Should the Indian Foreign Services Officers’ Exam Include a Separate Foreign Affairs Section?

There is an ongoing debate on whether the selection process for Indian Foreign Services officers (IFS) should incorporate a specific section that focuses on foreign affairs. Currently, aspiring candidates for the IFS go through a rigorous examination that not only evaluates their ability to handle domestic affairs but also their understanding of international relations and global politics.

IFS vs Other Civil Services

The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) stands out distinctly from other civil services of India. While other civil services primarily focus on administrative and governance roles, the IFS requires candidates to cultivate a unique set of skills and knowledge that are essential for diplomacy. Diplomats operate in a realm that demands a particular temperament, communication skills, and a deep understanding of international policies and world affairs.

Current Examination Scheme

Many argue against separating the IFS examination into a dedicated foreign affairs section. The current examination system is designed to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds and from the most remote regions of India. It is crucial to provide equal opportunities to individuals from varied socio-economic backgrounds, some of whom may have limited exposure to the international domain. Simply put, the IFS exam is just a part of a broader civil services examination, which is known for its inclusivity and merit-based selection process.

During the preparation phase, aspirants often discover which service they are most passionate about. For many aspirants, especially those from rural backgrounds, the initial awareness of the IFS is through the civil services examination (CSE). If the IFS exam were conducted separately, it is unlikely that these aspirants would ever learn about the opportunities within the IFS.

Training and Preparation

Furthermore, the rigorous training that IFS officers undergo is a testament to the commitment of the government in preparing them for their roles. Candidates are exposed to a comprehensive training program both before and after their selection:

Army, Naval, and Air Force attachments Travelling to Indian missions abroad to understand their working Attachment at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) for economics modules Attachment at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to study culture and heritage Bharat Darshan (a three-week cultural tour) Attending brief stints at UN offices One-month district attachment Modules on international relations and other service-related courses at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Delhi Attachments with various divisions in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

This extensive training provides a well-rounded education that prepares IFS officers for their roles. The emphasis on international relations and global affairs is integral to their training, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve the country in the diplomatic arena.

Proposed Changes

While the current examination and training processes are robust, some suggest revising the optional subjects to better align with the specific roles within the civil services. Instead of offering separate papers for each service, a single optional paper with subjects relevant to each service type could be introduced. For example:

Administration and Governance - relevant to administrative services International relations - relevant to foreign service Accounting and Finance - relevant to revenue/audit/accounts services Criminal law and Security - relevant to policing services

Such a change would allow aspirants to choose subjects that align with their career preferences while ensuring that they are well-prepared for their respective roles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are arguments both for and against a separate exam for the IFS, the current system offers a balanced approach to attract and train a diverse and well-qualified pool of candidates. The emphasis on international relations and the comprehensive training program ensure that IFS officers are adequately prepared for their critical roles in the foreign affairs sector.