ITI, Polytechnic and Skills

What you need to know

1. 1
   Not everyone needs a long degree. A 1–2 year ITI course or a 3-year polytechnic diploma can lead to a government job, a private job, a paid apprenticeship or your own business.
2. 2
   India has about 14,000 ITIs; roughly 3 in 4 are private. Government ITIs cost very little, and many states make them free for girls.
3. 3
   These routes are respected: Railway loco pilots, technicians, junior engineers and many PSU staff start with an ITI or diploma.
4. 4
   You can still study further later: Class 10/12 through NIOS, a polytechnic diploma, or a B.Tech by lateral entry.

Official sources

• dgt.gov.inDGT: Directorate General of Training↗

Inside this branch

• Every year: the calendar
• Which route is right for you?3 more
• ITI: courses and admission4 more
• Study well for free1 more
• Polytechnic diploma2 more
• Apprenticeship: earn while you learn2 more
• Government jobs for ITI and diploma2 more
• Free short courses2 more
• Start your own work1 more
• For girls1 more
• Working abroad1 more
• Grow further later1 more
• Avoid fake certificates and scams1 more

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   ITI admission: online forms usually open between May and July, with seat allotment from June to August. Some states (like Bihar) hold an entrance test in May; most admit on Class 10 marks.
2. 2
   Polytechnic entrance tests: forms usually February–April, exams April–June (e.g. UP JEECUP, AP and Telangana POLYCET, Bihar DCECE).
3. 3
   ITI final exams (All India Trade Test): practicals and computer test usually in July, results in August (reported).
4. 4
   Apprenticeship melas: the PM National Apprenticeship Mela is usually held on the second Monday of every month.
5. 5
   Railway jobs: RRB publishes a yearly calendar in January; ALP and Technician notices usually come in the first half of the year.
6. 6
   Exact dates change every year: always check the official website before you apply.

Official sources

• apprenticeshipindia.gov.inApprenticeship India portal (ITI and Class 10/12)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Inside this branch

• ITI (1–2 years)
• Polytechnic diploma (3 years)
• Short skill course (weeks to months)

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   After Class 10 (some trades after Class 8), age 14 or above. Hands-on training in a trade like Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Plumber, Computer Operator (COPA), Mechanic, Sewing Technology or Beauty.
2. 2
   Best if you want to start earning quickly or prepare for Railway and technician jobs.

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   After Class 10: a 3-year engineering diploma in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics or Computer.
2. 2
   Leads to junior engineer (JE) jobs, or to a B.Tech from the 2nd year by lateral entry.

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Free government courses (Skill India, DDU-GKY, RSETI) for quick jobs or self-employment, from age 15 or 18 depending on the scheme.
2. 2
   Good if you have left school, or want a skill alongside studies.

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 6

• Official
  DGT: ITI courses (Craftsmen Training Scheme)The government's page on ITI courses; Hindi version available.
  Free
• Official
  DGT: every ITI trade with syllabusSyllabus, minimum qualification, duration and type for each trade.
  Free
• Official
  NCVT MIS: find a genuine ITISearch by state, district, trade, government or private, women-only.
  Free
• Official
  Bharat Skills (DGT learning portal)Free e-books, question banks and videos for ITI trades, in Hindi and English.
  Free
• Official
  Skill India Digital HubITI marksheets and certificates, free courses and apprenticeships.
  Free
• Official
  SCVT Uttar Pradesh: ITI admission (state example)Each state runs its own ITI admission portal like this.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Trades and levels
• How to get admission
• Exam and certificate
• Better ITIs coming

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Trades are either engineering (Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic, Welder, Draughtsman) or non-engineering (COPA, Sewing Technology, Cosmetology, Food Production).
2. 2
   Most 2-year trades need Class 10; some 1-year trades (Sewing, Welder, Plumber, Wireman) accept Class 8 pass (reported).

Official sources

• dgt.gov.inDGT: Directorate General of Training↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Each state runs online counselling: fill the form, choose ITIs and trades, and get a seat on Class 10 merit (Bihar uses an entrance test).
2. 2
   Prefer a government ITI: fees are very low, and many states give women a share of seats (often 30%, reported).
3. 3
   Private ITIs must be affiliated to NCVT or the state council: check before paying.

