The scheme “Domestic Funding of Foreign Training (DFFT)” is a scheme introduced by the Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India in the year 2001-02 with an objective to upgrade the knowledge & skills of the Government officers as well as to provide exposure to international best practices by deputing them to different long/short‐term training programmes. The Training Division of the Department of Personnel and Training has been implementing the scheme.
The DFFT Scheme envisages leveraging the officers with exposure to international best practices and developments in the field of policy and governance by nominating the officers to Universities/Institutes abroad and enhancing the knowledge, skills, and competence of the officers in their current areas of employment and also in their future assignments.
Benefits
Under this scheme, government officers are provided with training at international institutions in the following categories:
1. Long-Term Foreign Training Programmes (6-12 months)
- Focused on enhancing administrative, policy, and leadership skills.
- Covers various subjects such as public administration, governance, and strategic management.
2. Short-Term Foreign Training Programmes (Up to 6 months)
- Designed for mid-career officers to gain exposure to global best practices in governance and administration.
- Covers specialized fields like economic policy, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development.
3. Partial Funding of Foreign Study (More than 6 months)
- Officers pursuing self-financed foreign courses can apply for partial financial support under this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is applicable to the following government officers:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officers.
- Indian Police Service (IPS) Officers.
- Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Officers.
- Group ‘A’ Officers belonging to:
- Central Secretariat Service (CSS).
- Central Secretariat Stenographer Service (CSSS).
- State Civil Service (SCS) during their deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme of DoPT.
- Officers should meet the eligibility conditions specified in the DoPT guidelines for the respective training programmes.
Application Process
Online Registration & Application
Step 1: Registration Process
- Officers (except IAS) must register on the DFFT Portal.
- Visit the DFFT Portal and click on “Other Participant Registration”.
- Fill in the mandatory details and click Submit.
- The officer will receive a DFFT Application ID & password via email.
Step 2: Application Submission
- IAS Officers should log in through the DFFT portal using their intra-IAS username and password.
- Other services’ officers can use their DFFT credentials to log in.
- Select the relevant training programme and complete the application form.
- After final submission, only finalized applications will be forwarded for consideration.
Step 3: Application Status Check
- Officers can check their application status using the DFFT Application ID on the Application Status Portal.
Documents Required
- Valid Email ID (Preferably NIC email).
- Service details of the applicant.
- Mobile Number.
- Proof of Achievements (if any).
- A signed copy of the undertaking.
- Any additional documents required for specific training programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the DFFT Scheme?
The DFFT Scheme is an initiative by DoPT to provide foreign training to government officers in international institutions. - Who is eligible for training under the DFFT scheme?
The scheme is open to IAS, IPS, IFoS, CSS, CSSS, SCS, and Group ‘A’ Central Civil Services officers. - Where can I find the circular giving the terms and conditions along with eligibility criteria?
The circular is available on the DFFT Official Portal under guidelines. - How and when can I apply under the scheme?
Applications are invited once a year through an online application process on the DFFT portal. - Are long-term and short-term programmes covered under a common circular?
Yes, the circular covers both long-term and short-term foreign training programmes. - How are the selections made?
Selections are merit-based, considering service seniority, relevance of training, and past performance. - Who bears the cost of the training programme?
The Government of India funds the training costs, including tuition fees, travel, accommodation, and living expenses. - Is air travel arranged by DoPT?
Yes, DoPT arranges air travel and issues necessary guidelines. - Does nomination by DoPT guarantee admission?
No, final admission depends on the host institution’s selection process. - When can I apply for partial funding?
Applications for partial funding are invited separately, based on DoPT guidelines. - If I fulfill all eligibility criteria, am I guaranteed funding?
Not necessarily. Funding is subject to budget availability and approval.