**Executive Summary**
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced a mandatory 150-hour On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Group Project for trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). This reform, effective from the academic session 2022–23, aims to enhance vocational education quality and relevance by providing real industrial exposure. Trainees must complete three months of ITI training before eligibility, with a logbook documenting activities and a final assessment for grading and ITI-approved certification.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Mandatory OJT/Group Project:**
* A provision of 150 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Group Project is now mandatory for all trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS).
* This provision is effective from the academic session 2022–23.
* **Restructuring of CTS Qualifications:**
* The annual training duration for CTS qualifications has been reduced from 1600 hours to 1200 hours.
* The 150 hours of OJT or Group Project is introduced to ensure trainees gain real industrial exposure.
* **Objectives and Benefits:**
* To enhance the quality and relevance of vocational education.
* To build practical competence, confidence, and professionalism through real workplace exposure.
* To deepen industry-institution linkages and ensure youth are job-ready and future-ready.
* To equip youth with skills aligned to real industry needs, accelerating the 'Skilled India, Developed India' vision.
* To strengthen trainee employability by aligning skills with industry requirements.
* To enhance collaboration between industries and ITIs, keeping training programs updated.
* To help trainees integrate smoothly into the workforce and adapt to workplace environments.
* To ensure continuous assessment of skills in real industrial settings.
* **Eligibility and Conduct of Training:**
* Trainees become eligible for OJT or project work only after completing a minimum of three months of training in the ITI.
* Training will be conducted under the guidance of industry mentors and regularly evaluated.
* Trainees are required to maintain a logbook documenting their activities and acquired skills.
* The final assessment will be based on mentor/trainer evaluation, logbook review, and a viva.
* A successful completion will result in an industry-approved certificate issued by the ITI.
* **Provisions for Safety and Support:**
* State Directorates may consider provisions for trainee safety, such as accidental group insurance.
* Arrangements for travel and accommodation may be made for trainees undergoing OJT at distant locations.
* **Inclusion in Grading Methodology:**
* OJT will be incorporated as an important parameter in the Data Driven Grading Methodology (DDGM) in the future.
* **Dual System of Training (DST) Trainees:**
* For trainees under DST, mandatory project work is provided in place of OJT, as they already undergo industry training.
* **Implementation Directives:**
* DGT has directed all State and Union Territory Skill Development Departments, NSTIs, and RDSDEs to identify suitable industries and ensure quality OJT opportunities.
**Impact Analysis**
**Trainees**
* **Impact:** Will gain practical skills, real-world experience, enhanced employability, and a better understanding of industry requirements, leading to increased confidence and professionalism.
* **Action Required:** Must complete a minimum of three months of ITI training, undergo the 150-hour OJT or project work, maintain a logbook, and participate in the final assessment.
**Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)**
* **Impact:** Will need to restructure their qualifications and training duration, establish and strengthen industry linkages, and collaborate with industries to provide OJT opportunities and updated training programs.
* **Action Required:** Must implement the mandatory 150 hours of OJT or Group Project, potentially reduce overall training hours, ensure trainees meet eligibility criteria, and issue industry-approved certificates upon successful completion.
**Industries**
* **Impact:** Will be involved in providing practical training and mentorship to ITI trainees, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce aligned with their needs.
* **Action Required:** Must collaborate with ITIs to offer OJT opportunities, provide industry mentors, and participate in the evaluation of trainees' performance.
**State and Union Territory Skill Development Departments, NSTIs, and RDSDEs**
* **Impact:** Are responsible for facilitating the implementation of this reform by identifying suitable industries and ensuring the effective rollout of OJT programs.
* **Action Required:** Must identify suitable industries, ensure trainees are provided with quality OJT opportunities, and oversee the effective implementation of the guidelines.
Key Entities Referenced
Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS): The primary scheme under which the mandatory 150 hours of OJT/Group Project is introduced for ITI trainees.
National Education Policy 2020: The overarching policy framework with which the reform in ITI training is aligned.
Directorate General of Training (DGT): The government body that has issued the guidelines for the mandatory OJT/Group Project.
