Expansion and Modernisation of ITI Ecosystem
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship reported significant expansion of India's Industrial Training Institute (ITI) ecosystem, with the number of ITIs increasing from 9,642 in 2014 to 13,856 in 2026. Seating capacity across these institutions grew from 17,42,986 in the 2014-15 session to 20,07,580 as of current date, representing substantial infrastructure growth in vocational training capacity.
PM-SETU Scheme Details
The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme has been launched with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore, comprising Central Share of ₹30,000 crore, State Share of ₹20,000 crore, and Industry Share of ₹10,000 crore. The scheme consists of two components: Component I focuses on upgradation of 1,000 Government ITIs (200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs) in a Hub and Spoke model, including smart classrooms, modern labs, digital content, and new industry-aligned courses. Component II involves capacity augmentation of five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) located in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana, including setting up sector-specific National Centres of Excellence for skilling with global partnerships and advanced trainer training.
Implementation Framework
State and Union Territory governments lead the selection of ITIs under the PM-SETU scheme in consultation with industry partners, ensuring alignment with emerging skill needs and local industrial potential. Industry-led Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are empowered to propose interventions relating to curriculum redesign in mining, manufacturing and other sectors, training delivery models, infrastructure upgradation, and industry exposure. The Directorate General of Training has introduced 32 new age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS).
State-wise Performance Data
Uttar Pradesh showed the most significant expansion, growing from 1,560 ITIs in 2014 to 3,275 in 2026 with seating capacity increasing from 2,61,404 to 4,22,124. Bihar expanded from 706 to 1,336 ITIs with capacity growing from 1,32,436 to 1,66,852 seats. West Bengal demonstrated substantial growth from 105 to 315 ITIs with seating capacity expanding from 24,372 to 62,256. Several states including Andhra Pradesh (467 to 520 ITIs), Karnataka (1,319 to 1,307 ITIs), and Odisha (512 to 488 ITIs) showed more modest growth or slight reductions in ITI numbers.
New Age Courses
The 32 new age trades introduced include Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technician, Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant, Cyber Security Assistant, Drone Pilot (Junior), Drone Technician, Green Hydrogen Production Technician, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Technician, Mechanic Electric Vehicle, Semiconductor Technician, Solar Technician (Electrical), 5G Network Technician, and Nuclear Power Plant Technician, among others, reflecting alignment with emerging technological and industrial requirements.
This information was provided by Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.