If you have passed Class 10 and are looking for a skill-based course that leads directly to a job — without spending 4 years on graduation and lakhs on fees — an ITI (Industrial Training Institute) is one of the smartest choices available in India today.
Government ITI fees in Uttar Pradesh are as low as ₹1,000 per year. In Bihar, the total two-year admission fee is under ₹1,000. You walk out with an NCVT or SCVT certificate that is recognised by central and state governments, the Indian Railways, defence departments, and private industries nationwide.
But getting into a government ITI — especially in states like UP and Bihar where competition for seats is high — requires knowing the process in advance, not the week before the deadline.
This guide covers everything: what ITI is, the full trade list, eligibility, UP ITI and Bihar ITICAT admission processes, counselling steps, fees, and what to expect after admission.
What Is an ITI and Why Does It Matter?
An Industrial Training Institute (ITI) is a government-recognised institution under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. ITIs provide hands-on vocational and technical training in industry-specific trades — turning Class 8, 10, or 12 pass students into job-ready skilled workers.
After completing an ITI course, trainees appear for the All India Trade Test (AITT) conducted by NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) to receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC). This certificate is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification for skilled workers.
Key advantages of ITI over other courses:
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Duration is short — 6 months to 2 years depending on trade.
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Government ITI fees are negligible — ₹1,000–₹2,000 per year in UP and Bihar.
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Direct employment eligibility in Railways, DRDO, defence, PSUs, and private industries after certification.
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Apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act 1961 is available after ITI, which provides monthly stipend while further training on the job.
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GDS and other government posts accept ITI certificates as a qualification for specific technical posts.
ITI Admission 2026 – Key Dates at a Glance
UP ITI Admission 2026 (Tentative Schedule)
Conducted by the State Council for Vocational Training, Uttar Pradesh (SCVTUP) via the portal scvtup.in.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 2026 |
| Merit List (Round 1) | July 2026 |
| Reporting to ITI (Round 1) | July 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | July 2026 |
| Round 3 Seat Allotment | July 2026 |
| Round 4 Application & Allotment | August 2026 |
Bihar ITICAT 2026 (Tentative Schedule)
Bihar conducts a separate entrance exam called the ITI Competitive Admission Test (ITICAT), organised by the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB). Unlike UP — which uses a merit list based on Class 10 marks — Bihar requires you to clear a written exam.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | March 2026 |
| Online Application Start | March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
| ITICAT Written Exam | June 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | June 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June / July 2026 |
| Merit List Publication | July 2026 |
| Counselling & Seat Allotment | July – August 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
UP ITI Eligibility 2026
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Educational Qualification: Minimum Class 8 pass (for some trades) or Class 10 pass (for most trades) from a recognised board.
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Age Limit: Minimum 14 years as on August 1, 2026. No maximum age limit for most trades.
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Domicile: Preference is given to UP domicile candidates for government ITI seats.
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There is no entrance exam for UP ITI — selection is based on a merit list drawn from Class 10 marks.
Bihar ITICAT Eligibility 2026
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Educational Qualification: Must have passed Class 10 from BSEB, CBSE, CISCE, or any recognised state board. Candidates appearing in Class 10 exams are also eligible to apply provisionally.
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Age Limit:
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General category: Minimum 14 years as on August 1, 2026 (minimum 17 years for vehicle mechanic trades).
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No upper age limit mentioned.
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Domicile: Must be a Bihar domicile, OR the candidate’s parents/spouse must be a Bihar government employee or central government employee posted in Bihar.
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Medical fitness is required.
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A written entrance exam (ITICAT) must be cleared — Bihar does NOT do direct merit-based admission from Class 10 marks.
Bihar ITICAT 2026 – Exam Pattern
Since Bihar requires a written test, knowing the exam pattern is essential for preparation.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50 | 100 |
| General Science | 50 | 100 |
| General Knowledge | 50 | 100 |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
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Mode: Offline (OMR-based pen and paper test).
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Duration: 2 hours.
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Question Type: Objective / MCQ with 4 options, one correct answer.
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Marking: Each question carries 2 marks. No negative marking for wrong answers.
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Language: Hindi and English both.
The syllabus is primarily based on Class 10 level Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics), and General Knowledge. Candidates who have scored well in Class 10 and practice a few months of MCQ sets are generally well-prepared.
ITI Trade List 2026 – Engineering & Non-Engineering
ITI trades are divided into two broad categories: Engineering Trades (technical, machine, and field-based skills) and Non-Engineering Trades (service, commerce, and soft-skill areas).