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   At the end you take the All India Trade Test and get a National Trade Certificate (NTC), valid across India.
2. 2
   Your certificate and marksheet can be downloaded on Skill India Digital with your roll number (PRN) and date of birth, and anyone can verify it on the official Bharat Skills page.

Official sources

• skillindiadigital.gov.inSkill India Digital Hub (ITI results and certificates)↗
• bharatskills.gov.inBharat Skills: verify an ITI certificate↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Under PM-SETU, 1,000 government ITIs are being upgraded with industry partners. The number of ITIs grew from about 9,800 in 2014 to about 14,000.

Official sources

• pib.gov.inPIB: PM-SETU, upgrading 1,000 government ITIs↗
• pib.gov.inPIB: ITIs in India (2014 to 2026)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 7

• Official
  Bharat Skills: e-books, question bank, e-learningPick your trade for free NIMI books, questions and lessons.
  Free
• Video
  NIMI Digital Hindi (official)Official ITI trade theory and practical videos in Hindi.
  Free
• App
  NIMI Mock Test (official app)Make your own timed computer-test paper for your trade.
  Free
• App
  Bharat Skills (official app)E-books, videos and question bank on your phone.
  Free
• Video
  Online ITI MantraHindi lessons on Drawing, Workshop Calculation and Employability Skills.
  Free
• Video
  Tops Study: ITI ElectricianElectrician trade theory chapter by chapter, in Hindi.
  Free
• Book
  NIMI student corner (official textbooks)Printed ITI textbooks in Hindi and English (paid); free links on the same page.
  Paid

Inside this branch

• Free study material

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Free official e-books, videos and question banks for every trade, plus Employability Skills, the subject every ITI student takes.
2. 2
   Practise with past questions: the computer test has trade theory and employability skills.

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 6

• Official
  AICTE: check if a polytechnic is approvedFilter by state and Diploma level.
  Free
• Official
  JEECUP (UP polytechnic entrance)Uttar Pradesh entrance and counselling.
  Free
• Official
  BCECE Board Bihar (DCECE and ITICAT)Bihar's polytechnic and ITI entrance tests.
  Free
• Official
  Delhi: CET for diploma coursesDelhi's polytechnic entrance.
  Free
• Official
  AICTE Pragati and Saksham scholarshipsFor girls and students with disabilities in diploma courses; apply on NSP.
  Free
• Video
  Polytechnic PathshalaHindi entrance prep and counselling help; free videos, paid batches optional.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Admission
• Lateral entry and scholarships

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Most states hold a polytechnic entrance test (examples: UP JEECUP, AP/Telangana POLYCET, Bihar DCECE); some admit on Class 10 marks.
2. 2
   Choose an AICTE-approved polytechnic. Government polytechnics cost far less than private ones.

Official sources

• jeecup.admissions.nic.inUP polytechnic entrance (JEECUP)↗
• aicte-india.orgAICTE (approved polytechnics)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   With a 3-year diploma (usually 45%) you can join B.Tech in the 2nd year (lateral entry). ITI pass students can often join a polytechnic in the 2nd year.
2. 2
   AICTE Pragati: ₹50,000 a year for girl diploma students (family income up to ₹8 lakh, current rate). See the Scholarships roadmap.

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 6

• Official
  Apprenticeship IndiaRegister free and apply for paid apprenticeships after Class 5–12, ITI, diploma or degree.
  Free
• Official
  NATS portalPaid apprenticeships for diploma and degree holders.
  Free
• Official
  DGT: apprenticeship trainingHow the scheme and rules work.
  Free
• Official
  PM National Apprenticeship MelaMonthly apprenticeship fairs in 200+ districts.
  Free
• Official
  IndianOil apprenticeships (PSU example)Trade (ITI), technician (diploma) and graduate apprentices.
  Free
• Video
  Apprenticeship scheme explained (Skill India)Official explainer from the skill ministry.
  Free

Inside this branch

• How it works
• Apprenticeship melas

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Companies, Railways and PSUs train apprentices for 1–2 years and pay a monthly stipend. You get a National Apprenticeship Certificate, valued by employers.
2. 2
   Since 2025 the government-set minimum stipend is about ₹8,200 a month after Class 10, ₹9,600 after Class 12 or ITI, ₹10,900 after a diploma (current rates, revised every few years).
3. 3
   Register free on the Apprenticeship India portal (ITI, Class 10/12) or NATS (diploma and graduates).

