What is IFS?

The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) examination is a highly competitive civil service examination in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is part of the broader Civil Services Examination. The IFS exam aims to recruit officers for India’s diplomatic corps. The selection process includes three stages: the Preliminary Examination (objective-type questions), the Main Examination (comprising written papers and an interview), and language proficiency tests. Successful candidates undergo rigorous training at the Foreign Service Institute. The IFS officers represent India internationally, handle diplomatic relations, promote trade, and contribute to foreign policy formulation, making it a prestigious and crucial service in the country.