IIFT Head Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is inviting applications for 1 post (the notice does not print a number) of Head, Centre for WTO Studies (CWTOS). The post is on contract or deputation basis. IIFT is an autonomous body under the Department of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. Academicians, candidates from industry and officers on deputation may apply. They must send a CV by email, addressed to the Registrar, IIFT, New Delhi, at [email protected], latest by 9 November 2026.

IIFT Recruitment 2026 at a Glance

The official notification does not specify the application fee.

About IIFT

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade is a Deemed to be University. It is an autonomous body under the Department of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The notice describes it as a premier institution of education, training and research in International Business, set up by the Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce set up the Centre for WTO Studies in 1999 as a professional body. The Centre provides research and allied inputs to the government for negotiations at the WTO and for other WTO mandated committees. It now works under the Centre for Research on International Trade (CRIT), which is part of IIFT.

Where and How to Send

1. Write the application addressed to the Registrar, IIFT, New Delhi.
2. Make the application clearly state that it is the “application for the post of Head, Centre for WTO Studies”.
3. Attach your CV.
4. Attach a brief one-page write-up explaining why you consider yourself suitable for this post. Applications received without the write-up shall be rejected.
5. Government officers send the application through the proper channel, with the documents listed under Enclosures.
6. Email the application to [email protected] latest by 9 November 2026.

Only persons with the qualification and experience below should apply.

Posts, Eligibility and Pay

Three kinds of candidates can apply for the post of Head, Centre for WTO Studies. Each kind has its own conditions. Candidates must meet the essential qualification and experience on the last date of application.

A. Academicians

• Direct or indirect experience in international trade, economics, economic diplomacy, international law, investment, public policy or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in international trade, economics, economic diplomacy, law, international law, investment, public policy or a related discipline. This can be sectoral (or Officer Level) experience, or research and teaching experience.
• Eight of those years should be at the level of Assistant/Associate Professor. Experience at the level of Associate Professor carries more weight.
• Candidates with relevant research or teaching experience should have at least four years as an Associate Professor in a premier institution such as the IITs, IIMs, IISc, National Law Schools, Central Universities or other institutions.
• Ph.D. shall be essential.
• A consistently good academic record with at least 55% (or an equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed) at bachelor’s and master’s level, or an equivalent qualification in a related discipline.
• Desirable: published work, particularly research papers in a peer-reviewed journal.

B. Candidates from Industry

• Extensive direct experience of at least three years in international trade, economics, economic diplomacy, international law, investment, public policy or a related discipline.
• Work experience in international trade, economics, economic diplomacy, law, international law, investment, public policy or a related discipline that is significant and can be recognised at the National/International level.
• Desirable: ten years of managerial experience in industry/profession.
• A consistently good academic record with at least 55% marks (or an equivalent grade on a point scale wherever the grading system is followed) at Graduation and Post-Graduation level.

C. Candidates on Deputation

• From the Government: officers on deputation from the Government of India under Central Government/State Governments and their Attached offices, Subordinate offices, Public Sector Undertakings, Autonomous Bodies, Local Bodies etc. They are appointed on the basis of length of service and expertise in international trade, economics, economic diplomacy, international law, or a related discipline.
• From Academic/Research/Training Institutions, as mentioned above.

Candidates should check the official notification for the discipline-specific eligibility of each post.

Age

Candidates should be at least 40 years of age at the time of appointment.

Pay and Tenure

The selected candidate will be placed in the Academic Pay Level-14. The notice says this pay is subject to revision. The selected candidate will have to join immediately.

The Board of Management of IIFT appoints the Head of the Centre on the recommendation of the Chairperson of CRIT. The appointment is for three years, with a probation period of one year at first. After that, the contract may be extended for up to three years, or for a period the Chairperson of CRIT decides. This depends on the incumbent’s performance and the Centre’s future requirements. For a Government officer appointed on deputation, the first period of deputation is three years. It can be extended in line with the DoPT instructions issued from time to time.

IIFT Recruitment 2026 Job Description

The Head of the Centre for WTO Studies is the Chief Executive of the Centre. The responsibilities include:

• Planning, implementing and monitoring the annual work programme of the Centre.
• Supervising the day-to-day functioning of the Centre, so that its objectives under Clause 4 of the Bye-laws of the Centre are met effectively.
• Undertaking research to help India’s trade negotiators and policy makers take part effectively in the WTO and in related multilateral/bilateral trade negotiations.
• Improving stakeholders’ understanding of key trade issues through outreach and dissemination activities.
• Helping to build consensus, and building capacity in India and other developing countries to analyse WTO and other trade-related issues through training programmes.

Enclosures

All applicants send:

• CV
• A brief one-page write-up on why the candidate is suitable for this post

Government officers also send these documents with their application, through the proper channel:

• Attested photocopies of the APARs/Confidential Reports for the last five years, authenticated by an officer not below the rank of Under Secretary to the Government of India
• Vigilance & Cadre Clearance
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the parent organisation

Selection Process

Selection has two stages: shortlisting of applications, then an interview.

• Shortlisting: If there are a large number of applications, the scrutiny committee may apply benchmarks higher than the minimum essential/desirable qualifications to shortlist candidates for the interview.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates must appear for an interview before the Selection Committee at New Delhi. Only shortlisted candidates will be told the date and time of the interview, by email, in due course.
• Travel: Outside candidates must arrange their own travel and stay. IIFT will not bear any expenditure on this account.
• Verification: Selection, appointment and employment depend on meeting the required qualification and experience. They also depend on verification of testimonials, antecedents and past service.

Important Dates

Important Instructions

• Canvassing of any kind, or bringing influence or pressure from any quarter, will be treated as a disqualification for the post.
• If at any stage it is found that information was suppressed or given wrongly or falsely, or that fraud was committed, the application, appointment or employment will be rejected, cancelled or terminated summarily.
• The Institute reserves the right to fill or not fill the post advertised.
• No correspondence will be entertained about postal delays, the conduct and result of the interview, or the reason for not being called for the interview.
• Any dispute about this recruitment will be subject to the Courts/Tribunals having jurisdiction over Delhi.

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