Directorate General of Training, MSDE announces admissions for Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) Courses for the academic year 2026-27 at NSTIs and IToTs

**Executive Summary** The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has announced the admission schedule for the one-year Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) for the 2026–27 academic session. Aspirants must submit online applications by May 10, 2026, to qualify for the All-India Common Entrance Test (AICET) scheduled for May 31, 2026. This session introduces a revised minimum entry age of 18 years and reduced examination fees across all candidate categories. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Admission and Examination Details** * Application deadline: May 10, 2026, via the official website (www.nimionlineadmission.in). * Entrance exam: All-India Common Entrance Test (AICET) conducted via Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. * Examination date: May 31, 2026, at multiple centers nationwide. * **Eligibility Criteria** * Required qualifications: NTC, NAC, Diploma, or Degree (holders or final-year students). * Minimum age: Revised to 18 years (previously 16 years); no upper age limit. * **Program Overview** * Duration: One-year program focused on technical skills and training methodologies. * Scope: Training available in 42 trades (29 engineering and 13 non-engineering). * Institutions: Conducted at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Institutes for Training of Trainers (IToTs). * Certification: Graduates receive the National Craft Instructor Certificate (NCIC) recognized by NCVET. * **Revised Examination Fees** * General candidates: Reduced from Rs. 500 to Rs. 300. * SC / ST / PH / EWS / Women candidates: Reduced from Rs. 300 to Rs. 200. **Impact Analysis** **Aspiring Instructors** **Impact** Candidates now benefit from lower entrance examination fees but must meet a higher minimum age requirement of 18 years. The CITS certification is essential for those seeking employment as trainers in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). **Action Required** Eligible candidates must apply online by the May 10 deadline and appear for the Computer-Based Test on May 31, 2026. **Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)** **Impact** As NCVET deems CITS certification imperative for all trainers, ITIs are impacted by the standards governing the qualifications of their instructional staff. **Action Required** ITIs must ensure that their recruitment and staff development align with the requirement for National Craft Instructor Certificate (NCIC) holders. **NSTIs and IToTs** **Impact** These institutes are the primary providers of the 42 specialized trades for the 2026–27 academic session and will manage the influx of trainees. **Action Required** Institutes must prepare to facilitate the one-year training curriculum for the upcoming cohort starting in the 2026–27 academic year.

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