How to Become an Ambassador of India (IFS) - Testbook

The UPSC Civil Services Exam

The UPSC Civil Service Examination is conducted in three stages, namely:

1. Civil Services Preliminary Exam (MCQ type)
2. Civil Services Mains Exam (Written and Descriptive type)
3. Personality Test/Interview

The UPSC releases the notification for the exam every year in February or March, and candidates can opt for their preferred services from the list provided.

Eligibility for Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

The eligibility criteria for the IFS exam is similar to that for other civil services like the IAS Exam. After passing the Civil Services exam, the candidate, based on their rank, is allocated to the Indian Foreign Service. Post this, they undergo specific training for Indian Foreign Services (IFS).

Find more about the eligibility for IFS which is the same as the IAS Exam.

Familiarize yourself with the UPSC Prelims Syllabus for IFS, which is identical to the other civil services exams. Once a candidate clears the UPSC Civil Service Exam, they are allocated a specific service like the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), based on their rankings.

Visit the Current Affairs page for useful insights to help you crack the IFS Exam.

Enhance your preparation for the upcoming exam with the help of the following links:

• Review UPSC Previous Year Question Papers
• Download UPSC Indian Economy Notes PDF (Free)
• Learn from IAS Toppers
• Download UPSC Notes PDF (Free)
• Download NCERT Notes PDF (Free)

Training for Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

The training process for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is a comprehensive one, designed to equip the IFS Officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their duties. The training process includes an induction phase at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), followed by specialized training at the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi, and finally on-the-job training at a Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Upon successful completion of the training, the officers are assigned a Compulsory Foreign Language (CFL) and posted at an Indian mission abroad as a Third Secretary (Language Trainee). After acquiring proficiency in the CFL, they are confirmed in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

The various ranks in the Indian Foreign Service while posted at an Indian Mission/Post abroad and at the MEA Headquarters in India, range from Third Secretary (Language Trainee) to Ambassador and Under Secretary to Secretary respectively.

For further information on the Indian Foreign Service, check out the following links –

For more insights related to Indian Foreign Service, visit the page on the Indian Foreign Service .