LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2170
ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025
SOCIAL DIVERSITY AMONG INDIAN FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS
2170. MR PATHAN YUSUF![]()
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-
(a) the total strength of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers, especially belonging to SC/ST, OBC, minorities and women categories;
(b) the number of IFS officers belonging to SC/ST, OBC, minorities and women posted as Ambassadors/High Commissioner/Permanent Representative abroad; and
(c) the number of IFS officers belonging to SC/ST, OBC, minorities and women posted at Director, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary levels in the Ministry?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) The total strength of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers as on 01 December 2025 is 954. Out of these, the number of SC/ST officers is 200, OBC officers is 217 and women officers is 263. The data regarding minorities is not maintained separately.
(b) Currently, there are a total of 26 Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Permanent Representatives belonging to SC/ST categories.
There are a total of 25 Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Permanent Representatives belonging to OBC category working in Missions abroad.
Currently, there are a total of 11 Women officers posted as Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Permanent Representative.
(c) The number of IFS officers belonging to SC/ST, OBC, and women posted at Director, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary levels in the Ministry is placed at Annexure-I.
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