Popular Engineering Trades
| Trade | Duration | Min. Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Fitter | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Turner | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Machinist | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Machinist Grinder | 2 Years | Class 10 |
| Welder | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | 2 Years | Class 10 |
| Mechanic Two & Three Wheeler | 2 Years | Class 10 |
| Mechanic Tractor | 2 Years | Class 8 |
| Draughtsman Civil | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Draughtsman Mechanical | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Plumber | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Wireman | 2 Years | Class 8 |
| Carpenter | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Painter (General) | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Mechanic Agricultural Machinery | 2 Years | Class 8 |
| Electronic Mechanic | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Instrument Mechanic | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Mechanic Refrigeration & AC | 2 Years | Class 10 (with Science & Maths) |
| Civil Engineering Assistant | 1 Year | Class 10 |
Popular Non-Engineering Trades
| Trade | Duration | Min. Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Stenographer Secretarial Assistant (Hindi) | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Stenographer Secretarial Assistant (English) | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Sewing Technology | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Hair & Skin Care | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Catering & Hospitality Assistant | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Front Office Assistant | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Health Sanitary Inspector | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Dairying | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Agro Processing | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Weaving Technician | 1 Year | Class 8 |
| Old Age Care | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Digital Photographer | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Marketing Executive | 1 Year | Class 10 |
| Bamboo Works | 1 Year | Class 8 |
High-Demand Trades in UP & Bihar (2026)
Based on industry demand, government job compatibility, and Railways recruitment alignment, these trades consistently show the highest placement rates:
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Electrician – Highest demand in Railways, DRDO, CPWD, and private construction.
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Fitter – Core mechanical engineering trade; Railways and defence prefer this most.
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COPA – Best for government data entry, bank, and postal department jobs.
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Welder – High private sector demand; short 1-year course; available for Class 8 pass.
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Mechanic Motor Vehicle – Booming with the automotive sector expansion.
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Draughtsman Civil – Infrastructure boom in UP and Bihar driving strong demand.
Application Process: UP ITI 2026 (Step by Step)
Applications are submitted online at scvtup.in.
Step 1: Registration
Visit scvtup.in and click on “New Registration.” You will need:
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Valid mobile number (OTP verification).
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Valid email address.
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Class 10 details.
Save your Registration Number and Password immediately after registration.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Log in and fill in:
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Personal details: Name, date of birth, gender, category (exactly as in Class 10 marksheet).
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Educational details: Board name, year, subjects, and marks obtained in Class 10.
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Domicile and district details.
Step 3: Select Trade Groups and ITI Preference
This is the most important strategic decision in UP ITI admission.
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You must select your preferred trade and fill in a preference list of ITI colleges in order of choice.
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Government ITIs are far more competitive than private ones — include a mix of government and aided private ITIs in your list to increase chances.
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Choose the trade you are genuinely interested in pursuing — you will be trained in it for 1–2 years and it becomes your professional identity.
Step 4: Upload Documents
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Passport-size photograph (JPG, ≤50 KB).
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Signature.
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Class 10 marksheet.
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Category certificate (if applicable).
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Domicile certificate.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹250 |
| SC / ST | ₹150 |
Fee is payable via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Some centres also accept ITI Prepaid Coupon payment.
After payment, download and save the final confirmation page with application number.
Application Process: Bihar ITICAT 2026 (Step by Step)
Bihar ITICAT applications are submitted at bceceboard.bihar.gov.in.
Step 1: Register on BCECEB Portal
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Click on “New Registration” and enter your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email.
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Verify OTP and create login credentials.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
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Personal and educational details.
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Select exam centre district (choose the district closest to you for convenience).
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Upload photograph and signature in specified format and size.
Step 3: Application Fee Payment
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EBC | ₹750 |
| SC / ST | ₹100 |
| PwD (Disabled) | ₹430 |
Step 4: Download Admit Card
Admit card is released approximately 2–3 weeks before the exam date. Download from the official BCECEB portal using your application number and date of birth.
Step 5: Appear in ITICAT Written Exam
Carry the admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam centre. Answer all 150 questions — since there is no negative marking, attempt every question.
Counselling Process
UP ITI Counselling 2026
UP ITI uses a computer-generated, merit-based seat allotment system. There is no physical counselling you need to attend.
The process:
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After the application window closes, SCVTUP generates a merit list based on Class 10 percentage.
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Seats are allotted to students based on merit, trade preference, and ITI preference list filled in the application form.
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Round 1 allotment result is published on scvtup.in.
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If you are allotted a seat, you must report to the allotted ITI within the deadline and complete admission formalities.
