Indian Foreign Service

Appointment is made in Junior Times Scale on probation for a period of at least two years, which may be extended, if required. Successful candidates are required to undergo training in India for approximately twelve months. Thereafter, they may be posted as Third Secretaries in Indian Missions abroad to pursue training in Compulsory Foreign Language. During their period of training the Officer Trainees are required to pass one or more departmental examinations before they become eligible for confirmation in Service.

On the conclusion of period of probation to the satisfaction of Government and on passing the prescribed examination, the Officer Trainee is confirmed in appointment. If however, work or conduct is found to be unsatisfactory, Government may discharge him from the Service or may extend his period of probation for such period, as they may deem fit.

If, in the opinion of Government, the work or conduct of an Officer on probation is unsatisfactory or shows that he is not likely to prove suitable for the Foreign Service, Government may either discharge him forthwith or may revert him to his substantive post, if any.

Scale of Pay

1. Junior Scale PB-3 Rs. 15,600-39,100+5,400 (Grade Pay)

2. Senior Scale PB-3 Rs. 15,600-39,100+6,600 (Grade Pay)

3. Junior Administrative Grade PB-3 Rs. 15,600-39,100+7,600 (Grade Pay)

4. Grade IV PB-4 Rs. 37,400-67,000+8,700 (Grade Pay)

5. Grade III PB-4 Rs. 37,400-67,000+10,000 (Grade Pay)

6. Grade II Grade-II HAG Scale: Rs. 67,000-79,000

7. Grade I Rs. 80,000 (Fixed)

An Officer Trainee is permitted to count the period spent on probation towards leave, pension or increment in the time-scale. Annual increments during probation are contingent on the probationer passing the prescribed test if any and showing progress to the satisfaction of Government.

The pay of the Government servant, who held a permanent post other than a tenure post in substantive capacity prior to his appointment in IFS, will be regulated, subject to the provisions of F.R. 22-B(i).

An officer belonging to the Indian Foreign Service are liable to serve anywhere in or outside India. During service abroad IFS officers are granted foreign allowance according to their rank to compensate them for the increased cost of living and also to meet the representational responsibilities. In addition, the following facilities are also admissible to IFS Officers during service abroad:

  • (i) Free furnished accommodation according to diplomatic rank.
  • (ii) Medical attendance facilities under the Assisted Medical attendance Scheme.
  • (iii) One set of Home Leave Passage is given during each posting abroad for a normal tenure of 2/3 year, for self and dependent family members, in addition two single Emergency Passages are given during an officer’s entire career for self or a member of his family to travel to India for reasons of personal or family emergency.
  • (iv) Annual return air passage for children between the ages of 6 and 22 studying in India to visit their parents during vacation, subject to certain conditions.
  • (v) Children Education Allowance for a maximum of two children between ages 5 and 20 studying at the station of the officer’s posting in any of the schools approved by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Central Civil Services (Leave Rules, 1972) as amended from time to time, will apply to members of the Service, subject to certain modifications. For service abroad, IFS officers are entitled under the IFS (PLCA) Rules, 1961 to an additional credit of leave to the extent of 50 per cent to Earned Leave admissible under the C.C.S. (Leave) Rules, 1972, for the period of effective service rendered abroad.

Retirement benefits will be as per Government of India norms as amended from time to time.