The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has introduced a major reform in Industrial Training Institute (ITI) training by making 150 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) or a Group Project compulsory under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). The guidelines were issued by the Directorate General of Training on March 3, 2026, and the provision has been effective since the 2022–23 academic session. Under the revised structure aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, the annual CTS training duration has been reduced from 1,600 hours to 1,200 hours, with 150 hours reserved for structured OJT or project work. Trainees will be eligible after completing three months of ITI training. Performance will be assessed through mentor evaluation, logbook review and viva during practical exams, with grades reflected in marksheets and industry-approved certificates issued by ITIs.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development, Jayant Chaudhary, said the reform would enhance practical competence and deepen industry–institution linkages to make youth “job-ready and future-ready.”
In Guwahati, the move could strengthen local manufacturing, service and small-scale industrial units by ensuring ITI graduates possess hands-on skills aligned with current technology demands. The reform is expected to improve employability in Assam’s growing industrial clusters and reduce the gap between training and workplace requirements. The CTS, launched in 1950, continues to play a key role in building India’s skilled workforce.