India's Skill Development Ecosystem
ITIs, NSTIs, and DGT
India's formal vocational training infrastructure is anchored by Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), coordinated by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes): State-government-funded institutions offering 1–2 year trade certificate courses (National Trade Certificate or NTC) in 130+ engineering and non-engineering trades. Over 14,000 ITIs across India with 2 million+ annual seats.
- NSTIs (National Skill Training Institutes): 33 centrally-funded institutes (formerly called CTIs — Central Training Institutes) offering advanced craftsman training, instructor training, and short-term courses. NSTIs serve as apex institutions for ITI instructor training.
- DGT: The apex body under MSDE that sets curricula, conducts assessments, and awards National Trade Certificates (NTC) and National Apprenticeship Certificates (NAC).
- NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training): Statutory body advising the government on ITI policy; DGT operates through it.
- Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS): Train ITI instructors at NSTIs; ensures quality of ITI teaching faculty.
● Tracked since February 10, 2026 · last seen March 11, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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