Indian Trade Service (ITS), Class ‘A’ Overview of Services
After passing the UPSC civil services test, aspirants can join the Indian Trade Service (ITS), a Group ‘A’ central service. In 1977, ITS services were launched. The Indian Trade Service (ITS) is managed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). ITS’s primary responsibility is to manage India’s international trade and commerce.
Aspirants taking the [IAS exam](https://byjus.com/ias-exam/) will find this article helpful in understanding the Indian Trade Service (ITS) and its function, responsibilities, pay range, and career options.
Eligibility for Indian Trade Service (ITS)
Group ‘A’ candidates need to fulfill certain conditions in order to be eligible for the Indian Trade Service (ITS). To see the specifics of eligibility, let’s examine the table below in more detail:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Age Limit | Maximum 30 years (some exceptions for certain categories) |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized university |
| Number of Attempts | Six chances for general category, fewer for reserved categories |
| Nationality | You must be a citizen of India |
| Physical Requirement | No specific physical requirements |
Indian Trade Service (ITS) Roles and Responsibilities
There are significant functions and responsibilities for the officers in Group ‘A’ of the Indian Trade Service (ITS). Let’s examine a few of the main sectors in which Indian Trade Service (ITS) personnel are extremely important:
– Creating Trade Policies: To increase India’s exports and lower trade barriers, Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers actively participate in the creation and implementation of trade policies.
– International Trade discussions: In order to promote India’s interests and achieve a good outcome, Indian Trade Service (ITS) personnel take part in international trade discussions.
– Market Research and Analysis: To find export prospects for Indian industry and develop plans to take advantage of them, Indian Trade Service (ITS) officials carry out in-depth market research and analysis.
– Trade Dispute Resolution: Indian Trade Service (ITS) officials strive to handle trade-related grievances in a reasonable and acceptable way, as well as to resolve trade-related disputes.
– Trade Promotion Activities: Officers from the Indian Trade Service (ITS) plan events and programs to assist Indian exporters, give them market knowledge, and make it easier for them to attend exhibitions and trade shows.
– Commercial Diplomacy: By representing India abroad and fostering solid trade ties with foreign nations, Indian Trade Service (ITS) officials participate in commercial diplomacy. They support Indian businesses’ international expansion and promote foreign investment in India.
Pay scales and grades for the Indian Trade Service (ITS)
Group ‘A’ of the Indian Trade Service (ITS) offers a range of grades and pay rates to match. The table below lists the grades along with their corresponding pay scales:
| Grade | Pay Scale |
| Junior Time Scale | INR 56,100 – 1,77,500 per month |
| Senior Time Scale | INR 67,700 – 2,08,700 per month |
| Junior Administrative Grade | INR 78,800 – 2,09,200 per month |
| Selection Grade | INR 1,18,500 – 2,14,100 per month |
| Super Time Scale | INR 1,31,100 – 2,16,600 per month |
| Above Super Time Scale | INR 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 per month |
Indian Trade Service (ITS): Probationer Training
There are two phases to the training of the ITS officers:
1. complete a foundation course at any national academy.
2. An eight to nine-month period of probationary professional training at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi.
Options for Careers in the Indian Trade Service (ITS)
1. ITS cadre officials work under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce first as Under Secretaries before being elevated to Deputy, Joint, and Additional Secretaries levels.
2. ITS cadre officers can also work as deputations for the UN, WTO, and foreign missions.
3. Officers of the Indian Trade Service (ITS) cadre are eligible to work with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).
The information above would aid applicants in getting ready for [UPSC 2024].
Age restriction:
21 years old at minimum; 30 years old at maximum as of August 1st, the year of the examination.
