Indian Trade Service

Are you a passionate Civil Servant aiming at a career that focuses on promoting international trade in India? Here is the prestigious post – Indian Trade Service! With the right UPSC coaching, cracking the UPSC CSE enables candidates to open a door of opportunities that shape the nation’s global standing. The significance of the UPSC ITS goes a long way in the hassle-free movement of India’s economy and progress.
This blog will shed light on the eligibility, roles and duties of ITS officers, and the job profile of the post.

Overview of Indian Trade Service

Indian Trade Service, abbreviated as ITS, is a group A civil service formed in 1977. It was established with the core purpose of handling international trade and commerce, depending on the suggestions of the Mathur committee. However, direct hiring through the UPSC CSE was initiated in 1985.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) administers the ITS service and this post falls under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Indian Trade Service Recruitment Rules manages the job opportunities and selection of the ITS officers.

As of now, the authority of the Indian Trade Service is in control of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) which comes within the range of the Ministry of Commerce.

Based on the function, the Department is divided into 9 divisions:

  1. International Trade Policy Division
  2. Foreign Trade Territorial Division
  3. Export Products Division
  4. Export Industries Division
  5. Export Services Division
  6. Economic Division
  7. Administration & General Service Division
  8. Finance Division
  9. Supply Division

ITS Eligibility

Eligibility CriteriaRequirement
   Age ▪         Minimum age 21 years

▪         Maximum age 30 years

–          Age is calculated as of 1st August month of the UPSC examination year

–         Age relaxation is available for certain categories

QualificationBachelor’s degree from an approved university, can be any discipline
NationalityMust be a citizen of India

 

Number of attempts allowed

CategoryNumber of attempts
General Category6
OBC9
SC/STNo restriction
Physically handicapped9 attempts – general category

Unlimited – SC/ST

 

Training & Capacity Building

  • The ITS probationers will undergo Foundation-course training (mandatory) at diverse academies that are designed in coordination with LBSNAA-Mussoorie.
  • Then they are trained at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in New Delhi. This is taken for an eight to nine-month probationary period
  • Training is categorized into: Classroom teaching and practical training

Classroom training focuses on:

  • India’s Foreign Trade Policy
  • World Trade Organization Framework
  • International Business Marketing
  • Macro and Micro Economics
  • Human Resource Management

And more…

Indian Trade Officers – Roles and Responsibilities

Since India is actively looking into engaging in international trade and spreading its global footprint, the roles of the ITS officers have become significant.

  • The primary responsibility of the ITS officers revolves around representing India in international trade negotiations
  • They have their predominant part in analyzing trade agreements, negotiating favourable terms for India in a range of multilateral and bilateral forums and recognizing the potential effects on domestic industries.
  • Have their active contribution to formulating and executing trade policies that would augment the exports and reduce trade barriers in India
  • Should work in coordination with stakeholders from various sectors. That includes government agencies, industry associations, and trade promotion bodies.
  • Committed to performing comprehensive market research and analysis that helps in figuring out the export opportunities for Indian industries and crafting strategies to capitalize on them.
  • Constantly monitor global economic trends, determine new trade opportunities, and evaluate the competitiveness of Indian products in the international market.
  • Will have to be involved in commercial diplomacy, demonstrating India internationally and establishing strong trade relationships with other nations.
  • Should make arrangements for trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meetings, in India and abroad.
  • ITS officers can be allotted on deputation to work in other ministries and departments. They can also be sent to international bodies such as the World Bank Group, ADB, UN organisations, etc.

Indian Trade Service (ITS) – Look into Grade, and Payscale

GradeDesignationPayGrade Pay
Junior Time ScaleAssistant Director-General of Foreign TradeRs.15,600-39100Rs.5400
Senior Time ScaleDeputy Director-General of Foreign Trade
orUnder Secretary		Rs.15,600-39,100Rs.6600
Junior Administrative GradeJoint Director General of Foreign Trade

Or

Deputy Secretary

Rs.15,600-39,100Rs.7600
Selection GradeJoint Director General of Foreign Trade

Or

Director

Rs.37,400-67,000Rs.8700
Senior Administrative GradeAdditional Director General of Foreign Trade

Trade Advisor

Development Commissioner (Special Economic Zone)

Rs.37,400-67,000Rs.10,000
Higher Administrative GradeDirector-General of Foreign Trade

Or

Senior Development Commissioner (Special Economic Zone)

67000-3%-79000

 

Perks of the ITS Officers

  • Dearness Allowance
  • House Rent Allowance
  • Transport Allowance
  • Leave Travel Concession
  • Medical Facilities
  • Retirement Benefits (pension, gratuity and provident fund)

Career Prospects

  • Initially the ITS cadre officers will be assigned the role of Under Secretary. Then they will get promoted to various levels such as Deputy, Joint and Additional Secretary.
  • Will have their unique opportunity to serve on deputation with foreign missions, WTO and the
  • Equipped with exclusive opportunity to provide their duties at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

Your journey to become an ITS officer

The career profile of ITS officers demands strong diplomatic expertise and interpersonal skills. With recent growth in digital technologies and commerce segments, the job profile of ITS officers has become more dynamic. If you are a candidate interested in addressing the challenges and opportunities provided by the digital economy, be prepared to successfully clear the UPSC and attain your dream ITS officer service.

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