our embassies abroad. It’s a lot more than “reporting writing from newspapers”.
3. Cannot talk about those experiences, those are confidential meetings. Yes I do think the course can be an asset if you wisely use the skills that it teaches you.
4. It’s not that hard with enough preparation and an open mind. I have never missed the “perks” of home based services.
5. No
6. This would require a long answer. Overall, it is a great experience.
7. You can easily save at least 30-40% of your salary.
LikeLike
Good Evening Ma’am
I’ve been preparing for the civil services for some time now, and my dream has always been to become an IFS officer. But for the past few weeks, I’ve been in a dilemma. The thing is, I am the only son of my parents, so the responsibility of taking care of them falls on me. After becoming an IFS officer, I plan to take them abroad with me. But what’s bothering me a lot is how my parents will adjust there. Because they have spent their entire lives in the village and don’t know any language other than Hindi. And they have good relations with relatives. I don’t understand if I will be able to make them happy by taking them abroad? I will try my best to give them time from my side, but still, there will always be a sense of isolation for them which doesn’t exist in India due to neighbors or local acquaintances. And there are also language and cultural barriers abroad. I can’t leave them in India because I want them to be with me when I am successful and working. Could you provide a new perspective, ma’am? Because I don’t want to give up on my IFS dream, nor do I want to cause any trouble to my parents.
Thank you
PS: I’m sorry if this query is repeated because I tried posting earlier but I didn’t see it anywhere on the page so I posted again.
LikeLike
I am not sure what to advise you, to be honest. It’s a question of choosing between your dreams and your responsibilities. Only you can make that choice. I don’t quite have a new perspective to add here.
LikeLike
Thank you ma’am for replying. You’re right, it has to be my decision only.
Ma’am can you help me out with another query if possible? I was actually going through the report of 7th CPC where a came across a point.
11.17.14 Dependent parents of IFS Officers are eligible for coverage under Assisted Medical Attendance (AMA) Scheme of the Ministry which provides medical reimbursement for treatment in empanelled hospitals/doctors abroad to all Gol officials who are posted abroad. Aged parents who do not fulfil dependency criteria in India are not given any benefit at the place of posting abroad of the officer. The dependency critiera is determined in accordance with CGHS norms which requires that the total income of the parents through pension or otherwise should not exceed ₹3,500 per month plus applicable DA. IFS Officers have represented that since medical costs are often prohibitively expensive, it is not possible for them to take their aged parents on postings with them at their own cost.
But in Haryana, state provides Rs. 3000 pension to old age people, so that would be Rs. 6000 per month for my parents. Does that mean they won’t be counted as dependent? If it is so, I won’t be able to take them with me to whatever country I’m posted. What if my parents give up their pension and government still doesn’t agree because they have the option of availing pension? Or there is more to how are parents of IFS officer declared dependent?
LikeLike
I have no idea about this since I have not exercised this provision myself. I would rather not give you wrong information.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello mam,
Do IFS officers, besides carrying out foreign policy, negotiation and agreement, involve in national security aspects like intelligence gathering, analysis and reporting or will it be handled by relevant specialized organizations?
LikeLike
We the job we are given, that is diplomacy and not intelligence gathering.
LikeLike
HELLO MAM HOPE THIS MESSAGE FINDS YOU IN GOOD HEALTH!
1)Mam how interesting is the life of an IFS when posted in EOI as well as in Mea if you could rate it on a scale in 10
2)During your tenures did you ever find the work getting monotonous?
3) Can vegetarians easily survive in IFS?
4) Apart from interest in International relations what factors motivated you to chose it above IAS
5) Is the savings (financially) more than the home based services or are the expenses also way more leaving less scope for savings
6)By globe trotting moving across continents does one feel homesick, and looks for stability? How has your experience been staying in a country then switching or is it exciting and interesting?
LikeLike
1. For me it varied between 8-10/10 in both types of postings.
2. No
3. Yes
4. Exposure to other cultures and regions of the world, opportunity to learn and master a foreign language, better quality of life, the privilege of representing the nation
5. Savings more than home based services for sure
6. I have personally found it quite exciting, staying in one place for too long gets monotonous
LikeLike
Thanks for the wonderful inputs…..you said in point 3 that better quality of life,one can be due to the good finances and posting in good countries but if you are posted in hard countries then will the quality be affected?