The following age range is permissible:
â—¦ Candidates from the State of Jammu & Kashmir: Up to a maximum of 5 years
◦  Candidates from SC/ST: Up to a maximum of 5 years
â—¦ Candidates from OBC: Up to a maximum of 3 years
â—¦ Candidates from Defence Services personnel: Up to a maximum of 5 years
â—¦ For ex-servicemen, including commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs who have rendered at least 5 years of military service and have been released:
â—¦ Candidates from ECOs/SSCOs: Up to a maximum of 5 years
â—¦ For ECOs/SSCOs who have completed an initial period of assignment of 5 years of military service: Up to a maximum of 5 years.
Number of attempts:
The following is the maximum number of attempts that can be made:
There is no restriction for SC/ST applicants.
â—¦ For General category candidates: 6 attempts.
â—¦ For OBC candidates: 9 attempts.
â—¦ Physically disabled: nine attempts for OBC and general, but infinite for SC/ST
Positions and Responsibility
The duties or designations that are delegated to ITS officers are as follows:
1. Assistant Foreign Trade Director General.
2. Foreign Trade Deputy Director General.
3. Director (Foreign Trade) and Joint Director General of Foreign Trade.
4. Additional Development Commissioner/Director General of Foreign Trade (SEZ).
FAQs Indian Trade Service ITS
1. What does the Indian Trade Service actually do?
The responsibility is to assist in building the infrastructure and favorable conditions needed for India’s trade in products and services to grow more quickly. The Department negotiates bilateral, regional, and multilateral trade agreements and negotiations with other parties.
2. How do I sign up for the Indian Trade Service?
As Assistant Director General of Foreign Trade, an ITS official begins their career in Group A. The Union Public Service Commission administers the Civil Services Examination, which is the means of recruitment at this level. The selection process and future career opportunities for ITS officers are governed by the Indian Trade Service Recruitment Rules.
3. What is the Indian Trade Service examination?
Yes, candidates for the Indian Trade Services (ITS) must show up for the civil services examinations.The UPSC Prelims test and the UPSC Mains examination are the two phases of the CSE exam. The ultimate selection process for ITS Officer positions is conducted through an interview round.
4. What is the Indian Trade Service salary?
Pay Scales and Grades for ITS
| Grade | Pay Scale |
| Junior Time Scale | INR 56,100 – 1,77,500 per month |
| Senior Time Scale | INR 67,700 – 2,08,700 per month |
| Junior Administrative Grade | INR 78,800 – 2,09,200 per month |
| Selection Grade | INR 1,18,500 – 2,14,100 per month |
5. What function does trade in services serve?
The flow of ideas, expertise, and technology is fueled by trade in services, but it is frequently hampered by obstacles like national laws.
6. What does the exchange of services look like?
To just a few, some examples include computer services, telecommunications, engineering, and other professional services. The services markets benefit from the stability of a global rules-based framework thanks to the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
7. How is an applicant selected for the Indian Trade Service?
What is the Indian Trade Service Selection Process? Yes, candidates for the Indian Trade Services (ITS) must show up for the civil services examinations. The UPSC Prelims test and the UPSC Mains examination are the two phases of the CSE exam. The ultimate selection process for ITS Officer positions is conducted through an interview round.
8. What kind of jobs does the Indian Trade Service offer?
Through a variety of training and development programs, Indian trade service officers assist in the development of businesses in the field of international trade. The programs are sometimes referred to as “Friends of exporters” or “Niryat Bandhu” efforts.
9. What function does trade in services serve?
The flow of ideas, expertise, and technology is fueled by trade in services, but it is frequently hampered by obstacles like national laws.
10. Who can sit for the Indian Trade Services Examinations?
To sit for the Indian Trade Services exam, a graduate of an accredited college or university must be at least 21 years old.
11. What is the Indian Trade Service Selection Process?
Yes, candidates for the Indian Trade Services (ITS) must show up for the civil services examinations. There are two phases to the CSE exam: (i) UPSC Prelims examinations; and (ii) UPSC Mains Examination.
12. What happens if you pass the UPSC exam and are qualified for Indian Trade Services?
Those who pass the UPSC exam and are chosen for the ITS program must go through two phases of training:
– Professional Training at IIFT; Foundation Course Training at National Academies.
