In pursuance of the recommendation of the All India Council for Technical Education, the Government of India in the Ministry of Labour Resolution No. RTA-428(5)/dated the 22nd May, 1951, appointed a committee called the National Trade Certification Investigation Committee with instructions to prepare a scheme for the establishment of an All India Trades Board which would award certificates of proficiency to craftsmen in the various engineering and building trades. The report of this committee and also the recommendation of the Training and Employment Services Organisation Committee (known as the Shiva Rao Committee) have been considered by the Government of India. The Government agreed with both the committees that there is a need for setting up a central agency for co-ordinating the training programmes in the country bringing about uniformity of standards and awarding certificates of proficiency in craftsmanship on an All India basis. Such a step is in the interest of both the industry and the workers in as much as it ensures that the holders of National Certificates possess a minimum recognised degree of skill. In addition, it facilitates mobility of tradesmen for their better employment.

The Government of India have also decided to transfer the administration of the training matter under the Directorate General of Resettlement and Employment to the control of the State Government concerned, retaining for themselves the functions of co-ordinating craftsmen training and laying down the training policy. This decision has further accentuated the need for a central agency for assisting or advising the Central Government in the discharge of their responsibilities regarding Craftsmen Training. It has accordingly been decided, in consultation with the State governments and other concerned parties, to set up a National Council for Vocational Training. Accordingly with a view to ensure and maintain uniformity in the standards of training all over the country, the National Council for Vocational Training, an advisory body, was set up by the Government of India in the year 1956 ( The then National Council of Training in Vocational Trades(NCTVT) . The Council has been entrusted with the responsibilities of prescribing standards and curricula for Craftsmen Training, advising the Government of India on the overall policy and programmes, conducting All India Trade Tests and awarding National Trade Certificates. The National Council is chaired by the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (I/C), with members representing Central and State Government departments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, professional and learned bodies, All India Council for Technical Education, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, All India Women’s Organisation, etc. The State Council for Vocational Training at the State level and the Sub Committees have been established to assist the National Council

Salient Features

• Training is impartedin 70 engineering and 63 non-engineering trades.
• ITIs are functioning under the administrative control of the respective State Govts./UTs / Private Organisations.
• The period of training for various trades varies from six months to two years and the entry qualification varies from 8th to12th class pass, depending on the requirements of training in different trades.
• These institutes are required to conduct training courses as per the curriculum prescribed by National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). The admission to the new courses are made in the month of August every year.
• The trainees after competition of the training period are required to appear in the All India Trade Test conducted under the aegis of National Council for Vocational Training. The successful trainees are awarded National Trade Certificate which has been recognized by Govt of India for the purpose of recruitment to subordinate posts and services under the Central Govt.
• About 70% of the training period is allotted to practical training and the rest to theoretical training relating to Trade theory, Workshop Calculation & Science, Engineering Drawing, Social Studies including environmental science & family welfare.
• Training in Govt. ITIs is provided at nominal fee is charged. They are also provided with library, sports and medical facilities etc.
• Syllabi of various trades are periodically revised to keep pace in tune with changes in technology.
• Seats are reserved for SC/ST , OBCs , Differently abled and women candidates as per norms
• There is a provision of re-affiliation for existing affiliated ITIs for more than 5 years old to ensure standards/norms prescribed by N.C.V.T.
• Work of inspection &accreditation of ITIs has been entrusted to the Quality Council of Indiaw.e.f1.9.2012and applications are submitted online for opening of new ITIs as well as addition of trades in existing ITIs.
• Reports of inspection & accreditation, as received from QCI ,are processed at DGE&T HQ and put up before the sub –Committee of NCVT for grant of affiliation.