What is the process for selecting candidates for the IFS? 

The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is the diplomatic service of the Government of India. The selection process for candidates aspiring to join the IFS involves a competitive examination called the Civil Services Examination (CSE), conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The CSE is a three-stage process that consists of the following steps:

1. Preliminary Examination: The first stage is the Preliminary Examination, which consists of two objective-type papers: the General Studies Paper I and the General Studies Paper II (Civil Services Aptitude Test or CSAT). This examination serves as a screening test, and the marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not considered for the final ranking. Only candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the next stage.

2. Main Examination: The Main Examination is the second stage and consists of a written examination and an interview. The written examination consists of nine papers, which are conventional essay-type papers. These papers assess the candidates' knowledge in various subjects such as Indian heritage and culture, history, geography, polity, governance, social issues, technology, ethics, and more. The marks obtained in the Main Examination, along with the marks obtained in the Interview, determine the final ranking.

3. Interview: Candidates who qualify the Main Examination are called for a personal interview conducted by the UPSC board. The interview aims to assess the candidate's personality traits, suitability for a diplomatic career, and general knowledge on various national and international issues.

After completing these three stages, the final merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the Main Examination and the Interview. The top-ranking candidates are then allotted various services, including the Indian Foreign Service, based on their preferences, merit, and availability of vacancies.

It's important to note that the selection process may be subject to changes, and it's recommended to refer to the official UPSC website or notification for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the selection process for the Indian Foreign Service Exam.

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