Introduction to CITS
The Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) is a flagship program under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), designed to train and certify instructors for Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India. The CITS program equips aspiring and existing ITI instructors with advanced skills in pedagogy, trade-specific expertise, and training methodologies to produce skilled manpower for the industry.
For the academic session 2025-26, admissions to CITS courses at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Institutes for Training of Trainers (IToTs) will be conducted through the All India Common Entrance Test (AICET). This article provides a detailed overview of the tentative admissions schedule, eligibility criteria, application process, and key details for aspiring ITI instructors.
Tentative Admissions Schedule for CITS Session 2025-26
The following schedule outlines the key dates and activities for CITS admissions for the 2025-26 session. These dates are tentative and subject to change, so candidates are advised to regularly check the official website (nimionlineadmission.in) for updates.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Release of CITS Admission Notification | Early May 2025 |
| Start of Online Application Process | May 8, 2025 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | May 28, 2025 |
| Release of AICET Admit Card | Early June 2025 |
| AICET Entrance Exam (Computer-Based Test) | June 15, 2025 |
| Declaration of AICET Results | Late June 2025 |
| Start of Online Counselling (Phase 1) | Early July 2025 |
| Document Verification at NSTIs/IToTs | Mid-July 2025 |
| Counselling Phases (2, 3, and Spot Admission) | July–August 2025 |
| Final Admission and Course Commencement | August 2025 |
Note: The counselling process will be conducted in multiple phases, including online seat allotment and physical document verification. Candidates must pay a non-refundable counselling fee of ₹1000, which will be adjusted in the admission fee upon successful admission.
Eligibility Criteria :
To apply for CITS admission for the 2025-26 session, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Educational Qualification:
- National Trade Certificate (NTC) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in the relevant trade from an NCVT/SCVT-recognized board.
- Diploma or Degree in the relevant trade/branch from a recognized Board of Technical Education or University.
- Candidates appearing in their final semester of ITI, Diploma, or Degree are eligible to apply, provided they complete their qualification before final admission.
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years as of the admission date. There is no upper age limit.
- Trade Relevance: Candidates must apply for CITS trades equivalent to their ITI trade or Diploma/Degree specialization. For example, a candidate with an ITI in Sewing Technology can only apply for the Sewing Technology CITS trade.
- Reservation: Seats are reserved as per Central Government norms for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories.
Important: Candidates undergoing training under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) and appearing for the All India Trade Test (AITT) in July 2025 may apply for AICET. However, their final admission is subject to successfully completing the CTS examination.
Application Process :
The application process for CITS admission is entirely online and must be completed on the official portal (nimionlineadmission.in). Follow these steps:
- Registration: Visit the official website and register using a valid email ID and mobile number. An OTP will be sent for verification.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal, educational, and trade-related details. Select the preferred CITS trade and exam center.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-size photograph (max 40 KB).
- Signature (max 40 KB).
- ITI NTC/NAC certificate, Diploma/Degree certificate, or marksheet (max 100 KB).
- Aadhar Card or other valid ID (max 100 KB).
- Category certificate (if applicable).
- Pay Application Fee:
- General/OBC: ₹500
- SC/ST: ₹300
- Payment can be made via online methods (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI).
- Submit and Save: Review the application, submit it, and download the application form and payment receipt for future reference.
AICET Exam Pattern
The All India Common Entrance Test (AICET) is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted at multiple centers across India. Key details include:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 100 objective-type (multiple-choice) questions
- Question Distribution:
- 75% questions related to the applied trade (ITI level).
- 25% questions on aptitude (logical, numeric, and reasoning).
- Language: English and Hindi
- Marking Scheme: No negative marking for incorrect answers.
The exam will be conducted in over 70 cities, including Agartala, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Port Blair, among others.
Counselling and Admission Process
After the AICET results are announced, the counselling process will be conducted in four phases:
- Phase 1: Online seat allotment based on AICET rank and candidate preferences.
