<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000842939
<NAME> FIRST INVESTORS SERIES FUND
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 012
<NAME> INTERMEDIATE TAX EXEMPT FUND, CLASS B
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> JAN-1-2000
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<EXPENSES-NET> (9)
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<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> (3)
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<GROSS-EXPENSE> (11)
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</TABLE>