Indian Trade Service (ITS) – An In-Depth Guide
The Indian Trade Service (ITS) is a prestigious Group ‘A’ civil service under the Government of India. Established in 1977, ITS officers play a crucial role in formulating and implementing policies related to international trade and commerce. They work under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and are responsible for promoting India’s trade interests both domestically and internationally.
Introduction to Indian Trade Service (ITS)
The Indian Trade Service (ITS) is an essential arm of the Indian government that focuses on the promotion and regulation of foreign trade. ITS officers are the backbone of India’s trade policies, working tirelessly to ensure that the country remains competitive in the global market. They act as negotiators, strategists, and policy advisors, making critical decisions that impact India’s trade relations with other countries.
Roles and Responsibilities of an ITS Officer
ITS officers have a wide range of responsibilities, which include:
1. Trade Policy Formulation and Implementation:
Drafting and implementing trade policies that align with India’s economic goals.
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of trade policies on various sectors.
2. Negotiation of Trade Agreements:
Participating in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations to secure favorable terms for India.
Representing India in international trade forums such as the World Trade Organization (WTO).
3. Trade Promotion:
Identifying new markets for Indian products and services.
Promoting Indian goods through trade fairs, exhibitions, and business delegations.
4. Regulation and Compliance:
Ensuring that Indian exports comply with international standards and regulations.
Monitoring the implementation of anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures.
5. Export Facilitation:
Streamlining processes and providing support to exporters.
Working with other government departments to simplify export procedures.
6. Investment Promotion:
Encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) in India.
Facilitating joint ventures and collaborations between Indian and foreign companies.
7. Trade Analysis and Research:
Conducting research on global trade trends and their impact on the Indian economy.
Providing inputs to policymakers based on data analysis and market research.
The RPF recruitment exam is conducted in several phases, including a Computer-Based Test (CBT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Measurement Test (PMT), and Document Verification (DV).
1. Computer-Based Test (CBT) Syllabus:
2. General Awareness: Questions related to Indian History, Geography, Economy, Indian Railways, General Science, and Current Affairs.
3. Arithmetic: Topics include Number System, Simplification, Fractions, Decimals, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Time and Distance, Time and Work, etc.
4. General Intelligence & Reasoning: Topics include Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Mathematical Operations, Relationships, Syllogism, Statements & Conclusions, Decision Making, Visual Memory, and more.
5. Exam Pattern:
The CBT consists of 120 questions, each carrying one mark.
The duration of the exam is 90 minutes.
The subjects covered include General Awareness (50 questions), Arithmetic (35 questions), and General Intelligence & Reasoning (35 questions).
There is a negative marking of 1/3rd for each incorrect answer.
6. Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
For Male Candidates:
1600 meters run in 5 minutes 45 seconds.
High Jump: 4 feet.
Long Jump: 14 feet.
For Female Candidates:
800 meters run in 3 minutes 40 seconds.
High Jump: 3 feet.
Long Jump: 9 feet.
Physical Measurement Test (PMT):
Height and chest measurements are taken as per the specified criteria for different categories.
7. Document Verification (DV):
Candidates who pass the PET and PMT are called for document verification to confirm their eligibility.
Career Path of an ITS Officer
The career progression of an ITS officer typically follows this path:
1. Assistant Director General of Foreign Trade (ADGFT):
Entry-level position for ITS officers.
Responsible for the implementation of trade policies at the regional level.
2. Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade (DDGFT):
Mid-level position where officers manage trade-related activities in larger regions or specific sectors.
3. Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (JDGFT):
Senior-level position involving oversight of multiple regions or sectors.
Involvement in policy formulation and high-level trade negotiations.
4. Additional Director General of Foreign Trade:
A highly senior position with significant responsibility in the Ministry of Commerce.
Leading large-scale projects and international trade negotiations.
5. Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT):
The top position in the ITS cadre.
Responsible for the overall management of India’s foreign trade and policy direction.
Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The Indian Trade Service is part of the Civil Services, and aspirants must clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam pattern and syllabus for ITS are the same as for other Group ‘A’ services.
Preliminary Examination:
- Paper I (General Studies): Current events, history, geography, polity, economic and social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and general science.
- Paper II (CSAT): Comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, data interpretation.
Main Examination:
- Paper I (Essay): Essay writing on a variety of topics.
- Paper II-IV (General Studies): Indian heritage and culture, history, geography, governance, constitution, polity, social justice, international relations, technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.
- Paper V-VII (Optional Subject): Two papers on the chosen optional subject.
Interview:
- Personality Test and interview to assess the candidate’s suitability for the civil services.
Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
To be eligible for the Indian Trade Service, candidates must meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | 21-32 years (general category) |
| Age Relaxation | 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, additional relaxation for certain other categories |
Pay Scale of an ITS Officer
ITS officers enjoy an attractive pay scale, which is in line with the pay scales of other Group ‘A’ services. The pay structure is as follows:
1. Junior Time Scale (JTS):
Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500)
2. Senior Time Scale (STS):
Pay Level 11 (₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700)
3. Junior Administrative Grade (JAG):
Pay Level 12 (₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200)
4. Selection Grade:
Pay Level 13 (₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100)
5. Super Time Scale:
Pay Level 14 (₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200)
6. Higher Administrative Grade:
Pay Level 15 (₹1,82,200 – ₹2,24,100)
7. Apex Scale:
Pay Level 17 (₹2,25,000)