CRAFTSMEN TRAINING SCHEME
CRAFTSMEN TRAINING SCHEME
The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), implements the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) through a network of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) for skilling the youth of the country. At present, training under CTS is offered in 169 trades through 14,688 ITIs (Government – 3,345 and Private – 11,343) and 32 NSTIs. In the current academic session, i.e., 2025–26, 14.70 lakh trainees have been enrolled under CTS in ITIs and NSTIs.
The course curriculum under CTS is updated periodically in consultation with industry, academia, and State/UT Governments to integrate emerging technologies, modern tools, equipment, and machinery, ensuring that training remains aligned with current skill requirements of Industries.
Out of 169 trades under CTS, 31 New Age trades have been introduced covering areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy and 3D printing. List of these 31 New Age trades is available at Annexure-1.
In addition, The Cabinet has approved PM SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) at an estimated cost of ₹60,000 crore (Central Share: ₹30,000 crore, State Share: ₹20,000 crore and Industry Share: ₹10,000 crore) for upgradation of 1,000 ITIs through hub-and-spoke arrangements in collaboration with State Governments and industry. Under the scheme, course content and design are proposed to be aligned with industry skill needs and new courses are proposed to be introduced in emerging areas, through the industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) under the Scheme.
The training courses under CTS are designed to impart basic skills and knowledge in the respective trades so as to prepare trainees for wage employment including self-employment. Upon completion of training, trainees are assessed through the All India Trade Test conducted by DGT, and successful candidates are awarded National Trade Certificates. Since the 2014–15 session, around 97.36 lakh candidates have been certified across various trades.
Annexure – 1
List of New Age trades under CTS
S. No.
Name of course
Duration
NSQF* Level
5G Network Technician
One year
4.5
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technician
Two Year
3.5
Aeronautical Structure and Equipment Fitter
Two Year
4
Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant
One year
3.5
CNC machining Technician
Two Year
4
Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Programmer
One year
3.5
Cyber Security Assistant
One year
3.5
Data Annotation Assistant
One year
3.5
Drone Pilot (Junior)
Six Month
3
Drone Technician
Six Months
3
Engineering Design Technician
One year
3.5
Fiber to Home Technician
Six months
3
Geo Informatics Assistant
One year
3.5
Green Hydrogen Production Technician
One Year
3.5
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Technician
Two Years
4.0
Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing
One year
3.5
Information Technology
Two Year
4
Internet of Things Technician (Smart Agriculture)
One year
3.5
Internet of Things Technician (Smart City)
One year
3.5
Internet of Things Technician (Smart Healthcare)
One year
3.5
Manufacturing Process Control & Automation
One year
3.5
Mechanic Electric Vehicle
Two Year
4
Multimedia, Animation & Special Effects
One year
3.5
Semiconductor Technician
One Year
4.5
Small Hydro Power Plant Technician
Two Year
4
Smartphone Technician Cum App Tester
6 Months
3.5
Software Testing Assistant
One year
4.5
Solar Technician (Electrical)
One year
3.5
Technician Mechatronics
Two Year
4
Virtual Analysis and Designer – FEM (Finite Element Method)
Two Year
4
Wind Plant Technician
Two Year
4
*NSQF – National Skill Qualification Framework
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Shri Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
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