150 hours of On the Job Training (OJT) or Group Project: The new mandatory component introduced for trainees in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Skill India Mission: The national initiative that this reform aims to strengthen.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Major Reform in ITI Training: Mandatory 150 Hours
of OJT / Group Project Introduced
Posted On: 02 MAR 2026 7:09PM by PIB Delhi
The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship, Government of India, has issued detailed guidelines regarding the implementation of a
mandatory provision of 150 hours of On the Job Training (OJT) or Group Project for trainees in Industrial
Training Institutes (ITIs) under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). This provision has been made
effective from the academic session 2022–23.
In the traditional training system, trainees primarily receive instruction using tools and machines available
within ITI campuses. This limits their exposure to modern and emerging industrial technologies. As a
result, many trainees require additional on the job training after joining the industry. In view of the rapidly
evolving industrial landscape and continuous technological advancements, strengthening industry
integrated training has become essential. In alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, DGT has
restructured CTS qualifications. The annual training duration has been reduced from 1600 hours to 1200
hours. In addition, a mandatory provision of 150 hours of OJT or Group Project has been introduced to
ensure that trainees gain real industrial exposure.
On this occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development
and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, stated, “The mandatory
150 hours of structured On-the-Job Training or Group Project for ITI trainees is a significant reform to
enhance the quality and relevance of vocational education. In a rapidly evolving industrial landscape,
classroom learning alone is not enough. Real workplace exposure builds practical competence, confidence
and professionalism. This step will deepen industry–institution linkages and ensure that our youth are truly
job-ready and future-ready.”
He further added, “The government’s objective is not merely to provide certificates, but to equip youth
with skills aligned to real industry needs. Through an industry integrated training model, this step will
accelerate the vision of ‘Skilled India, Developed India’. In line with the National Education Policy 2020,
this initiative will prove to be an important milestone in making skill training more relevant, practical, and
industry focused.”
The primary objective of OJT or Group Project is to strengthen the employability of ITI trainees by
aligning their skills with actual industry requirements. It will enhance collaboration between industries
and ITIs, ensuring that training programs remain updated in accordance with current industry needs. This
initiative will help trainees integrate smoothly into the workforce and adapt better to workplace
environments. It will also ensure continuous assessment of their skills in real industrial settings so that
their competencies develop in line with industry standards.
Under this provision, it is mandatory for every trainee to undergo OJT or, where OJT is not feasible, to
complete a project related to their respective trade. Trainees will become eligible for OJT or project work
only after completing a minimum of three months of training in the ITI. The training will be conductedunder the guidance of industry mentors, and their performance will be regularly evaluated. Trainees will
be required to maintain a logbook documenting their activities and the skills they acquire.The final
assessment will be conducted during the practical examination. It will be based on mentor or trainer
evaluation, review of the logbook, and a viva. The corresponding grade will be reflected in the marksheet.
Upon successful completion, an industry approved certificate will be issued by the ITI.
Keeping trainee safety in view, State Directorates may consider provisions such as accidental group
insurance. Arrangements for travel and accommodation may also be made for trainees undergoing OJT at
distant locations. Additionally, OJT will be incorporated as an important parameter in the Data Driven
Grading Methodology (DDGM) in the future. For trainees studying under the Dual System of Training
(DST) mode, mandatory project work has been provided in place of OJT, as they already undergo industry
training.
DGT has directed all State and Union Territory Skill Development Departments, NSTIs, and RDSDEs to
identify suitable industries and ensure that trainees are provided with quality OJT opportunities, along
with effective implementation of the guidelines.
This initiative will further strengthen the ITI skill ecosystem by deepening industry linkages. It will
reinforce the Skill India Mission and serve as an important step towards making youth self reliant,
industry ready, and better prepared for sustainable employment.
The Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), launched in 1950, is a well-established initiative aimed at creating
a skilled workforce in the country. It provides employment-oriented training to youth and equips them
with skills aligned to industry requirements. Through NCVET (National Council for Vocational Education
and Training) and DGT certification, millions of young individuals have gained access to long term career
opportunities. The scheme continues to play a significant role in building India’s productive workforce.
***
SH
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