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What is the Niryat Bandhu scheme: Importance and eligibility

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched the Niryat Bandhu scheme to promote exports from India. In this blog, learn how this program explains the details of foreign trade using counselling and outreach programs.

Did you know that merchandise exports from India touched an all-time high of $417.8 billion in 2021-22¹? Exports from India has seen a steady growth in the last decade. To further accelerate it, the government aims to empower MSMEs in India to reach global marketplaces with various export schemes and initiatives.

To create awareness on export procedures and documentation and get MSMEs to be export-ready, the Niryat Bandhu Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It not only guides export enthusiasts, but also helps them grow their exports business by understanding export formalities, profitable market-entry plans and entrepreneurial strategies.

This scheme is closely monitored and run by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which further has 24 regional offices, called Regional Authority (RA). Each RA has a dedicated team of individuals who deliver business education to aspiring exporters and entrepreneurs and provide them with necessary skills.

What is Niryat Bandhu Scheme?

Announced by the Government of India on 13th October 2011, the Niryat Bandhu scheme trains exporters and entrepreneurs on essentials of running an export-import business. It is a certification course that explains intricacies of international trade through counselling and seminars to improve the scope of overall exports. If you are a citizen of India and you are interested in international trade, then you are eligible to take up this course. After the completion of the course:
• You will know the basics of import-export.
• You get assistance to prepare an exports business plan.
• You are introduced to subject-matter experts, stakeholders, EPCs, government officers and enthusiasts to encourage exports of different types of products.

All you need to know about the course

The course can be unlocked from the official site of the Niryat Bandhu scheme. This 19-session long detailed course is conducted on five days in a week from 6 PM to 8 PM IST. Below is the knowledge-transfer methodology of the Niryat Bandhu Scheme¹:
• Training new entrepreneurs, who hold an IEC, every month in their respective RA.
• Seminars and meetings conducted on specific topics.
• Seminars conducted at various institutions with an objective to nurture exporters on building relationships with the trade community and stakeholders.

What are the components of the Niryat Bandhu scheme?

Some of the topics covered in the curriculum of the Niryat Bandhu scheme are²:
1. Introduction to the program and business plans
2. Introduction to foreign trade
3. How to choose products and right target market for exports/imports
4. Explanation of trade opportunities and databases
5. Complete guide to commercial regulatory documents involved in foreign trade
6. Detailing on customs clearance for exports
7. Duty Drawback scheme and claim procedures
8. Developing INCOTERMS in a sales contract
9. International product development and adaptation
10. Understanding the RTA markets and non-tariff barriers of exports
11. Trade logistics
12. Guidance on GST and neutralization in exports
13. Starting export-import and availing incentives
14. Exports promotion mechanism through WTO complaint foreign trade policy
15. Managing international trade payments
16. Role and importance of Letter of Credit
17. Framework of export trade finance schemes - cost reduction approach
18. Introduction to currency risk management – to protect profit margin of export business
19. Open panel discussion

What is Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop?

Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop is a pilot initiated by the Government of India under the Niryat Bandhu scheme to facilitate online access to this course. The scheme provides training to new and potential exporters and mentors them digitally. DGFT, in collaboration with IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade), recently launched this online learning program. The online learning sessions are followed by Q&A and doubt-resolving sessions with experts from IIFT. An online digital library is made available to candidates to enable lucid learning. Once this Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop course is completed, participants are awarded with a certificate that will be given jointly by DGFT and IIFT.

Easy e-commerce exports with Amazon
Global Selling

As an e-commerce exports program, Amazon Global Selling enables Indian sellers and MSMEs to take their products from India to international marketplaces across 200+ countries and territories. From simple registration to attractive listing and hassle-free shipping, Amazon Global Selling offers international tools and solutions, enabling sellers to reach over 300 million customers.

Guide to export with Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Niryat Bandhu Scheme?

Entrepreneurs, exporters, importers and students who aspire to start or upgrade their exports business can enroll for the course and get certified.

Under which ministry does Niryat Bandhu scheme come?

Niryat Bandhu scheme is an online certification program launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The implementation of the scheme is taken care by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

What is the course duration?

The course is 19 sessions long and runs for 2 hours each day for five days a week. The timings of the lectures are from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Published on August 24, 2022.

Sources:
1. https://cmhelpline.in/central-govt-scheme/niryat-bandhu-scheme/#Specifications_Of_The_Program
2. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=dgft-organization
3. http://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/
4. http://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/2.0/main.asp
5. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/niryat-bandhu-scheme/
6. https://ficci.in/sector/report/20315/Website-Niryat-Bandhu-Scheme.pdf
7. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-growth-accelerator-india-exports-gdp-economy-7946372/
8. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/niryat-bandhu-scheme/

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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.

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