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) for skilling the youth. Under CTS, training is imparted in 169 courses through 14,688 ITIs (Government - 3,345 & Private - 11,343) across the country.

 

The trade curriculum under CTS is updated periodically in consultation with industry, academia, and State/UT Governments to integrate emerging technologies, modern tools & equipment, and machinery. In addition, pedagogy and assessment systems are also strengthened. These initiatives are designed to align training with current industry standards, improve overall quality, enrolment, and prepare trainees for both wage employment and self-employment.

 

During the last three years, a total of 14 CTS courses have been developed and 22 existing courses have been revised to align with industry requirements. The enrolment in ITIs has increased from 12.51 lakh in year 2022-23 to 14.70 lakh in year 2025-26.

 

Under CTS, the DGT has introduced 31 New Age trades covering emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, drones, cybersecurity, semiconductors and green energy. These New Age trades have been designed in consultation with industry and other stakeholders to align training with evolving technological advancements and emerging skill requirements. The details of these 31 New Age tradesare available at Annexure-1.

 

To augment trainer capacity, the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) is implemented with an objective to provide comprehensive training both in hand-on skills and training methodology is imparted to the instructor trainees to make them conversant with techniques to train skilled manpower for the industry through a network of 33 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), 5 NSTI Extension Centres and 120 Institutes for Training of Trainers (ITOTs) across the country. In the last three years, i.e. from 2022-23 to 2024-25, 27,677 candidates have been trained under CITS.

 

Further, The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) Scheme has been launched with an aim to enhance the overall quality and relevance of vocational training with upgraded labs, machines, and industry-aligned curriculum in the country. The scheme includes upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs (200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs) in a Hub and Spoke model wherein upgradation includes smart classrooms, modern labs, digital content, and new courses aligned to industry needs through industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). The selection of ITIs under the PM-SETU Scheme is led by the respective State/UT Governments in consultation with industry, ensuring alignment with emerging skill needs and local industrial potential.

 

The introduction of new trades and the expansion of seating capacity in Government ITIs are the responsibility of the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Proposals received in this regard are reviewed in accordance with the prescribed affiliation norms.

 

Under CTS, new and future-oriented tradesaligned with changing skill requirements and technological developments are introduced from time to time by the DGT in consultation with industry and other stakeholders.

 

 

Annexure-1

 

 

List of 31 New Age Trades

Sr. No.	Trade Name
1	Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technician
2	Aeronautical Structure and Equipment Fitter
3	Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant
4	Advance CNC Machining Technician
5	Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Programmer
6	Drone Pilot (Junior)
7	Drone Technician
8	Engineering Design Technician (Artisan Using Advanced Tool)
9	Fiber to Home Technician
10	Geo Informatics Assistant
11	Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Technician
12	Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing
13	Information Technology
14	Internet of Things Technician (Smart Agriculture)
15	Internet of Things Technician (Smart City)
16	Internet of Things Technician (Smart Healthcare)
17	Manufacturing Process Control & Automation
18	Mechanic Electric Vehicle
19	Multimedia, Animation & Special Effects
20	Semiconductor Technician
21	Small Hydro Power Plant Technician
22	Smartphone Technician Cum App Tester
23	Software Testing Assistant
24	Solar Technician (Electrical)
25	Technician Mechatronics
26	Virtual Analysis and Designer - FEM (Finite Element Method) (Basic Designer and Virtual Verifier)
27	Wind Plant Technician
28	5G Network Technician
29	Cyber Security Assistant
30	Data Annotation Assistant
31	Green Hydrogen Production Technician

 

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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SH

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