The Indian Trade Service (ITS) is a Group ‘A’ central service that prospective candidates can get into on clearing the UPSC civil services examination. ITS service was started in 1977. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) handles the Indian Trade Service (ITS). Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) comes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The main mandate of the ITS is to take care of India’s foreign trade and commerce.
This article will help IAS exam aspirants to understand the designation, payscale, role and responsibilities associated, and the career opportunities expected in the Indian Trade Service (ITS).
Candidates are selected in ITS through Civil Services Prelims examination which for the year 2023 is scheduled to be conducted on May 28th. Candidates can check the UPSC Prelims page for detailed information.
Indian Trade Service (ITS) – Functions
- Implementing the provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992; Safeguard Measures (Quantitative Restrictions) Rules, 2012; Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2009-2014; Handbook of Procedure, Volume-I, 2009-2014; ITC (HS) Classification of Export and Import Items, 2012; and Handbook of Procedure, Volume-II (Standard).
- Formulating policy in international trade.
- Promoting exports.
- Implementing trade policy.
- Negotiating international trade deals and commercial diplomacy.
- The officers can also be sent on deputation to work in other ministries and departments and also to international organisations like the World Bank Group, ADB, UN organisations, etc.
Indian Trade Service (ITS) – Grade, Designation, Salary
Indian Trade Service (ITS) offers an attractive salary and ladder of growth for its cadres. Candidates interested in the field of trade and commerce must opt for this Service.
The below table gives information on the salary associated with various designations in ITS
| Grade | Designations | Salary |
| Junior Time Scale | Assistant Director-General of Foreign Trade | Rs.15,600-39100
+ Grade Pay Rs.5400 |
| Senior Time Scale | Deputy Director-General of Foreign Trade/ Under Secretary | Rs.15,600-39,100
+ Grade Pay Rs.6600 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Joint Director General of Foreign Trade/ Deputy Secretary | Rs.15,600-39,100
+ Grade Pay Rs.7600 |
| Selection Grade | Joint Director General of Foreign Trade/ Director | Rs.37,400-67,000
+ Grade Pay Rs.8700 |
| Senior Administrative Grade | Additional Director General of Foreign Trade/ Development Commissioner, Special Economic Zone/ Trade Advisor | Rs.37,400-67,000
+ Grade Pay Rs.10,000 |
| Higher Administrative Grade | Director-General of Foreign Trade/ Senior Development Commissioner, Special Economic Zone | 67000-3%-79000 |
Aspirants can check the following links to know the information on various posts in Union Public Service Commission Examination-
To know more about other Civil Services, visit the link UPSC Posts
Indian Trade Service (ITS) – Training of Probationers
The ITS officers’ training takes place in two stages:
- Foundation Course Training – at any of the national academies including LBSNAA.
- Probationary Professional Training at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi for 8-9 months.
Career Options in Indian Trade Service (ITS)
- Under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, the ITS cadre officers start with the role of Under Secretary, later they get promoted to Deputy, Joint and Additional Secretary Levels.
- ITS cadre officers also get the opportunity to serve on deputation with foreign missions, WTO and UN.
- Indian Trade Service (ITS) cadre officers get the opportunity to serve at Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI).
The above details would help candidates preparing for UPSC 2023 in setting up their goals.
Related Links
| Government Exams | UPSC Syllabus |
| IAS Salary | Static GK |
| Civil Service Exam | Indian Police Service (IPS) |
Frequently Asked Question – Indian Trade Services – ITS
Q.1. Who are eligible to take Indian Trade Services Exams?
Q.2. What is the Selection Procedure for the Indian Trade Service?
Q.3. What after getting selected in the UPSC exam for Indian Trade Services?
Ans. Aspirants who are selected in UPSC exam for ITS have to undergo the training which is conducted in two stages –
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- Foundation Course Training at National Academies
- Profesional Training at IIFT
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