ITI gaining students preference as skill development institution, 3.10 lakh applied against just 1.33 lakh seats in just one state

Pune (Maharashtra) : Around 3.10 lakh students have applied for the 1.33 lakh seats in the Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) in the state till July 8. The Centralized Admission Process (CAP) for ITIs across the state began on June 19.

“There will be five rounds of the admission process, which will end on August 31,” the directorate of vocational education and training (DVET) has announced.

C A Ninale, joint director of Pune, DVET said, “Times have changed now. A seat at an ITI is much sought after. Scores of candidates, including 90 per centers, are choosing ITIs.”

Data shows that top scorers who would traditionally not even consider joining an ITI are now aspiring for a seat. Last year, about 2,000 students who scored over 80% in standard X joined ITIs. Although a majority of those who sign up to join ITIs still come from the 50-60% bracket, new dynamics in registrations are seen every year.

Over the last few years, some professions like electrician, architectural draughtsman, furniture and cabinet-maker, surveyor, and fitter, have recorded full capacity. Across 417 government and 496 private institutes in Maharashtra, there is an overall increase in demand for ITI courses.

The ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship has taken keen interest in developing ITIs across the country, as a result of which many institutes have introduced new trades this year. Realizing that skill development is key to employability and economic growth, technical institutes across the state have taken it as a mission to promote vocational trades.

“The curriculum has altered, courses have been modernized and placements are in full swing. Industries want to recruit students passing out of ITIs. So there is ample job opportunity,” Ninale said.

Note: News shared for public awareness with reference from the information provided at online news portals.