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.