Official sources

• apprenticeshipindia.gov.inApprenticeship India portal (ITI and Class 10/12)↗
• nats.education.gov.inNATS portal (diploma and graduate apprentices)↗
• lexplosion.inApprenticeship (Amendment) Rules 2025: new minimum stipends↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Free job fairs for apprentices are held across the country, usually on the second Monday of each month. Bring your certificates.

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 6

• Official
  RRB application portalThe only official site to apply for railway exams like ALP and Technician.
  Free
• Official
  Staff Selection CommissionSSC JE for diploma holders.
  Free
• Official
  ISRO careersTechnician posts need Class 10 + ITI.
  Free
• Official
  DRDO vacanciesTechnician and apprentice notices.
  Free
• Official
  Join Indian NavyAgniveer entries for men and women.
  Free
• Official
  National Career ServiceFree government job portal and job fairs.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Railways
• Junior Engineer and others

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP): Class 10 + ITI in a listed trade (or a diploma). Pay Level 2 (₹19,900 basic under the 7th Pay Commission).
2. 2
   Technician: Grade III with Class 10 + ITI (Level 2); Grade I with a diploma (Level 5). Group D accepts Class 10 or ITI.

Official sources

• testbook.comRRB ALP eligibility (Class 10 + ITI)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   SSC JE and Railway JE posts accept a diploma in Civil, Mechanical or Electrical: Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 basic, 7th Pay Commission).
2. 2
   The Air Force (Agniveervayu) accepts a 3-year engineering diploma. PSUs like BHEL, NTPC, IOCL and ONGC hire ITI and diploma apprentices every year.

Official sources

• ssc.gov.inStaff Selection Commission (SSC JE)↗
• agnipathvayu.cdac.inAir Force Agniveervayu: eligibility (diploma accepted)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 5

• App
  Skill India Digital Hub appFree courses, digital certificates and apprenticeship search.
  Free
• Official
  DDU-GKYFree residential training with placement for rural youth.
  Free
• Official
  RSETI (free self-employment training)Bank-run institutes in almost every district; download the directory here.
  Free
• Official
  Jan Shikshan SansthanFree training for school dropouts, with a focus on women.
  Free
• Official
  PM VishwakarmaFor 18 traditional trades; register only at a CSC centre.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Government skill schemes
• PM Vishwakarma

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   PMKVY (Skill India): free short courses with a certificate, for ages 15–59.
2. 2
   DDU-GKY: free residential training with food and stay for rural youth (15–35; up to 45 for women), with placement support; a third of seats are for women.
3. 3
   RSETI: free 1–6 week residential courses run by banks to help you start your own work (18–45).

Official sources

• pmindia.gov.inPM India: Skill India Programme (PMKVY, apprenticeships, JSS)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   For families in 18 traditional trades (carpenter, tailor, blacksmith, potter and more): training with ₹500 a day, a ₹15,000 toolkit voucher and cheap loans (₹1 lakh, then ₹2 lakh, at 5%) (current rates).

Official sources

• static.pib.gov.inPIB: PM Vishwakarma at a glance (PDF)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 6

• Official
  PMEGP e-portalApply online for subsidy-linked loans for a new small business.
  Free
• Official
  MUDRALoans through banks; MUDRA uses no agents.
  Free
• Official
  Udyami MitraApply for loans online, including Mudra.
  Free
• Official
  Stand-Up IndiaLoans for first businesses of women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.
  Free
• Official
  Udyam Registration (free)Free registration for small businesses; no other site is official.
  Free
• Video
  Stand-Up India explained (SIDBI)Short explainer from SIDBI's official channel.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Loans for small businesses

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   PMEGP: a subsidy of 15–35% of the project cost; women and SC/ST in rural areas get the highest, 35%.
2. 2
   Mudra loans without collateral: Shishu up to ₹50,000, Kishore up to ₹5 lakh, Tarun up to ₹10 lakh.
3. 3
   Stand-Up India: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for first businesses of women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.

