The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata is recruiting 1 Research Associate to work from its Mumbai office on a 3-year consolidated contract. This is a valuable opportunity for postgraduates in economics, statistics, shipping, law, or international business to engage in strategic research on international trade, maritime policy, sectoral agreements, and international relations.
Overview
IIFT is a premier autonomous institution dedicated to research, education, and capacity building in international trade and commerce. The Research Associate will be stationed in Mumbai and will undertake research projects spanning international trade economics, international shipping, maritime law and policies, sectoral trade agreements, and international relations. The role offers structured career progression with salary increments over three years, and potential for contract extension based on annual performance appraisal and organisational needs.
This position is ideal for candidates seeking to contribute to policy-relevant research in an academic institution while building expertise in global trade and commerce sectors. The consolidated pay structure provides financial stability, and the three-year tenure allows meaningful engagement with long-term research initiatives.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply Online | 1 December 2026 |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Number of Posts | Essential Qualification | Desirable Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Associate | 1 | Master's Degree in Economics, Statistics, Shipping, Business Administration, International Business, Trade, or Law | 1 year or more experience in a relevant field; or Master's degree in Foreign Trade, Supply Chain and Logistics, or Maritime Law |
Application Fee
No application fee is charged for this recruitment. Candidates can submit their applications free of cost.
Eligibility
Educational Qualification:
A Master's degree (postgraduate qualification) is mandatory in one of the following disciplines:
- Economics
- Statistics
- Shipping
- Business Administration
- International Business
- Trade
- Law
Age Limit:
Candidates must not have crossed 40 years of age as on the application deadline (1 December 2026). Age is computed as per birth certificate or other government-recognised proof of age.
Desirable Qualifications:
Preference will be given to candidates who possess:
- 1 year or more of professional experience in a relevant field such as trade research, economics, maritime operations, or legal advisory in international commerce
- Additional Master's degree or specialisation in Foreign Trade, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, or Maritime Law
Selection Process:
See the official notification for details on the selection methodology. Typically, IIFT recruitment processes involve screening of applications based on qualifications, shortlisting, and interviews or presentations. Candidates are advised to check the notification PDF for complete information on evaluation criteria and interview procedures.
Salary
| Contract Year | Monthly Consolidated Salary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹45,000 |
| Year 2 | ₹50,000 |
| Year 3 | ₹55,000 |
The salary is offered on a consolidated basis with an annual increment. The consolidated pay includes basic salary, allowances, and all statutory contributions. The contract is subject to annual performance review, and continuation to the next year depends on satisfactory appraisal. Beyond the initial 3-year term, contract extension may be granted at the discretion of the institute based on performance and availability of research funds.
How to Apply
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply online:
- Visit the Official Website: Open your browser and go to https://iift.ac.in/
- Locate Recruitment Section: Navigate to the careers, recruitment, or announcements section on the website to find the Research Associate vacancy notification
- Access the Online Form: Click on the online application form link for the Research Associate position
- Register or Login: Create a new account if you are a first-time applicant, or login with existing credentials if you have applied to IIFT before
- Fill Personal Details: Enter your full name, date of birth, contact number, email address, and postal address accurately
- Provide Educational Information: List all your Master's degree and Bachelor's degree details, including university name, subject, year of completion, and marks obtained
- Enter Professional Experience: If applicable, provide details of your work experience, positions held, and duration in each role, particularly experience relevant to international trade, research, or maritime sectors
- Prepare and Upload Documents: Scan clear copies of your Master's degree certificate, mark sheet, Bachelor's degree certificate, identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport), age proof, and any additional qualifications or certifications. Upload these as per the specified file size and format requirements
- Review Application: Carefully review all entered information and attached documents for accuracy and completeness before final submission
- Submit Before Deadline: Click the submit button on or before 1 December 2026. Ensure you submit well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues
- Save Confirmation: After successful submission, save or print the application acknowledgement receipt containing your application reference number for future correspondence
Important Links
- Online Application Portal – IIFT
- Official Notification PDF – Research Associate 2026
- IIFT Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the job tenure and is the contract renewable?
A: This is a 3-year fixed-term consolidated contract position, subject to annual performance review. The contract may be extended beyond the initial 3-year period based on satisfactory performance appraisal, availability of funds, and organisational requirements at the time of renewal review. Continuity is not guaranteed and depends entirely on merit-based evaluation.
Q: Which Master's degrees are eligible for this Research Associate role?
A: Only Master's degrees in the following specified disciplines meet the essential qualification: Economics, Statistics, Shipping, Business Administration, International Business, Trade, or Law. Candidates with Master's degrees in closely related fields such as Foreign Trade, Supply Chain and Logistics, or Maritime Law are considered under the desirable category and may have better chances during selection if they also meet the experience criterion.
Q: How is the age limit calculated and verified?
A: The maximum age limit is 40 years as on the last date of application (1 December 2026). For example, if the deadline is 1 December 2026, you must have been born on or after 2 December 1985. Age is verified through your birth certificate or other government-recognised age proof documents at the time of final verification.
Q: Is there any application fee for this Research Associate recruitment?
A: No application fee is required for this recruitment. The online application submission is completely free of charge. You need not make any payment to apply.
Q: Can candidates from other cities apply, and is relocation mandatory?
A: Yes, the recruitment is open to all Indian citizens residing anywhere in the country. However, the position is based in Mumbai, and selected candidates must be willing to relocate to Mumbai and work from the IIFT Mumbai office. This relocation is a mandatory job requirement.
Q: What documents should I gather before starting the online application?
A: Prepare the following documents before beginning your application: (1) Master's degree certificate and mark sheet or consolidated score card, (2) Bachelor's degree certificate and mark sheets, (3) Identity proof such as Aadhaar, PAN card, or passport, (4) Age proof (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or similar), (5) Current curriculum vitae or resume highlighting relevant research or professional experience, (6) Any additional qualifications or professional certifications, (7) Email address and contact number. Having these ready will help you complete the form accurately and submit within the deadline.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details, dates, eligibility criteria, qualifications, selection procedures, and application instructions on the official IIFT website and the official notification PDF before submitting an application, as recruitment details are subject to updates or amendments by the institute.