The Indian Trade Service (ITS) is a specialized Group “A” Central Civil Service under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Established in 1977, the service is tasked with the critical responsibility of managing India’s foreign trade and commercial diplomacy. ITS officers serve as the strategic backbone of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), ensuring that India’s trade policies are robust, globally competitive, and aligned with international standards.
The Indian Trade Service was created to professionalize the management of India’s international trade. While the service was established in 1977, direct recruitment through the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) began in 1985. The service is managed by the DGFT, which acts as the nodal agency for implementing the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP).
Core Objectives
- Trade Promotion: Accelerating the growth of India’s exports in goods and services.
- Policy Formulation: Designing the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) to reduce trade barriers.
- Commercial Diplomacy: Representing India at international forums like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and UNCTAD.
Roles and Responsibilities of Indian Trade Service Officers
Indian Trade Service officers hold diverse and high-impact roles that influence both the domestic economy and global trade relations:
- Implementation of Trade Laws: They enforce the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and ensure compliance with various trade-related rules and handbooks.
- International Negotiations: Representing India in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations to safeguard domestic interests while pursuing favorable trade terms.
- Export-Import Facilitation: Managing the digital infrastructure for trade licensing and resolving grievances for Indian exporters and importers.
- Market Intelligence: Conducting research to identify new export opportunities and evaluating the global competitiveness of Indian products.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Working closely with organizations like CII, FICCI, and FIEO, as well as other ministries (Finance, External Affairs) to align trade goals.
Eligibility Criteria FOR Indian Trade Service
Recruitment for the ITS is conducted annually via the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
1. Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they produce proof of passing before the UPSC Mains exam.
2. Age Limit (as of August 1, 2026)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
3. Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation | Maximum Age |
| SC / ST | 5 years | 37 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 35 years |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 10 years | 42 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / Defence Personnel | 5 years | 37 years |
4. Number of Attempts
- General / EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC / PwBD: 9 attempts
- SC / ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)
Training and Career Progression
Upon selection, probationers undergo a rigorous training program designed to equip them with expertise in international business and economics.
- Foundation Course: Conducted at LBSNAA (Mussoorie) or other designated national academies.
- Professional Training: A 9-month residential program at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi. This includes trimesters focused on the WTO framework, macroeconomics, and international marketing.
- Field Attachments: Visits to ports, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and organizations like the RBI and EXIM Bank.
Hierarchy and Career Ladder
| Grade | Designation |
| Junior Time Scale | Assistant Director General of Foreign Trade (Asst. DGFT) |
| Senior Time Scale | Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade (Dy. DGFT) |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (Jt. DGFT) |
| Selection Grade | Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (Selection Grade) |
| Super Time Scale | Additional Director General of Foreign Trade (Addl. DGFT) |
| Apex Level | Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) / Secretary (Commerce) |
Salary Structure and Perks (7th Pay Commission)
The salary of an ITS officer is competitive and includes various government allowances.
| Grade Level | Basic Pay Range (INR) |
| Entry Level (JTS) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Senior Time Scale | ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700 |
| Selection Grade | ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100 |
| Above Super Time Scale | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
Allowances and Benefits TO Indian Trade Service
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Cost-of-living adjustment revised twice a year.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies by city category (X, Y, or Z).
- Travel Allowance (TA): To compensate for official and personal commute.
- Special Foreign Allowance: Provided during postings in Indian embassies or missions abroad.
- Other Perks: Official vehicle, government accommodation, and comprehensive medical coverage for family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the full form of ITS?
The full form is the Indian Trade Service, a Group “A” central civil service established in 1977.
Which ministry controls the Indian Trade Service?
The ITS is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
How are ITS officers recruited?
Officers are recruited through the annual Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the UPSC.
Where do ITS officers undergo their professional training?
After the foundation course, they receive 9 months of specialized training at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi.
Can an ITS officer be posted abroad?
Yes, officers can be sent on deputation to Indian embassies as Commercial Attachés or to organizations like the WTO and World Bank.
What is the starting basic pay for an ITS officer?
The entry-level basic pay is ₹56,100 per month under Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission.
Is a degree in commerce mandatory for joining the ITS?
No, a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university is sufficient.
What is the maximum age limit for a General category candidate?
The maximum age is 32 years as of August 1st of the examination year.
What is the highest post an ITS officer can reach?
An ITS officer can rise to the position of Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or Secretary to the Government of India.
Does the ITS offer a pension after retirement?
Yes, like other central civil services, ITS officers receive retirement benefits including pension under the National Pension System (NPS).
