The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has implemented significant reforms to the vocational training curriculum offered through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India. The DGT offers 170 NSQF-compliant courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), all approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).

Curriculum revisions are now conducted every three years in accordance with NCVET guidelines, accelerated from the previous five-year cycle following the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020. The revision process involves comprehensive assessment of existing curricula against emerging technologies, changing occupational standards, industry demand, employability trends, apprenticeship requirements, and implementation feedback. The evaluation incorporates extensive stakeholder consultations with State Governments/UT Administrations, industry representatives, Sector Skill Councils, National Skill Training Institutes, subject matter experts, academia, employers, and relevant Ministries/Departments.

To date, curricula for 40 CTS courses have been revised, incorporating new technologies including Industry 4.0 applications, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, automation, green and renewable energy technologies, electric mobility, digital skills, entrepreneurship, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability. The revision of remaining curricula will be undertaken on a demand basis considering technological advancements and industry requirements.

The Ministry has implemented specific measures to encourage female enrollment, including 30% reservation of seats for women candidates across all ITIs (government and private) in all courses, with these seats allocated according to the general reservation policy of each State/UT. Female candidates are eligible for admission to all 170 NSQF-compliant courses, including 32 new age/future skill courses. Seven courses are specifically designated as women-centric: Dress Making, Sewing Technology, Surface Ornamentation Techniques (Embroidery), Computer Aided Embroidery & Designing, Fashion Design and Technology, Cosmetology, and Spa Therapy.

DGT has developed 32 New-Age/Future Skill Courses addressing growing industry needs for future-ready job roles in emerging technologies. The courses cover Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Electric Vehicles, Industrial Robotics, Advanced Manufacturing, Internet of Things, Electronics, Semiconductor, Green Hydrogen & Renewable Energy, and other emerging fields. Additionally, new short-term, industry-oriented courses have been developed to provide flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities in response to changing industry demand.

The labor market demand assessment for new courses and revisions is conducted through skill gap studies and continuous consultations with industries, Sector Skill Councils, District Skill Committees, employers, industry associations, State Governments, training institutions, and domain experts. Inputs on industry requirements, technological advancements, occupational standards, placement trends, apprenticeship opportunities, and emerging skill needs are incorporated into curriculum development and revision processes.

New Age / Future Skills Courses

The 32 new courses include: 5G Network Technician (1 year, NSQF Level 4.5), Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) Technician (2 years, Level 3.5), Aeronautical Structure and Equipment Fitter (2 years, Level 4), Artificial Intelligence Programming assistant (1 year, Level 3.5), CNC machining Technician (2 years, Level 4), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Programmer (1 year, Level 3.5), Cyber Security Assistant (1 year, Level 3.5), Data Annotation Assistant (1 year, Level 3.5), Drone Pilot (Junior) (6 months, Level 3), Drone Technician (6 months, Level 3), Engineering Design Technician (1 year, Level 3.5), Fiber to Home Technician (6 months, Level 3), Geo Informatics Assistant (1 year, Level 3.5), Green Hydrogen Production Technician (1 year, Level 3.5), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Technician (2 years, Level 4.0), Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing (1 year, Level 3.5), Information Technology (2 years, Level 4), Internet of Things Technician (Smart Agriculture) (1 year, Level 3.5), Internet of Things Technician (Smart City) (1 year, Level 3.5), Internet of Things Technician (Smart Healthcare) (1 year, Level 3.5), Manufacturing Process Control & Automation (1 year, Level 3.5), Mechanic Electric Vehicle (2 years, Level 4), Multimedia, Animation & Special Effects (1 year, Level 3.5), Semiconductor Technician (1 year, Level 4.5), Small Hydro Power Plant Technician (2 years, Level 4), Smartphone Technician Cum App Tester (6 months, Level 3.5), Software Testing Assistant (1 year, Level 4.5), Solar Technician (Electrical) (1 year, Level 3.5), Technician Mechatronics (2 years, Level 4), Virtual Analysis and Designer - FEM (Finite Element Method) (2 years, Level 4), Wind Plant Technician (2 years, Level 4), and Nuclear Power Plant Technician (2 years, Level 4).