Indian Trade Service (ITS)
About the Service
The Indian Trade Service (ITS) is a specialized Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service that plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing India’s foreign trade and commercial policy. Established in 1977, the ITS provides expertise in international trade negotiations, export promotion, trade facilitation, and global market access.
ITS officers work primarily in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, and represent India’s trade interests both domestically and internationally. They also serve in organizations like:
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence & Statistics (DGCIS)
- Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO)
- Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC)
- Commodity Boards and Export Promotion Councils
Recruitment and Entry
Recruitment to the Indian Trade Service is through the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates who qualify the Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test stages and opt for the Commerce or Economic Administration stream are allotted the ITS based on their rank and preference.
Service Role and Responsibilities
- Formulation and implementation of India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)
- Negotiation of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with WTO, FTAs, and RTAs
- Export promotion through trade fairs, marketing, and capacity building
- Trade facilitation and regulatory oversight through DGFT offices
- Managing import-export licensing, duty remission, and export incentive schemes
- Coordinating with embassies, WTO missions, and international organizations to enhance India’s trade presence globally
ITS officers serve as the bridge between domestic industries and global markets, promoting India’s exports and protecting national trade interests.
Organizational Structure and Career Hierarchy
| Level | Designation | Typical Role |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Assistant Director General of Foreign Trade (ADGFT) | Implementation of Foreign Trade Policy, export licensing, and promotion |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade (DDGFT) | Supervises trade policy implementation and regional trade offices |
| Selection Grade | Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (JDGFT) | Heads DGFT offices at zonal level; policy review and export facilitation |
| Senior Administrative Grade | Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (Addl. DGFT) | Oversees national-level export policies and schemes |
| Higher Administrative Grade | Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) | Head of the DGFT; formulates and implements Foreign Trade Policy |
| Apex Level | Additional Secretary / Special Secretary | Senior policymaker in Department of Commerce or international trade bodies |
ITS officers can also serve in:
- Indian Missions Abroad (as Commercial Representatives, Economic Counsellors)
- World Trade Organization (WTO) and UNCTAD as trade experts
- Commerce Ministry Divisions handling WTO, FTAs, and multilateral negotiations
Training of ITS Officers
Training for ITS officers is designed to combine academic learning with hands-on exposure to trade mechanisms.
1. Foundation Course
Conducted at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, along with other Group A services. Covers general public administration, governance, and ethics.
2. Professional Training
Conducted primarily at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi.
- International Trade and WTO Rules
- Export-Import Policy & Procedures
- Global Supply Chains and Logistics
- Trade Finance and Exchange Management
- Bilateral and Multilateral Trade Negotiations
Study visits to DGFT field offices, ports, SEZs, Customs Houses, and foreign trade missions are part of the curriculum.
Cadre Management and Postings
ITS officers are centrally managed by the Department of Commerce.
Initial postings are usually in DGFT offices across major cities (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru).
Officers may later move to:
- Commerce Ministry (Policy divisions, WTO, Trade Policy Division)
- International assignments (Embassies, Permanent Missions, International Bodies)
- Public Sector Enterprises or Autonomous Bodies related to trade.
Pay Structure and Career Progression
| Grade / Level | Approx. Experience | Designation | Pay Scale (₹ per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Time Scale | Entry | ADGFT | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Senior Time Scale | 4 years | DDGFT | ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | 9 years | JDGFT | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 |
| Selection Grade | 13 years | Addl. DGFT | ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100 |
| Super Time Scale | 16 years | DGFT / Senior Policy Officer | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Apex Scale | 30+ years | Additional Secretary / Special Secretary | ₹2,25,000 (fixed) |
Additional Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel & Medical Allowances
- Official accommodation and transport (as per seniority)
Significance of the Indian Trade Service
The ITS is vital in advancing India’s economic diplomacy and global trade strategy. Officers ensure:
- Expansion of India’s export markets
- Protection of domestic industries
- Effective participation in global trade organizations
- Policy coherence between trade, investment, and industrial growth
ITS officers are thus key architects of India’s growing presence in global trade and commerce — strengthening the country’s economic leadership and competitiveness worldwide.
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