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ActiveCentral Sector SchemeLaunched January 1950Verified: 2026-10-12

Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI)

Flagship vocational training scheme imparting structured engineering and non-engineering trades across 15,000+ ITIs in India.

Audited by Eligo Public Policy Research Desk•Official Gazette & Nodal Portal Verification•Read Verification Standards →
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Official Nodal Portal:dgt.gov.in

Quick Eligibility Snapshot

👤 Min age 14 yrs💰 No income ceiling⚖ All genders🏛 All categories📍 All India
Government Levelcentral Government
Administering BodyMinistry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Beneficiary Sector
Applicable Jurisdiction
All India

₹Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown

Nationally recognized National Trade Certificate (NTC) awarded by NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training), hands-on technical training in over 150 specialized trades (Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Machinist, Turner, COPA, Solar Technician), subsidized government tuition fees, industrial internships, and direct eligibility for lateral entry into polytechnic engineering diplomas.

📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach

Fiscal Budget Allocation

Implemented under Directorate General of Training (DGT) annual budget

Official Budget Document ↗
Verified Beneficiary Reach

Over 25 Lakh students enrolled annually across 15,000+ Government and Private ITIs

As of: 2026-01-31PIB / Official Citation ↗

Verified Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement:Minimum 14 years
Annual Family Income Ceiling:No gross income ceiling specified
Target Occupations:Student, School leaver, Vocational trainee, Technician
Eligible Gender:all
Social Category / Reservation:all
Specific Operational Conditions & Exclusions:

Candidates aged 14 years and above who have passed Class 8th, 10th, or 12th standard (depending on the trade syllabus requirement).

📄

Required Documents Checklist

Verify readiness before applying for Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI). Check off your papers or print this list before visiting your local CSC / Cyber Cafe.

Mandatory Documents(2)

Check off as ready

Supporting / Optional Documents(1)

💡

Keep self-attested photocopies and clear digital scans (100 KB – 200 KB, PDF/JPG format) ready to avoid portal upload timeouts.

🛡️Civic Research Desk • Rejection Prevention

Worried About Application Rejection for Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI)?

Over 30% of applications on official portals get delayed or rejected due to minor certificate authority mismatches or unseeded bank accounts. Our civic research desk compiles a verified 1-page Scheme Blueprint tailored to your state and profile.

  • ✓Valid issuing authority rules (Tehsildar/SDM)
  • ✓Aadhaar-DBT bank seeding verification
  • ✓Direct official portal guide (no middlemen)
  • ✓Email delivery in 1–2 hrs during desk hours
Civic Research Fee:₹49One-time
Get Scheme Blueprint (₹49)→

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Application Effort & Process Friction

Readiness assessment derived from official prerequisites, mandatory documentation, and submission channels.

Moderate Process (2/10)
•100% digital online application process
•2 mandatory document required

Effort scores reflect portal accessibility, mandatory document burden, and physical verification requirements.

How to Apply

🌐 Online Portal Route
🛡️
Government Application Safety Advisory:Application for this welfare program is processed exclusively on official government infrastructure (dgt.gov.in). Never pay registration charges or advance processing fees to unauthorized third-party agents. Central and State welfare scheme applications do not require paying private intermediaries.
  1. 1

    Check state-specific ITI admission notification on the State Directorate of Training portal or NCVT MIS portal (https://ncvtmis.gov.in).

  2. 2

    Register online, upload 8th/10th/12th academic marksheets, and fill trade preferences.

  3. 3

    Centralized merit list or state counseling seat allotment conducted.

  4. 4

    Document verification and fee payment at allotted Government or Private ITI.

  5. 5

    Complete 1-year or 2-year practical and theoretical curriculum followed by All India Trade Test (AITT).

✅Before You Begin — Pre-Application Checklist

✓Ensure Aadhaar is linked with active mobile number
✓Bank account is NPCI-mapped (Aadhaar-seeded) for DBT
✓Check if you already receive a similar Central scheme benefit
✓Keep documents ready: income/caste/domicile certificates as applicable

⚠️Common Rejection Reasons — Avoid These

Failing minimum academic entry standards (8th or 10th pass depending on trade), or failure to report during physical counseling.

Official Government Application Portal

You will be redirected to the secure official portal: dgt.gov.in

Apply on official government website
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Verified Guidance

Expert Application Tips & Practical Advice

Field-tested recommendations from administrative grievance circulars to avoid rejections and processing stalls.

