Central Government Overhauls Recruitment Rules for India International Arbitration Centre, Mandates 45-Day Notice Period

The Central Government has introduced significant amendments to the service and recruitment framework of the India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC), establishing strict notice periods for resignations and revised eligibility criteria for top-tier administrative and legal positions. Through the notification of the India International Arbitration Centre (Number of Posts and Recruitment of Registrar, Counsels and other Officers and Employees) Amendment Rules, 2026, the Ministry of Law and Justice has formalized the procedures for the relinquishment of office and expanded the educational qualifications required for the posts of Registrar and Counsel.

Background

The legislative update was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice (Department of Legal Affairs) under the authority conferred by Section 30(2)(e) of the India International Arbitration Centre Act, 2019. These new rules amend the India International Arbitration Centre (Number of Posts and Recruitment of Registrar, Counsels and other Officers and Employees) Rules, 2022, which serves as the principal regulation governing the human resource architecture of the Centre. Prior to this notification, the service conditions were largely regulated by general provisions; however, the 2026 amendment aims to provide express procedural clarity regarding the exit of personnel and the specific professional experience needed to manage India’s flagship arbitration institution. The notification, identified as G.S.R. 869(E), was issued on October 7, 2026.

Key Provisions

The 2026 Amendment introduces pivotal changes to the renumbered Rule 12 and the recruitment schedule appended to the principal rules.

Standardized Exit Procedures and Notice Periods:

The amendment renumbers the existing Rule 12 as sub-rule (1) and inserts a new sub-rule (2). This provision mandates that any officer or employee wishing to resign from their office must provide a written notice of forty-five days. Reciprocally, the Centre is empowered to direct an officer or employee to relinquish their office by giving a forty-five-day notice, provided the reasons for such a directive are recorded in writing.

Qualification Flexibility for Registrar and Counsel:

The criteria for the post of Registrar (Serial No. 1 of the Schedule) have been substituted. Candidates must now possess either a Bachelor’s degree in Law or a degree in Management, coupled with sixteen years of experience in either field. For the post of Counsel (Serial No. 3), the required experience is set at four years in Law or Management. In both cases, the government has added a 'Desirable' category for candidates with experience in Courts, Tribunals, PSUs, or specifically in handling arbitration matters.

New Technical Mandates for Administrative Staff:

For the post of Executive Assistant/Assistant Section Officer (Serial No. 7), the rules now explicitly require a Diploma or Certificate in Computer applications of at least six months' duration from a recognized institution, in addition to two years of administrative experience.

Effective Date

As per Rule 1(2) of the notification, these rules came into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, which is October 7, 2026.