ITI: trade training after Class 10 (some trades after Class 8)
Hands-on training in a trade, such as electrician or fitter, at an Industrial Training Institute under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.
- How long
- 1 or 2 years, depending on the tradesource: Directorate General of Training (DGT), read on 30 Sep 2026
- Who it suits
- Students who want to start skilled work early and would rather learn in a workshop than a classroom.
What it keeps open
- Engineering diploma, including lateral entry to its second yearAICTE: Class 10 and a two-year ITI course allow entry to the second year of an engineering diploma.source: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), read on 30 Sep 2026
Exams on this path
Rules to know before you choose
ITI trades under the Craftsmen Training Scheme take one or two years and are entered after Class VIII or Class X, depending on the trade.
source: Directorate General of Training (DGT), read on 30 Sep 2026
Under the NIOS-DGT scheme, ITI learners can also earn NIOS Secondary (Class 10) or Senior Secondary (Class 12) certification, with ITI trade subjects counted by credit transfer.
source: Directorate General of Training (DGT), read on 30 Sep 2026
Under the same scheme, a learner in a 1-year trade taken after Class X gets the Class 12 certificate only after a gap of at least 2 years from passing Class 10.
source: Directorate General of Training (DGT), read on 30 Sep 2026
AICTE: Class 10 plus a 2-year ITI course makes a student eligible for the second year of a diploma in any branch of Engineering and Technology; bridge courses are offered.
source: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), read on 30 Sep 2026
Sources and last checked
- Directorate General of Training (DGT): NIOS-DGT Integrated Academic Certification Scheme: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for ITI Learners (read on 30 Sep 2026)
- All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE): Approval Process Handbook 2024-25 to 2026-27 (read on 30 Sep 2026)