ITI Courses List After 10th 2026: Fees, Duration & Salary

Choosing what to do after Class 10 is a decision that shapes the next several years of a student’s life. For many students in India, therefore, exploring the ITI courses list after 10th is the first step toward building practical skills and starting a rewarding career.

Moreover, with ITI Admission 2026 closing on August 8, this is the ideal time to compare available trades, course fees, eligibility, and salary expectations before making a final decision. Instead of relying only on admission brochures, this guide explains every major ITI trade in detail. In addition, it covers career opportunities, average salaries, and important factors to help you choose the course that best matches your interests and future goals.

What Is an ITI Course?

An ITI, short for Industrial Training Institute, is a government-recognised vocational training centre that teaches a specific trade through hands-on practice rather than long theory sessions. Courses are approved either by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) or the State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT), and both are accepted by employers, though NCVT certificates carry recognition across the country while SCVT certificates are mainly valid within the issuing state.

Why Choose ITI Courses After 10th in 2026?

Short duration — most trades finish in six months to two years, not four
Low fees, especially at government institutes, compared to any degree course
Practical, job-ready skills that employers actually test for during hiring
Direct eligibility for several government job exams and technical apprenticeships
A clear path to upgrade later through diploma or degree engineering via lateral entry

Eligibility Criteria for ITI Courses After 10th

Eligibility varies slightly by trade and state, but the general requirements are consistent nationwide.

Requirement	Details
Minimum Qualification	Passed Class 10 (some trades also accept Class 8 pass)
Minimum Marks	Usually 35% to 45% aggregate, depending on the state and institute
Minimum Age	14 years as of the admission cut-off date
Selection Process	Merit-based on Class 10 marks in most states; Bihar conducts ITICAT entrance exam

Types of ITI Courses After 10th

Technical Trades

These focus on machinery, electrical systems, and mechanical work — Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Turner, and Mechanic trades fall here.

Non-Technical Trades

These cover service-oriented and creative skills — Dress Making, Hospital Housekeeping, Stenography, Front Office Attendant, and Hair and Skin Care are common examples.

Complete ITI Courses List After 10th (2026)

Here is a consolidated list covering the most sought-after trades across India, along with duration and eligibility.

Trade Name	Duration	Eligibility
Electrician	2 years	Class 10 pass with Science & Maths
Fitter	2 years	Class 10 pass with Science & Maths
Welder	1 year	Class 10 pass
COPA (Computer Operator)	1 year	Class 10 pass
Mechanic Motor Vehicle	1 year	Class 10 pass
Draughtsman Civil	2 years	Class 10 pass with Science & Maths
Turner	2 years	Class 10 pass with Science & Maths
Plumber	1 year	Class 8 or 10 pass
Refrigeration & AC Mechanic	1 year	Class 10 pass
Diesel Mechanic	1 year	Class 10 pass
Instrument Mechanic	2 years	Class 10 pass with Science & Maths
Dress Making	1 year	Class 8 or 10 pass
Stenography (English/Hindi)	1 year	Class 10 pass

Top 6 ITI Courses After 10th — Detailed Breakdown

1. Electrician

This trade remains the most consistently in-demand option, since every industry — from manufacturing to real estate — needs qualified electricians for installation and maintenance work.

2. Fitter

Similarly, the Fitter trade prepares students to assemble, install, and maintain mechanical equipment. As a result, it serves as a strong entry point into manufacturing plants, production units, engineering workshops, and maintenance industries.

3. COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant)

On the other hand, students who prefer desk-based work may find COPA a better fit. During the course, students learn basic programming, office software, and data entry skills. Consequently, they can pursue private-sector clerical, IT support, data entry, and administrative roles after completing the course..

4. Welder

Welding is a shorter, one-year trade with strong demand in construction and fabrication industries, and many welders eventually move into supervisory roles or start their own workshops.

5. Mechanic Motor Vehicle

Given how fast India’s vehicle ownership is growing, trained motor vehicle mechanics rarely struggle to find work, whether in authorised service centres or independent garages.

6. Draughtsman Civil

This trade suits students with an interest in construction and design, since it trains them to prepare technical drawings used by civil engineers and architects.

Best ITI Courses for Girls After 10th

While every trade is open to all genders, certain courses have traditionally seen strong participation and placement support for women, including Dress Making, Hair and Skin Care, Stenography, and Front Office Attendant. Health-focused options such as ANM Nursing, offered as a two-year female-only programme in several states, are also worth considering for students interested in the healthcare sector.

NCVT vs SCVT — Which Certificate Is Better?

Basis	NCVT	SCVT
Issuing Authority	National Council for Vocational Training	State Council for Vocational Training
Recognition	Valid across India	Mainly valid within the issuing state
Government Job Value	Preferred for central government exams	Accepted for most state-level jobs

ITI Course Fees 2026

Institute Type	Approximate Annual Fee
Government ITI	Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per year
Private ITI	Rs 15,000 to Rs 60,000 per year, depending on trade and location

Government institutes are, therefore, significantly more affordable, though seats are limited and competition for admission is naturally higher.

