Domestic Funding of Foreign Training (DFFT) Scheme 2026: Foreign Training, Eligibility & Online Application
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Quick answer
The Domestic Funding of Foreign Training (DFFT) Scheme provides eligible Indian civil servants and government officers fully or partially funded international training programmes. Selected officers attend prestigious foreign institutes for long-term or short-term courses to enhance governance and policy skills. Applications must be completed online through the official DFFT portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Sponsored international training and foreign study programmes |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Personnel, Public Grievances And Pensions |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Introduced in 2001-02 by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Domestic Funding of Foreign Training scheme deputes Indian government officers to universities and institutions abroad. The programme aims to upgrade professional competencies, introduce international best practices in administration and public policy, and enrich officers' capability for current and future assignments. Except for certain pre-departure costs, the entire expenditure of nominated officers is borne by the Training Division of DoPT.
Benefits
- Long-Term Foreign Training Programmes lasting between 6 and 12 months
- Short-Term Foreign Training Programmes lasting up to 6 months
- Partial Funding of Foreign Study for programmes of more than 6 months
- Full sponsorship of course participation costs by DoPT (except certain pre-departure expenses)
- Air travel in entitled class arranged by DoPT through Air India on excursion fare basis
Who can apply (eligibility)
- All Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers
- Group 'A' officers belonging to the Central Secretariat Service (CSS)
- Group 'A' officers belonging to the Central Secretariat Stenographer Service (CSSS)
- State Civil Service (SCS) officers
- Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), and Group 'A' Central Civil Service officers currently serving on deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme of DoPT
Who cannot apply
- IPS, IFoS, and Group 'A' Central Civil Service officers not serving on deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme
- Incomplete or unfinalised online applications
Documents required
- Valid email ID (preferably NIC email ID)
- Service details of the officer
- Active mobile number
- Proof of achievements (if any)
- Signed copy of the undertaking
- Any other course-specific documents required by the foreign institution
How to apply
- 1Visit the official DFFT application portal at dfft.nic.in.
- 2Non-IAS officers must select 'Other Participant Registration' and submit the required details to receive a DFFT Application ID and password by email.
- 3Log in using 'IAS Registration/Login' via intra-IAS credentials (for IAS officers) or 'Other Participant Login' using the assigned credentials.
- 4Fill out the comprehensive online application form and select your preferred training programmes.
- 5Finalise and submit the application form online, ensuring all required details and undertakings are attached.
- 6Check application progress any time using the 'Check Application Status' page on dfft.nic.in with your DFFT Application ID.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Domestic Funding of Foreign Training (DFFT) Scheme?+
It is a central government initiative managed by DoPT that sponsors eligible government officers to attend short-term and long-term training programmes at foreign universities and institutions.
Who is eligible to apply for foreign training under DFFT?+
Eligible applicants include IAS officers, Group 'A' officers of CSS and CSSS, State Civil Service officers, as well as IPS, IFoS, and Group 'A' Central Civil Service officers serving on deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme.
Who covers the cost of travel and training programmes?+
The entire participation cost is borne by DoPT's Training Division (excluding select pre-departure expenses), and return air travel in the entitled class is booked through Air India vouchers.
Does nomination by DoPT guarantee admission to the foreign institute?+
No, host universities and institutions maintain their own admission requirements and selection processes, which may reject nominations if criteria are not satisfied.
How can I apply for Partial Funding of Foreign Study?+
Applications for partial funding can be made throughout the year, but strictly after securing formal admission to the chosen international university or programme.
What is the last date to apply?+
The official data does not specify a fixed closing date; annual circulars containing specific deadlines are published on the official Ministry website.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)