Official sources

• kviconline.gov.inKVIC: PMEGP questions and answers↗
• pib.gov.inPIB: Mudra loan categories↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 5

• Official
  DGT: National Skill Training Institutes for WomenAddresses of the 19 women's institutes.
  Free
• Official
  Find women-only ITIsUse the women filter to find ITIs near you.
  Free
• Official
  National Scholarship PortalApply for AICTE Pragati and other scholarships.
  Free
• Official
  SHe-Box: workplace harassment complaintsFor women in any job, including informal work.
  Free
• Video
  Shweta Ratanpura: India's first woman WorldSkills medallistOfficial Skill India story.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Girls in ITIs

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Every trade is open to girls, not just sewing or beauty: electricians, computer operators and electronics mechanics are in demand.
2. 2
   Many states keep a share of ITI seats for women and make government ITIs free for girls. There are also National Skill Training Institutes for Women in many cities.
3. 3
   Choose an ITI or centre with a safe hostel or transport; government and DDU-GKY centres provide hostels.

Official sources

• nstiwjaipur.dgt.gov.inNSTI for Women, Jaipur (one of the women's institutes)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 5

• Official
  eMigrate: check a recruiting agentConfirm the agent is government-registered before paying anyone.
  Free
• Official
  MEA: working abroad legallyThe government's guide.
  Free
• Official
  MEA: Emigration and You (PDF)Pre-departure booklet for workers.
  Free
• Official
  NSDC: Japan technical intern programmeThe official India–Japan route for skilled youth.
  Free
• Official
  Make it in GermanyGerman government site on skilled-worker and training visas (English).
  Free

Inside this branch

• Government routes

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Skilled tradespeople are in demand in Japan, Israel, Europe and the Gulf. India has government programmes (for example Japan's technical intern programme through NSDC).
2. 2
   Use only agents registered with the Ministry of External Affairs on eMigrate; never pay a big fee to an unknown agent.

Official sources

• emigrate.gov.ineMigrate: check a recruiting agent↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Inside this branch

• Upgrade your qualification

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Class 10 or 12 with your ITI: the NIOS-DGT scheme lets ITI students add one or two subjects through NIOS to get a Class 10/12 certificate.
2. 2
   Become an ITI instructor: the 1-year Craft Instructor Training (CITS) course after NTC or a diploma.

Official sources

• dgt.gov.inDGT: NIOS-DGT scheme (Class 10/12 with your ITI)↗
• dgt.gov.inDGT: Craft Instructor Training (CITS)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

Learn from these 6

• Official
  Verify an ITI certificateCheck any NTC or apprenticeship certificate before trusting it.
  Free
• Official
  Find a genuine ITIIf an ITI isn't listed here, its certificate may not be recognised.
  Free
• Official
  NSDC caution noticeWarns about fake PMKVY and NSDC training centres.
  Free
• Official
  PIB Fact CheckCheck any 'government job' or 'skill scheme' message.
  Free
• Official
  Cyber crime portal (helpline 1930)Report fraud quickly.
  Free
• Video
  Dream job without an interview? It's probably a scam (CyberDost)Official Home Ministry awareness video.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Red flags

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.

What you need to know

1. 1
   Check any ITI and any certificate on the official portals: fake "ITI certificate" rackets sell documents that are worthless.
2. 2
   Real government courses never charge a "registration fee" on a phone call. Fake sites pretending to be the skill ministry have asked for fees.
3. 3
   Starting pay is honest work but modest: about ₹10,000–20,000 a month at first (reported), more with experience and in big cities. Be wary of anyone promising much more.

Official sources

• bharatskills.gov.inBharat Skills: verify an ITI certificate↗
• ncvtmis.gov.inNCVT MIS: find a genuine ITI↗
• nsdcindia.orgNSDC: caution against fake training centres↗
• news.careers360.comCareers360: PIB warns of fake skill-ministry job site charging fees↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.