ITI Trade-Wise Expected Salary After Completion

Naturally, one of the first questions students ask is what they can realistically expect to earn once the course is complete.

Trade	Starting Salary (Monthly)	Common Sector
Electrician	Rs 12,000 – Rs 20,000	Government & Private
Fitter	Rs 12,000 – Rs 18,000	Manufacturing & PSU
COPA	Rs 10,000 – Rs 16,000	Private (IT/Office Support)
Welder	Rs 13,000 – Rs 22,000	Construction & Fabrication
Mechanic Motor Vehicle	Rs 10,000 – Rs 18,000	Private & Self-Employed

These figures are entry-level estimates and can vary based on location, employer, and whether the candidate works in the government or private sector. Skilled workers with a few years of experience often earn considerably more, particularly if they add certifications or move into supervisory roles.

Top Government Job Opportunities After ITI

Indian Railways — Technician and Group C posts
Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force — Technical trades entry
PSU apprenticeships — BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, and similar organisations
State Electricity Boards — Lineman and technician roles

ITI vs Diploma (Polytechnic) — Which Is Better After 10th?

Basis	ITI	Polytechnic Diploma
Duration	6 months to 2 years	3 years
Focus	Single trade, hands-on skill	Broader engineering theory + practice
Cost	Lower, especially government institutes	Moderate to high
Best For	Quick entry into skilled jobs	Students aiming for lateral entry into engineering degrees

In short, ITI works best for students who want to start earning quickly, while a diploma suits those who are willing to invest an extra year for broader career flexibility, including the option to join a degree engineering programme later through lateral entry.

How to Apply for ITI Admission 2026 — Step-by-Step

Visit your state’s official ITI admission portal
Register using an active mobile number and email address
Fill in personal, academic, and trade preference details
Upload scanned documents — Class 10 marksheet, photo, and signature
Pay the registration fee and download the confirmation page
Check the merit list once released and complete document verification at the allotted institute

Common Mistakes Students Make While Choosing an ITI Trade

Picking a trade because a friend joined it, rather than checking personal interest or aptitude
Ignoring the placement record and industry tie-ups of the specific institute
Overlooking government ITIs in favour of private ones without comparing fees first
Not checking whether the trade is NCVT or SCVT affiliated before applying

What After ITI? Career Growth Options

Completing an ITI course is rarely the end of your career journey. In fact, many students choose to join a one-year apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act after finishing their training. This hands-on experience allows them to apply their skills in real workplaces, gain valuable industry exposure, and improve their employability.

As a result, many apprentices receive permanent job offers from the companies where they complete their training, making apprenticeships an excellent stepping stone to long-term career success. Others use their ITI certificate for lateral entry into the second year of a diploma or degree engineering programme, effectively skipping a year compared to students entering after Class 12.

Additionally, Skill India certifications and short-term upskilling courses can help ITI graduates move into supervisory or specialised technical roles over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ITI course after 10th?

There is no single best course — Electrician and Fitter are the most consistently in-demand, but the right choice depends on personal interest, local job market, and long-term goals.

Which ITI trade has the highest salary?

Welding and Electrician trades tend to offer higher starting salaries compared to most other one and two-year trades, especially in construction and industrial sectors.

What is the ITI admission last date for 2026?

The last date for ITI admission 2026 is August 8, though individual states may set earlier deadlines, so checking the relevant state portal is important.

Can I do a diploma or degree after completing ITI?

Yes. ITI graduates are eligible for lateral entry into the second year of a diploma or, in some states, directly into degree engineering programmes.

What is the difference between NCVT and SCVT certificates?

NCVT certificates are recognised nationwide, while SCVT certificates are primarily valid within the issuing state, which matters most for central government job applications.

Is there a government job guarantee after ITI?

No course guarantees a government job, but ITI certification does make candidates eligible for several technical posts in Railways, Defence, and PSUs, provided they clear the respective entrance exams.

Conclusion

To sum up, the ITI courses list after 10th offers a genuinely practical, affordable, and fast route into skilled employment, whether the goal is a government job, a private-sector role, or eventual entry into an engineering diploma. With ITI Admission 2026 closing on August 8, students who are still deciding should compare trades based on personal interest, local industry demand, and the institute’s placement record rather than following the crowd.

For students still weighing their options, our detailed guide on choosing the best stream after 10th covers Science, Commerce, and Arts alongside vocational paths like ITI.

Those exploring broader skill-based alternatives can also read our guide to vocational courses after 10th for a wider comparison beyond ITI trades.

For more career guidance, admission updates, and educational resources, visit Insight Study Hub to explore detailed guides and expert articles for students.

Additionally, for the latest ITI admission schedule, eligibility criteria, counselling updates, and state-wise application portals, always verify the information on the official Directorate General of Training (DGT) website. Since admission dates, counselling rounds, and application procedures may vary by state, checking the official portal before applying ensures you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Since admission dates and procedures may vary from one state to another, checking the official portal before applying helps ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.