Role of an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer - UPSC

An Indian Foreign Service Officer serves as an ambassador, assisting in the management of bilateral political and economic relations. To carry out their duties, IFS officers have three key abilities. Negotiating, watching, and keeping healthy relationships with foreign countries are examples of this.

Responsibility of an IFS Officer

Indian Foreign Service Officers have a greater responsibility than the average person; their job title reflects the variety of duties they perform. They represent India at numerous embassies, higher commissions, and even consulates around the world. They even work for international organizations such as the United Nations on permanent missions. They have the responsibility of alerting others about happenings in the country in which they are stationed, which aids in influencing India.

Salary and Benefits of an IFS Officer

There are 6 levels of distribution according to one's roles in the IFS section depending on the salary is based accordingly.

1. Junior Time Scale -

Officers at this level begin as Under Secretaries, and their pay is based on their experience.

This is the pay scale for a freshly assigned officer.

Basic Pay: 8000 INR

Grade Pay: 5,400 INR

2. Senior Time Scale -

An officer at this level starts as an Under Secretary and earns between 10,650 and 16,000 INR.

The Senior Scales are a set of scales that are used by senior citizens.

Basic Pay: 10,700 INR

Grade Pay: 6,600 INR

3. Junior Administrative Scale -

A Deputy Secretary is hired at this level, and the remuneration ranges from 12,750 to 17000 INR.

Basic Pay: 12,750 INR

Grade Pay: 7,600 INR

4. Selection Grade -

A counsellor director is hired at this level, and the remuneration ranges from 15,100 to 18,500 INR.

Basic Pay: 15,100 INR

Grade Pay: 8,700 INR

5. Senior Administrative Scale -

A Joint Secretary is hired at this level, and the remuneration ranges from 18,400 to 22,500 INR.

An officer would take around 20 years to attain this level.

Basic Pay: 18,400 INR

Grade Pay: 10,000 INR

6. High Commissioner / Ambassador -

A Foreign Secretary is hired at this level, and the remuneration is fixed at 26,000 INR with no grade pay.

Basic Pay: 26,000 INR

Grade Pay: NIL

Perks of an IFS Officer in India

Benefits for IFS Officers under the 7th Pay Commission According to the 7th Pay Commission, Indian Foreign Service Officers who currently receive two pay scales would receive one pay scale in the future.

• Fantastic 2 or 3 BHK accommodation at a low cost

• Use of a car for commuting

• Security guards and household assistants

• Expenses for Medical Treatment

• Vehicles used by the government

• Access to free electricity and water

• The ability to make free international phone calls

• Studying abroad choices

• Pensions and retirement benefits

The key reasons why people choose the Indian Foreign Service are the compensation, pay scale, privileges, and respectable job profile (IFS). Within India, both IAS and IFS officers get equal salaries. However, when the Foreign Allowance is taken into account, IFS officers earn more while posted abroad. IFS has an obvious advantage over IAS here. IFS officers will work in other countries' capitals or well-developed cities throughout their careers.

Power of an IFS Officer

Negotiations, surveillance, and defence of Indian interests in foreign countries are the main functions of the IFS. Diplomatic agents of the first category are IFS officers. They hold the title of Excellency since they are representatives of entirely sovereign governments.

The service is responsible for managing India's foreign relations, providing consular services, and establishing India's position in international organizations. It is a group of career diplomats who serve in more than one country.

Challenges of an IFS Officer

In India, the challenges of being an IFS officer are numerous but we have mentioned the most frequently asked questions.

• Political Intervention – In the case of IFS officers, there is no political interference which might seem like a perk but it's a drawback for the international problematic situations if any case includes warrants or foreign investigation and government withdraw from any assigned order.

• Family Life - IFS officers' spouses will find it difficult to advance in their careers. Their children have to change their schooling over a period of time if an IFS officer is promoted to the foreign department. However, once the officer is moved to another nation, they will have to change schools and an opportunity to attend elite international schools.

Friendly Conclusion

IFS is the place to be if you want to represent India abroad and reside in the city. The Foreign Service Officer's job as a professional diplomat is to represent India's interests both at home and abroad on a wide range of problems. Bilateral political and economic cooperation, trade and investment development, cultural contact, press and media liaison, and a slew of other multilateral concerns are among them.