Behind every skilled professional is a well-trained instructor. And behind every instructor, there’s a robust system designed to empower them with the right knowledge, methodology, and technology. The Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) is one such system. It plays a critical role in equipping trainers with the tools they need to deliver high-quality vocational education across India.
If India’s dream is to become a global skill hub, it must start by skilling its trainers. That’s the mission of CITS, to equip instructors with both technical expertise and training methodology, ensuring they can transfer skills effectively to the next generation.
Below is a detailed presentation by Dr. Madhuri Dubey, Founder and Director of NSN, highlighting the role, importance, benefits, and curriculum of the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS).
CITS 2025-26 admissions now open!
Applications for the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) 2025–26 are now open. Apply online at www.nimionlineadmission.in from 8th May to 28th May 2025.
- Eligibility: Candidates with National Trade Certificate (NTC), National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), Diploma, or Degree in the relevant trade (final-year students also eligible)
- Admission: Through All India Common Entrance Test (AICET), conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
The exam date is on 15th June 2025.
Understanding CITS and its importance
The Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) is a flagship program under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. It aims to train instructors who will teach in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and other skill training institutions.
With over 45,000 trainers trained in the last five years, CITS is integral to skilling India. The program is offered in 41 trades—28 engineering and 13 non-engineering—through a network of National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Institutes for Training of Trainers (ITOTs) spread across the country.
Course duration and curriculum
CITS is a one-year, full-time program that provides comprehensive training in:
- Trade Technology (subject matter expertise in a specific trade)
- Training Methodology (pedagogy, assessments, use of ICT and classroom technologies)
- Digital and Emerging Technologies, including the potential use of AI in training
Upon successful completion, candidates are awarded the National Craft Instructor Certificate (NCIC). As per NCVET mandates, CITS is now a mandatory qualification to become a trainer in ITIs.
Key institutions delivering CITS
The CITS program is delivered through:
- NSTIs: Premier institutions (the IITs of instructor training) that provide CITS across India. 33 NSTIs (of which 19 are exclusively for women)
- IToTs: State-run and private institutes that expand access to CITS in regions with demand. ITOTs, which function as supporting institutions to NSTIs.
- CSTARI, Kolkata: The think tank of CITS—responsible for curriculum design, pedagogy innovation, research, and continuous improvement in training quality
Together, these institutions create a strong ecosystem for instructor training, covering both technical and non-technical aspects of vocational education.
What can you do after CITS?
While the primary goal is to prepare instructors for ITIs, the opportunities for CITS-trained professionals go beyond. Graduates can:
- Work as an instructor in ITIs to deliver effective skill training
- Serve as a certified instructor in short-term and long-term skill development programs
- Take up roles as training coordinators in industries for workforce development
- Compete globally in the field of vocational training
- Develop Written Instructional Materials (WIM) for vocational education
Meeting the needs of modern ITIs
With the ongoing modernization of ITIs, including efforts like upgradation, hub-and-spoke models, and industry collaboration, the need for qualified trainers is more pressing than ever. CITS addresses this gap by:
- Enhancing training quality
- Ensuring industry alignment
- Promoting NSQF-compliant learning
The Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) is more than just a certification program—it’s the foundation upon which the quality and effectiveness of vocational training in India are built. By equipping trainers with a balanced blend of technical expertise, pedagogical skills, and digital proficiency, CITS ensures that the future workforce is not only skilled but industry-ready. As India moves towards a more robust skill development ecosystem aligned with global standards, the role of qualified instructors becomes increasingly vital. CITS stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering trainers, thereby strengthening the entire skill development value chain.
