#CareerBytes: About IFS Officers and the salary, perks they enjoy
The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is one of the most coveted Civil Services in India just like other premier ones like Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). IFS is the administrative diplomatic civil service under the Central Civil Services' Group A. Recruitment is done through UPSC Civil Services Examination. Here's a look at the life, salary, and perks of IFS Officers.
To become an IFS Officer, one must clear the Civil Services Examination. Those who are accepted to the Foreign Service, undergo training for three years before being confirmed in IFS. Candidates are first trained at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (Mussoorie) and then at Foreign Service Institute (Delhi). They're attached to different government bodies and defense establishments; they undertake India/abroad tours too.
IFS Officers are posted in Indian Embassies and High Commissions across the world and External Ministry Offices in India as well. They represent India in its Embassies/High Commissions/Consulates and Permanent Missions to multilateral organizations like the United Nations. Other functions include protecting India's interests in other nations, promoting friendly relations, reporting developments of the country they're posted in, negotiating agreements, and extending consular facilities.
For officers joining as Under Secretaries at Junior Time Scale, the basic pay is Rs. 8,000-14,000 and for Under Secretaries at Senior Time Scale, it's Rs. 10,650-16,000. For Deputy Secretaries at Junior Administrative Scale, the basic pay is Rs. 12,750-17,000, Counselor Directors (Selection Grade) get Rs. 15,100-18,500, Joint Secretaries (Senior Administrative Scale) receive Rs. 18,400-22,500, and Foreign Secretaries at High Commissioner/Ambassador get Rs. 26,000.
Net salaries including Dearness Allowance, grade pay, and incentives: For Junior Scale Grade officers, pay band is Rs. 15,600-39,100 and grade pay is Rs. 5,400. The three categories of Senior Scale Officers- Senior Time (Pay Band: Rs. 15,600-39,100; Grade Pay: Rs. 6,600), Junior Administrative Grade (Pay Band: Rs. 15,600-39,100; Grade Pay: Rs. 7,600), and Selection Grade (Pay Band: Rs. 37,400-67,000; Grade Pay: Rs. 8,700).
For Super Time Scale officers, pay band is Rs. 37,400-67,000 (Grade Pay: Rs. 10,000). Above Super Time Scale is divided into Super Super Scale, Apex Pay Scale, and Cabinet Secretary. For Super Super Scale officers, pay band is Rs. 37,400-67,000 (Grade Pay: Rs. 12,000). For Apex Pay Scale officers, pay band is fixed at Rs. 80,000 and for Cabinet Secretaries, it is Rs. 90,000.
Coming to the perks of the IFS Officers, they enjoy a range of perks, including an accommodation of 2 or 3 BHK house at a cheap rate, a car for commuting, official vehicles, domestic helpers, and security guards. An IFS Officer also enjoys free electricity, free water, and free telephone facilities. Other perks include medical treatment expenses, abroad study options, retirement benefits, and pension.
As per the 7th Central Pay Commission, the Indian Foreign Service Officers who were getting only two increments in a period of two years will receive three increments once they reach the senior level.