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If you are not satisfied with the allotted ITI in Round 1, you can participate in Round 2 and Round 3 for a better option.
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Candidates who miss all main rounds can apply again in Round 4 for remaining seats.
Bihar ITICAT Counselling 2026
Bihar ITICAT counselling is conducted online in two rounds plus a mop-up round for remaining seats.
| Stage | Process |
|---|---|
| Online registration for counselling | Log in to BCECEB portal after result |
| Choice filling | Select preferred trade and institute in priority order |
| Save and lock choices | Lock your final preference before deadline |
| Download locked choices | Keep a printout for reference |
| Seat allotment | Published on BCECEB portal |
| Reporting to allotted institute | Carry all documents and pay admission fee |
| Mop-up round | For candidates not allotted in Rounds 1 & 2 |
Bihar ITICAT Counselling Fee:
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General / OBC / EBC: ₹750
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SC / ST: ₹100
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PwD: ₹430
Fees: Government ITI vs Private ITI
One of the biggest reasons candidates compete hard for government ITI seats is the drastic fee difference.
| Type | Annual Fee (Approx.) | Total 2-Year Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Government ITI (UP) | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
| Government ITI (Bihar) | ₹490 per year | ₹980 (2 years) |
| Private ITI (UP/Bihar) | ₹15,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹36,000 |
| Private ITI (Other states, premier) | ₹25,000 – ₹71,000 | Varies |
These are tuition/training fees. Examination fees, study material, and tool kit costs are additional and vary by trade and institute.
Documents Required for ITI Admission (DV Stage)
After seat allotment, when you report to the ITI for admission:
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Class 10 marksheet and certificate (original + 2 photocopies).
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Date of birth proof (Class 10 certificate or Aadhaar).
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Category certificate — SC/ST/OBC/EWS (original + photocopy).
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Domicile / residence certificate issued by SDM/Tehsildar.
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Transfer Certificate (TC) from the last school attended.
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Character Certificate from the head of the last school.
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Aadhaar Card.
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Passport-size photographs (4–6 copies).
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Printed copy of the allotment letter / seat confirmation from the portal.
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Fee payment receipt.
After ITI: What’s Next?
Completing an ITI course is the beginning of your career, not the end. Here are your main pathways after receiving the NCVT/SCVT certificate:
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Apprenticeship: Under the Apprentices Act 1961, ITI pass candidates can apply for apprenticeships at government PSUs, Railways, BHEL, ONGC, and private manufacturing companies. Stipends range from ₹5,000–₹9,000/month during training.
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Government job direct recruitment: Railways (RRB Technician, Group D), SSC technical posts, defence (MTS technical), and CPWD directly recruit ITI-qualified candidates.
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Advanced ITI Courses: Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) — for those wanting to become ITI instructors.
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Diploma via Lateral Entry: Many polytechnic colleges offer direct second-year lateral entry to ITI graduates, allowing you to get a Diploma in Engineering in just 2 more years.
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Self-employment: Electricians, welders, HVAC mechanics, and plumbers with ITI certificates can run their own businesses or workshops.
FAQs
Q. Is there a written exam for UP ITI admission?
No. UP ITI admission is purely merit-based on Class 10 marks. No written exam is required.
Q. Is there a written exam for Bihar ITI admission?
Yes. Bihar conducts the ITICAT (ITI Competitive Admission Test) — a 150-question, 2-hour paper with Mathematics, Science, and GK, each section carrying 100 marks. No negative marking.
Q. What is the minimum age for ITI admission in UP and Bihar?
14 years as on August 1, 2026 for most trades. For vehicle mechanic-related trades in Bihar, the minimum age is 17 years.
Q. Can I apply for ITI if I am appearing in Class 10 exams?
Yes. Bihar allows provisional applications from Class 10 appearing candidates. UP also allows this in some cycles. You must submit the final marksheet at the time of reporting.
Q. Which ITI trade is best for a government job?
Electrician and Fitter are the top two trades for central government jobs (Railways, DRDO, defence). COPA is best for government data entry and clerical roles. Welder is best for quick private sector employment.
Q. What is the official website for UP ITI admission 2026?
scvtup.in — this is the only official portal for UP ITI admissions. Do not apply on any other website.
Q. What is the official website for Bihar ITICAT 2026?
bceceboard.bihar.gov.in — official BCECEB portal for Bihar ITICAT applications, admit card, result, and counselling.
Q. What is the fee for a government ITI in UP?
Approximately ₹1,000 per year — making a 2-year government ITI course roughly ₹2,000 total, which is among the most affordable vocational training options in India.
