By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The Centre has revised the curriculum of 40 Industrial Training Institute (ITI) courses and is introducing a three-year review cycle to ensure vocational education keeps pace with rapid technological advancements and evolving industry requirements.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary informed the Lok Sabha on Monday that the Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, currently offers 170 National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)-compliant courses through ITIs under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). All courses are approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET).
The minister said that, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ITI curricula are now being revised once every three years instead of the earlier five-year cycle. So far, 40 CTS courses have been updated, while the remaining courses will be revised in phases based on industry demand and technological developments.
The revised curriculum incorporates emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0 applications, automation, electric vehicles, industrial robotics, green hydrogen, renewable energy, digital skills, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.
To prepare youth for future-ready jobs, the DGT has launched 32 new-age and future-skill courses in areas including AI Programming Assistant, Cyber Security Assistant, Semiconductor Technician, Mechanic Electric Vehicle, Drone Pilot, Industrial Internet of Things, Green Hydrogen Production Technician, 5G Network Technician and Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing.
The government has also taken several measures to encourage greater participation of women in vocational training. Female candidates are eligible for admission to all 170 CTS courses, while 30 per cent of seats in all government and private ITIs have been reserved for women. In addition, seven women-centric trades, including Dress Making, Fashion Design and Technology, Cosmetology and Spa Therapy, are being offered under the scheme.
The minister said curriculum revisions are carried out after extensive consultations with state governments, industry bodies, Sector Skill Councils, employers, training institutes and domain experts to ensure courses remain relevant and improve employability.