- Phase 2: Second round of seat allotment for remaining seats.
- Phase 3: Additional round for vacant seats.
- Spot Admission: Final round for any remaining seats, conducted at NSTIs/IToTs.
Candidates must pay a non-refundable counselling fee of ₹1000 to participate. During document verification, candidates must present original certificates at the nearest NSTI or IToT. Failure to verify documents or meet eligibility criteria will result in cancellation of admission.
Key Institutes Offering CITS
CITS courses are offered at:
- National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs): 28 institutes across India.
- State Government Institutes of Training of Trainers (IToTs): 6 institutes.
- Private Institutes of Training of Trainers (IToTs): 12 institutes.
Training is available in 55 trades, including 36 engineering trades (e.g., Electrician, Fitter, Welder) and 19 non-engineering trades (e.g., Sewing Technology, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant).
Benefits of CITS Certification
Upon successful completion of the CITS course, candidates receive a Craft Instructor Training Certificate recognized by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). Benefits include:
- Eligibility to work as an instructor in government and private ITIs.
- Opportunities to serve as training coordinators in industries.
- Ability to impart training under various skill development schemes.
- Enhanced skills in developing instructional materials and delivering vocational training.
Contact Information
For queries related to CITS admissions, candidates can contact:
- Email: nimionlineadmission1@gmail.com
- WhatsApp: +91-9498087085, +91-9498069086
- Official Website: nimionlineadmission.in
| Instructions | Important Links |
|---|---|
| Tentative Time-Table | CLICK HERE |
List of Trades and Institutes of AITT (All India Trade Test) for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) in India
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an important initiative in India, providing a mechanism for certifying the skills and knowledge acquired through informal means. Here is an indicative list of trades and institutes linked with the All India Trade Test (AITT) for RPL in India:
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1. What is the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS)?
The CITS is a training program under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aimed at preparing instructors for Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). It enhances their skills in trade-specific expertise, pedagogy, and training methodologies to deliver high-quality vocational training.
2. Who can apply for CITS for the 2025-26 session?
Eligibility criteria include:
- Possession of a National Trade Certificate (NTC) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in the relevant trade from an NCVT/SCVT-recognized board.
- A Diploma or Degree in the relevant trade/branch from a recognized institution.
- Candidates in their final semester of ITI, Diploma, or Degree may apply, provided they complete their qualification before final admission.
- Minimum age of 18 years with no upper age limit.
3. What is the All India Common Entrance Test (AICET)?
The AICET is a computer-based entrance exam conducted for CITS admissions. It consists of 100 objective-type questions (75% trade-related, 25% aptitude-based) with a duration of 2 hours and no negative marking.
4. Where can I apply for CITS admission?
Applications must be submitted online through the official portal: nimionlineadmission.in.
5. What is the application fee for CITS?
The application fee is:
- General/OBC: ₹500
- SC/ST: ₹300
Payment can be made via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
6. Can I apply for a CITS trade different from my ITI or Diploma specialization?
No, candidates must apply for a CITS trade that matches their ITI trade or Diploma/Degree specialization. For example, an ITI in Electrician can only apply for the Electrician CITS trade.
7. Is there any reservation for specific categories?
Yes, seats are reserved as per Central Government norms for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories.
8. What are the key dates for CITS admissions for 2025-26?
Tentative schedule:
- Admission Notification: Early May 2025
- Online Application: May 8–28, 2025
- AICET Exam: June 15, 2025
- Results: Late June 2025
- Counselling: July–August 2025
- Course Commencement: August 2025
Check the official website for updates.
Note: Dates are tentative and subject to change. Regularly visit nimionlineadmission.in for the latest information.