1
processTo apply for Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI), initiate your application on the official portal at https://dgt.gov.in/CTS. Verify procedure: Check state-specific ITI admission notification on the State Directorate of Training portal or NCVT MIS portal (https://ncvtmis.gov.in). Confirm all personal and bank details align with departmental records before final submission.
2
documentsFor Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI), keep clear and legible scanned digital copies of mandatory documents (Class 8th / 10th / 12th Marksheet and Passing Certificate, Aadhaar Card) ready in PDF or JPEG format within prescribed portal size limits before starting your application on https://dgt.gov.in/CTS.
3
common mistakesA frequent cause of rejection under Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI) is submitting mismatched personal details between Class 8th / 10th / 12th Marksheet and Passing Certificate and your Aadhaar record, or providing an unseeded bank account. Verify active NPCI/DBT bank mapper linkage and valid certificate numbers on https://dgt.gov.in/CTS.
4
trackingAfter successfully submitting your application for Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI), securely save your permanent Application Reference Number (ARN) or digital acknowledgement receipt. Use this reference number on https://dgt.gov.in/CTS to track scrutiny, verification, and sanction milestones.

Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)

Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.

What certification is awarded upon completing an ITI course under CTS?

Trainees passing the All India Trade Test (AITT) are awarded the National Trade Certificate (NTC) by NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

What is the duration of ITI courses under Craftsmen Training Scheme?

Courses range from 6 months, 1 year, to 2 years depending on the specific trade curriculum.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Can ITI passouts join degree or diploma courses?

Yes, ITI certificate holders are eligible for direct lateral admission into the 2nd year of 3-year Polytechnic Engineering Diploma programs.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Who is eligible to apply for Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI)?

Eligible applicants must satisfy official government criteria for Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI). Age: min 14 years. Conditions: Candidates aged 14 years and above who have passed Class 8th, 10th, or 12th standard (depending on the trade syllabus requirement)..

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Can I track my Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI) application status?

Application status for Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI) can typically be tracked through the official portal at dgt.gov.in using your Aadhaar number, application reference number, or registered mobile number. Alternatively, contact the scheme helpline or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).

What should I do if my Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI) payment is delayed or rejected?

First, verify your Aadhaar-bank account seeding status on the NPCI mapper (npci.org.in). If seeding is confirmed and payment is still pending, register a complaint on the Central Public Grievance Redressal System at pgportal.gov.in. You may also file an RTI application at rtionline.gov.in to obtain official rejection reasons within 30 days.

Is there an income tax implication for receiving Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS / ITI) benefits?

Agricultural income and certain welfare subsidies may be exempt from income tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax treatment varies by scheme type and beneficiary income level. Consult a certified tax practitioner or visit incometax.gov.in for scheme-specific tax guidance.

Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings

Failing minimum academic entry standards (8th or 10th pass depending on trade), or failure to report during physical counseling.

Editorial Verification & Change Log

Scheme verification and change history
DateFieldDescription / UpdateSource Citation
2026-10-18scheme_typecsOfficial Source ↗
2026-09-20initial_verificationBaseline verification of Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) NCVT trade syllabi, NTC certification, and NCVT-MIS portal operations.Official Source ↗

⚖Compare with Similar Schemes

Side-by-side eligibility, benefit, and effort comparison:

Application Window & Deadlines

Annual admission cycle (typically June to August across all states)

Scheme Intelligence

How is this calculated? ↗
Data ConfidenceFully Verified (100%)

Verified 8d ago from .gov.in source

Access FrictionModerate Process

Requires documentation or office visit

How to Apply🖥Apply Online
Scale & Impact
👥Over 25 Lakh students enrolled annually across 15,000+ Government and Private ITIs (as of 2026-01-31)
₹Implemented under Directorate General of Training (DGT) annual budget budget allocation
📅Running since 1950
🔄2 verified updates — actively maintained

Related Welfare Programs

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Comprehensive central support program for traditional artisans and craftspeople offering PM Vishwakarma certification, modern toolkits, and subsidized credit up to ₹3 lakh at 5% interest.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY / Skill India)

Skill certification and vocational training scheme under MSDE offering free industry-relevant job-role training, NSQF certification, and placement support.

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS / NAPS-2)

Apprenticeship training program providing 25% stipend subsidy (up to ₹1,500/month) directly to apprentices and financial support to engaging establishments.

📅Scheme Milestone Timeline

2026-10-18scheme_type

cs

Official Source ↗
2026-09-20initial_verification

Baseline verification of Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) NCVT trade syllabi, NTC...

Official Source ↗
⚡

Schemes You Can Stack With This

Complementary programs with non-conflicting eligibility that you can claim concurrently:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)₹6,000 (annual)✓ Open to all genders · Overlapping profile match
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U / Housing for All)₹2,50,000 (one-time)✓ Open to all genders · Overlapping profile match
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G)₹1,20,000 (one-time)✓ Open to all genders · Overlapping profile match
Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)₹5,00,000 (annual)✓ Open to all genders · Overlapping profile match

Official Helpline & Nodal Offices

Directorate General of Training (DGT), MSDE

Kaushal Bhawan, New Pusa Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110005

Helpline: 011-25847036

Jurisdiction: National (All-India)

Notice a Discrepancy?

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Verification Metadata

Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-10-12 against official government documentation.

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