How much choice one has in postings? Is it better than IAS/IPS where it is purely random?
LikeLike
Yes in hard countries quality can be affected but those are shorter postings.
Definitely more choice and predictability in postings and tenures than IAS/IPS
LikeLike
HELLO PETAL MAM!
LikeLike
1. Most of my friends and cousins are married and I made time to be there for these occasions. When abroad, your colleagues are your friends and family.
2. Not sure. No experience in this regard.
3. Pretty good.
4. No problem for vegetarians and local help can be hired to cook.
LikeLike
Hello Mam ,Belated happy holi🙌
LikeLike
MAM during festivals like holi diwali the eoi celebrate it do the permanent mission of india in un also celebrate and host such events? Do you miss home or the festival is celebrated with full zeal there?
LikeLike
Yes it is celebrated. And yes I do miss home in such moments
LikeLike
HELLO MAM hope you are having a great day
MAM with the advent of lateral entry at director,js level in the IAS ,is it possible in IFS too in near future.
Is the salary in the initial period sufficient just to survive or significant savings be made (as compared to home based services is it more),provided the additional cost to travel to India and maintaining a good standard living alongside buying a vehicle for oneself(as not provided by the government
With the “perks” of home base service being reduced to maintain parity ,with its high standard of living good facilities, will the IFS BECOME A MORE POPULAR CHOICE?
Although is a specialized service,do it has versatility as compared to IAS?
LikeLike
Hi, I have answered the first three questions in the comment above yours. Please see.
For the last question, the answer is yes
LikeLike
MAM are you referring to comment by “Akanksha” but actually the reply isn’t visible thats why asking!
LikeLike
yes mam the answer is not visible to my questions…..please copy paste it again there is some glitch…..
LikeLike
1. It can happen, yes 2. Yes 3. Good savings are possible
LikeLike
Mam do seniors in Ifs scold junior for making mistakes like in hime based services where hierarchy is followed.Have you been witness to such a thing or were you scolded?
Did you have any embarrassing /awkward situation till now?
LikeLike
What sort of job does not entail reprimand for a mistake?
LikeLike
mam, we often see the challenging and inspiring tasks and activities that ias do as part of their job. School inspections, managing floods, etc. we also listen about cons under the name harsh realities by mentioning transfers, corruption, boss pressure, family etc.
could you please mention those challenging tasks that are not known due to less exposure to ifs. Also the harsh realities.
as ias is a domestic service, people focused on both the aspects, those who wanted focused on inspiring tasks and those who criticize focused on harsh realities.
can you pls mention the same for ifs
Thankyou
LikeLike
Good morning ma’am.
Kindly reply ma’am.
Thank you for guiding us and sharing so much information about IFS. You are an inspiration for all of us.
Wishing you all the best.
LikeLike
1. And 2. It can be managed.
3. You’re required to interact with foreigners on a daily basis. Good English is an asset and a basis for you to learn a foreign language which is compulsory.
LikeLike
Ma’am I am grateful that your blog exists, it serves as an inspiration as well as a questionnaire for us aspirants. I have three questions if you could answer –
Thank you ma’am!
LikeLike
1. No. Expertise gathered in the service matters.
2. No postings are male or female specific. Competence is the only criteria.
3. Not sure, but officers are able to take care of their parents while also doing well in their careers
LikeLike
Greetings! Mam.
I just found this thread and read all the comments and It’s truly a gold mine for information regarding foreign service.
I too have few things which I’m very impatient to know about so..
1. Is it really not possible as an IFS to marry a foreigner without that person (foreigner) leaving the citizenship of thier country?
2. If someone serves into few years in IFS but loses interest or passion after words and decides to quit for pursuing career in some private sector abroad then would there be any restrictions on that person from indian government regarding moving to other country as he has previously worked in foreign services of India?
3. Random.. but, have you visited Vosges mountains in France by now?
LikeLike
Hi
1. Yes they need to apply for Indian citizenship
2. I don’t believe so. People have done it
3. Nope
LikeLike
Ma’am, during the G20 and Republic Day visit, I noticed you accompanying the French President. While impressive, I was curious – What does a Foreign Service Officer really do during such visits. Also do they handle translations instead of a regular translator?
LikeLike
Some do, yes.
LikeLike