9. Which institutes offer CITS training?
CITS courses are offered at:
- 28 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs)
- 6 State Government Institutes of Training of Trainers (IToTs)
- 12 Private Institutes of Training of Trainers (IToTs)
10. How many trades are available under CITS?
There are 55 trades, including 36 engineering trades (e.g., Electrician, Fitter, Welder) and 19 non-engineering trades (e.g., Sewing Technology, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant).
Application and Exam Process
11. How do I apply for CITS?
Steps to apply:
- Register on nimionlineadmission.in using email and mobile number.
- Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and trade details.
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates, ID).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and save the application and receipt.
12. What documents are required for the application?
Scanned copies of:
- Passport-size photograph (max 40 KB)
- Signature (max 40 KB)
- ITI NTC/NAC certificate, Diploma/Degree certificate, or marksheet (max 100 KB)
- Aadhar Card or valid ID (max 100 KB)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
13. Can I edit my application after submission?
No, applications cannot be edited after submission. Ensure all details are correct before final submission.
14. Where will the AICET be conducted?
The AICET will be held in over 70 cities, including Agartala, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Port Blair. Candidates can select their preferred exam center during application.
15. What is the format of the AICET?
The AICET is a 2-hour computer-based test with:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- 75% trade-specific questions (ITI level)
- 25% aptitude questions (logical, numeric, reasoning)
- Available in English and Hindi
- No negative marking
16. When will the AICET admit card be available?
Admit cards are expected to be released in early June 2025, downloadable from the official portal.
17. What happens if I fail to download my admit card?
Contact the helpline (nimionlineadmission1@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +91-9498087085, +91-9498069086) immediately for assistance.
Counselling and Admission
18. How does the counselling process work?
Counselling is conducted in four phases:
- Phase 1: Online seat allotment based on AICET rank.
- Phase 2: Second round for remaining seats.
- Phase 3: Additional round for vacant seats.
- Spot Admission: Final round at NSTIs/IToTs for remaining seats.
A non-refundable counselling fee of ₹1000 is required, adjustable in the admission fee upon successful admission.
19. What documents are needed for verification?
Original and photocopies of:
- AICET admit card and result
- ITI NTC/NAC certificate, Diploma/Degree certificate
- Marksheets of qualifying exams
- Aadhar Card or valid ID
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of date of birth
20. What happens if I miss document verification?
Failure to attend document verification or provide required documents will result in cancellation of admission. Candidates may participate in subsequent counselling phases if seats are available.
21. Can I change my allotted institute or trade after counselling?
No, changes are not allowed after seat allotment. Choose preferences carefully during counselling.
22. When does the CITS course start?
The course is expected to commence in August 2025, following the completion of counselling and admissions.
Post-Admission and Certification
23. What is the duration of the CITS course?
The CITS course typically lasts one year, including both theoretical and practical training.
24. What certification is awarded upon completion?
Successful candidates receive a Craft Instructor Training Certificate from the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT).
25. What are the career prospects after CITS?
CITS-certified instructors can:
- Work as instructors in government or private ITIs.
- Serve as training coordinators in industries.
- Deliver training under various skill development schemes.
- Develop instructional materials for vocational training.
26. Is the CITS certificate recognized nationwide?
Yes, the NCVT-issued CITS certificate is recognized across India for ITI instructor roles and related positions.
Support and Contact
27. Whom should I contact for admission-related queries?
Contact:
- Email: nimionlineadmission1@gmail.com
- WhatsApp: +91-9498087085, +91-9498069086
- Website: nimionlineadmission.in
28. What should I do if I face issues with the online portal?
Contact the helpline via email or WhatsApp for technical support. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and use a compatible browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
29. Are there any official resources for AICET preparation?
Sample papers and syllabi are available on the official portal. Candidates should focus on their ITI trade syllabus and basic aptitude topics (logical reasoning, numeric ability).
30. Can candidates undergoing CTS training apply?
Yes, candidates appearing for the All India Trade Test (AITT) under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) in July 2025 can apply, but final admission depends on passing the CTS exam.
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