IAS or IFS?

Vinay1995

I know that this question has been asked and answered quite a lot of times earlier but still remains a doubt for me. When I initially started off my preparation, IFS was the only service I had set as a goal for me. However, after having seen a lot of topper talks and other such things, the fact that almost 95% of aspirants chose ias really bugs me. When I was in software, I never knew of someone who did not want to go onsite. If everyone wants to go abroad, travel, enjoy life at the edge, then why are all still inclined towards IAS? I am really confused. Please guide me further.

Moridin1

Because IFS is anything but all the on-site fun you've heard of, your onsites are all Western English speaking nations..those are the kind you will never see untill 20 years into service in IFS. You will also have to serve at least two Hard posting, i.e. Africa, Caucausus, etc. Many would argue that spending 6 years as DM in a district town is far better than risking your life in Venezuela or Armenia. Take for example the city of Bishkek, it actually has less amenities and social life than a Class C Indian town.

Recently you must have seen the Russian diplomat murdered in Turkey, similarly at least 3 IFS has been killed on duty since 1951...always remember since you are the face of India in that country, you are also the prime target of any anti-India movements in that country.

Though IAS being targeted by Mafia/political goons is also heard of, but killing an IAS is a big news and extremely difficult to carry out..most IAS live very privileged life in India. As an IFS you only get the privilege your host country deigns to give you, so in far flung locations it might not be much. Also Babudom is absent in every Western nation, so you enjoy nothing of the IAS life. Your marriage suffers, you can't return to India on a whim or even if your parents/family-back-home needs you suddenly, your kids will study in International schools and thus thoroughly fail in JEE/UPSC/Indian education system. All in all, IFS is a much harder life than IAS, and is also a thankless job since the work you do will be unknown to the masses and politicians will take credit for every tough negotiation you pull off.

That said, IFS remains my first choice, simply because of the unconventional lifestyle and the adventurism in the service, which simply has no parallel with any other job in the bureaucracy.

ForUpscDream

Guys, i am on the same boat. Its true that the amenities are less, and since its the time and age of globalisation India has all the facilities ranging from healthcare to swanky cars to sparkling malls and not to mention all the brands etc, but just look at it this way .... Which job in the world will give you the chance to work anywhere and everywhere in the world ? Where literally the entire world is your work canvas... The thrill of representing your country and wearing the Indian Flag on your lapel is beyond precious. Thats why even I identify with this service.

Vinay1995

Lord Voluminous sir, I guess you more or less, satisfied me by presenting the real picture, nonetheless, I have one more doubt. Can an IFS officer take a friend/cousin along to a foreign posting? I am asking this because I have a few people who are totally dependent on me. Or let's say, after selection in IAS, one goes for further studies abroad, then too, can someone accompany me? Also in which service would it be easy for me to take care of my dependents without coming under the social scanner and without being judged? Please reply.

vandana70

Spouse and children get diplomatic passports and can accompany the officer wherever they want. As far as other relatives/ parents/ dependents are concerned they have to follow regular visa route and can accompany the officer only for short duration on tourist visa, that too if the host country permits.

IceKing

spouse has limited choice to work depending upon the country

dpagarwal

spouse has limited choice to work depending upon the country

How can children adjust in school conaidering change of cou try every 2-3 yrs?

IceKing

spouse has limited choice to work depending upon the country

How can children adjust in school conaidering change of cou try every 2-3 yrs?

yes its difficult but many army persons also has to do that. My room mate, his schooling was like this only, every 3 years new friends. Yet he looked mature and adjusted and was fine to these changes, he added. May be situation makes u like that and with time, like diplomats, their children also love to travel and change place.

Moridin1

spouse has limited choice to work depending upon the country

How can children adjust in school conaidering change of cou try every 2-3 yrs?

Because it's International School. Syllabus and curriculum same everywhere across the world. So no issues, your kids may fail JEE, but they will get through Princeton, Smithsonian, etc. And you will also have the money to make sure your kids can afford those high profile universities.

Moridin1

Lord Voluminous sir, I guess you more or less, satisfied me by presenting the real picture, nonetheless, I have one more doubt. Can an IFS officer take a friend/cousin along to a foreign posting? I am asking this because I have a few people who are totally dependent on me. Or let's say, after selection in IAS, one goes for further studies abroad, then too, can someone accompany me? Also in which service would it be easy for me to take care of my dependents without coming under the social scanner and without being judged? Please reply.

Ofcourse not, a diplomat is a high profile position. You will get the Red passport, no immigration checks and privileged ports of entry. If any nation denies you entry, it will be tantamount to insulting India and will have international repercussions. The only person you can take with you is wife/children(under 18 only). Even parents are not allowed unless you can prove that your parents are destitute or are medically dependent on you. And its most unwise to take parents along, they won't be able to adjust to moving every 3 years and they won't make any friends abroad so it's better they stay in India with friends and family.

As for IAS's abroad tours, you can't even take your wife/children on those tours. They are generally 1-2 months only so it's a non-issue.

PeterQuill

Neither IAS nor IFS... These are for wussies...

Only IPS... Hands down...