DGT mandates 150 hours of industry training for ITI trainees under revised CTS norms

Industrial Training Institute students across the country will now be required to complete structured workplace exposure as part of their certification under revised national guidelines.

The Directorate General of Training, functioning under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has introduced a compulsory 150 hours of on-the-job training or a group project for trainees enrolled in the Craftsmen Training Scheme.

Traditionally, ITI instruction has focused on practical training using tools and machinery available within campus workshops.

Officials noted that this approach often limits exposure to advanced and emerging industrial technologies, leading many trainees to require additional workplace training after employment.

“In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, DGT has restructured CTS qualifications. The annual training duration has been reduced from 1,600 hours to 1,200 hours. In addition, a mandatory provision of 150 hours of OJT or Group Project has been introduced to ensure that trainees gain real industrial exposure,” an official statement said.

The updated framework reduces annual classroom and workshop instruction from 1,600 hours to 1,200 hours, integrating structured industry engagement into the curriculum.

Jayant Chaudhary, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, described the measure as a major step toward improving vocational training outcomes. “The mandatory 150 hours of structured on-the-job training or group project for ITI trainees is a significant reform to enhance the quality and relevance of vocational education,” said Chaudhary.

“In a rapidly evolving industrial landscape, classroom learning alone is not enough. Real workplace exposure builds practical competence, confidence and professionalism. This step will deepen industry-institution linkages and ensure that our youth are truly job-ready and future-ready,” he added.

According to the ministry, the objective is to improve employability by aligning training more closely with industry requirements.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between ITIs and industrial partners so that course content remains current with technological advancements.

“This initiative will help trainees integrate smoothly into the workforce and adapt better to workplace environments. It will also ensure continuous assessment of their skills in real industrial settings so that their competencies develop in line with industry standards,” the statement said.

Under the new rules, all trainees must complete on-the-job training. Where such placement is not feasible, they must undertake a project relevant to their trade. Eligibility for this component begins after completion of at least three months of training at the ITI.

Industry mentors will supervise trainees during this period, and performance will be assessed on a regular basis. The on-the-job training component will also be incorporated into a data-driven grading framework in the future.

For students enrolled under the Dual System of Training mode, mandatory project work has been prescribed instead of additional on-the-job training, as they already receive industry exposure as part of their program.

The Craftsmen Training Scheme, introduced in 1950, remains one of the country’s long-standing vocational training initiatives aimed at developing a skilled workforce.