Govt Expands ITI Training and Apprenticeships Under PM-SETU

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has announced a massive expansion of technical training and apprenticeships programs.

On April 1, 2026, the government confirmed a significant budget increase for the PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) scheme, with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore aimed at modernizing 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and five National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) over five years.

Modernizing ITIs with New-Age Trades

Under the PM-SETU initiative, the government is shifting focus from traditional vocational training to high-tech, industry-aligned trades. 

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has introduced 31 new-age courses across the ITI network, covering critical sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Industrial Robotics, Mechatronics, and Drone Technology.

To ensure practical relevance, the Dual System of Training (DST) is being aggressively promoted. 

This model integrates institutional learning with structured on-the-job training (OJT), allowing students to gain direct industry exposure. 

Notably, the government now exclusively permits all new affiliations for the third shift in ITIs in DST mode, incentivizing institutes to foster stronger corporate partnerships.

Read Also: Manipal University Opens Internship 2026 Across Multiple Domains

The Apprenticeships Revolution

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2) is witnessing a historic surge, with over 47 lakh apprentices engaged since 2018. 

The government continues to provide partial stipend support—up to 25% of the minimum prescribed stipend—transferred directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

New frameworks like the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree/Diploma Programme (AEDP) are also bridging the gap between academia and industry. 

Over 300 Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with higher education institutions, allowing over 14,000 students to undertake apprenticeships as an integral part of their formal degrees.

Focus on Digital Hubs and Inclusion

The launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) has further streamlined the process, offering 162 futuristic job roles and digital skill certifications. 

Impact evaluations reveal a positive shift, with nearly 72% of surveyed apprentices receiving full-time employment offers post-training. 

Furthermore, gender inclusion is improving significantly, with the number of women apprentices rising to approximately 2.25 lakh in the current cycle, reflecting a more diverse and skilled workforce for the 2026 economy.

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