Question : Entries in IFS

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Government is planning to modify its recruitment procedures to introduce lateral entries in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS);

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons for the introduction of such a policy and the eligibility criteria envisaged by the Government for including such recruits who have not passed any examination conducted by the UPSC; and

(c) if not, the measures being taken by the Government to fill up the posts that are lying vacant in the Indian Foreign Service?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) & (b) There is no plan to modify the recruitment procedures of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

(c) Vacancies arising in Indian Foreign Service are filled by direct recruitment through Civil Services Examination and promotions from feeder cadres. Ministry of External Affairs also takes officers from other Departments/ Ministries on deputation.