I. Criteria for Eligibility:
(1) For consideration as an arbitrator with DAC, the applicant should be:
• An attorney with at least a 10years of experience in commercial and arbitration law under the Advocates Act, 1961.
• A chartered accountant with 10 years of professional experience specialized in commercial and arbitration law according to the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.
• A cost accountant with 10 years of practice focusing on commercial and arbitration laws as per the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959.
• A company secretary with a 10-year professional history, experienced in commercial and arbitration laws, as specified in the Company Secretaries Act, 1980.
• A former Indian Legal Service Officer.
• A legal professional with a decade of experience in legal roles in Government, Autonomous Body, Public Sector, or senior managerial position in the private sector.
• An engineering professional with 10 years of experience in the sectors mentioned.
• An official with high-level administrative or managerial experience in Central or State Government, Public Sector, Government-owned company, or a renowned private entity.
• An individual with a degree and a decade of professional experience in specialized sectors like architecture, telecom, IT, IP Rights, etc.
• Someone who has served as a judge or judicial official.
• A foreign individual with significant arbitration experience, as evaluated by DAC.

(2) Professionals or retainers in the private sector must have reported a net professional income of Rs. 4 lakhs annually for the last two years on their tax returns.
II. General Standards:

• Applicants should have a recognized reputation for fairness and objectivity.
• They should exhibit neutrality and impartiality, avoiding potential conflicts of interest.
• Engagement in legal disputes or actions that could create a conflict of interest in arbitration cases should be avoided.
• No convictions for offenses that involve moral or financial wrongdoing.
• Applicants should be knowledgeable in Indian law, principles of justice, various fields of law, and have a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and international arbitration standards.
  III. Evaluation Criteria:
  Eligible candidates will be evaluated based on academic qualifications, current occupation, expertise areas, professional arbitration experience, affiliations with arbitration institutions, and the number of cases handled in different capacities.
  IV. Reviewing Committee:
  The DAC’s Arbitration Committee will examine the applications based on the given rules. Shortlisted candidates might be invited for a personal interview.
  V. Waivers:
  Prominent legal figures, including Judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts of India or recognized Senior Advocates, are exempt from standard procedural requirements. They can be empanelled by simply submitting an application and completing necessary formalities.