CTS Syllabus 2026, Check CSTARI KOLKATA Syllabus

The Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) is the flagship vocational training programme under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. CSTARI Kolkata (Central Staff Training and Research Institute) is the nodal body responsible for designing, revising, and updating NSQF-compliant curricula for CTS trades. For the 2026 academic sessions (including 2025-26, 2025-27, and 2024-26 batches), the syllabi emphasize industry-aligned skills, On-the-Job Training (OJT), and emerging areas such as AI, drones, and renewable energy. Official syllabi and updates are hosted on the CSTARI website (cstaricalcutta.gov.in).

This article provides a detailed overview of the CTS Syllabus 2026, covering structure, eligibility, exam pattern, and subject-wise components to help trainees, instructors, and ITIs prepare effectively.

Overview of Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS)

The Craftsmen Training Scheme aims to create a skilled workforce for industry by offering time-bound, competency-based training in engineering and non-engineering trades. Training is delivered through a vast network of Government and Private Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India. Courses range from 6 months to 2 years and lead to the National Trade Certificate (NTC) upon successful completion of the All India Trade Test (AITT). The scheme aligns with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) to ensure national and international recognition of skills. In recent years, the focus has shifted toward practical industry exposure through mandatory OJT or group projects (typically 150 hours per year). New-age trades such as Drone Technician, Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant, and Nuclear Power Plant Technician have been introduced to meet evolving industry demands.

Role of CSTARI Kolkata in CTS Syllabus Development

CSTARI Kolkata, under the DGT, is the premier institute tasked with curriculum development and research for CTS, CITS, and related schemes. It develops competency-based syllabi in consultation with industry experts, state directorates, and trade specialists. The institute regularly revises curricula to incorporate technological advancements, Industry 4.0 elements, and soft skills. All official CTS syllabi (English and Hindi versions) are available for free download on the CSTARI website under the CTS Syllabus section. CSTARI also handles Employability Skills curricula (including Introduction to AI) and invites feedback from stakeholders for continuous improvement. For the 2026-27 session, new trades and revised curricula have been notified for implementation in ITIs, NSTIs, and ITOTs.

Eligibility Criteria and Course Duration

Most CTS trades require candidates to have passed the 10th class examination (with Science and Mathematics preferred for engineering trades) or an equivalent qualification. Some trades accept 8th pass candidates, while specialized trades (e.g., for visually impaired) have additional provisions. Duration varies: 6 months (600 hours), 1 year (1200 hours + OJT), or 2 years (2400 hours + OJT/project work). NSQF levels typically range from 2.5 to 4.5 depending on the trade complexity. Trainees must maintain minimum attendance (usually 80%) and complete formative assessments to be eligible for the AITT. Admission sessions generally begin in August each year through the NCVT-MIS / Skill India Digital Hub portal.

Structure of CTS Curriculum

The CTS curriculum is divided into Domain Skills (trade-specific) and Core Skills (common across trades). Domain components include Professional Skill (Trade Practical) and Professional Knowledge (Trade Theory). Core components for engineering trades cover Workshop Calculation & Science and Engineering Drawing. Employability Skills are mandatory for all trades and include modules on digital literacy, communication, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and Introduction to AI. A significant portion of training hours is allocated to hands-on practical work and mandatory OJT or project work to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements. The overall structure ensures balanced development of technical competence, theoretical knowledge, and workplace readiness.

CTS Exam Pattern 2026 (AITT Mains)

The All India Trade Test (AITT) is conducted by the DGT and consists of Computer-Based Test (CBT) for theory subjects, Practical examination, Formative Assessment marks, and OJT/Project evaluation. For the July-August 2026 Mains examinations (covering relevant 2024-26, 2025-27, and 2025-26 batches), the CBT is of 2 hours duration with 75 questions carrying 150 marks (2 marks each). Minimum passing marks are 33% in Trade Theory and Employability Skills separately. Practical exams are held over multiple days, with centralized question papers for high-enrollment trades such as Electrician, Fitter, Welder, and COPA.

Subject-Wise Syllabus Overview

The subject-wise syllabus varies by trade, but the core structure remains consistent. Trade Theory covers professional knowledge specific to the occupation, while Practical focuses on hands-on skills. Workshop Calculation & Science (for engineering trades) includes units, fractions, mensuration, friction, elasticity, heat, and basic physics/chemistry applications relevant to the workshop. Engineering Drawing teaches orthographic projections, isometric views, and trade-specific drawings. Employability Skills (120 hours for 1st year / one-year courses + 60 hours for 2nd year) cover constitutional values, digital skills, communication, entrepreneurship, customer service, and a micro-credential on Introduction to AI. Detailed trade-specific syllabi (including learning outcomes, assessment criteria, and tool lists) are available as individual PDFs on the CSTARI website.

Popular Trades and Latest Additions under CTS 2026

Popular engineering trades include Electrician (NSQF Level 4), Fitter, Welder, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, and Turner. Non-engineering trades include COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant), Cosmetology, and Catering & Hospitality. Recent additions for 2025-26/2026 include Nuclear Power Plant Technician (2 years), Drone Technician (6 months), Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant, Cyber Security Assistant, and various specialized welder variants. Trades for visually impaired candidates (e.g., Metal Cutting Attendant, Cosmetology for VI & OD) are also offered with adapted curricula. All syllabi specify minimum eligibility, duration, NSQF level, and sector. Trainees should download the latest PDF for their specific trade from the official CSTARI CTS Syllabus page.

How to Download CTS Syllabus from CSTARI Kolkata

Visit the official website www.cstaricalcutta.gov.in and navigate to the CTS Syllabus section. Syllabi are listed by trade title, sector, eligibility, NSQF level, duration, and language (English/Hindi). Click the download link for the desired PDF. Older archived versions and Employability Skills curriculum (with AI module) are also available. Always verify the uploading year (many current files show 2023–2025 updates) and cross-check with DGT notifications for any session-specific revisions applicable from 2026-27. Instructors and ITIs are encouraged to provide feedback for future curriculum improvements through the designated channels.

Preparation Tips for CTS AITT 2026

Focus equally on practical skills and theory, as practical carries significant weight and is evaluated rigorously. Practice previous-year CBT-style questions covering Trade Theory, Workshop Calculation & Science, Engineering Drawing, and Employability Skills. Complete OJT/project work diligently and maintain proper records, as these marks are now reflected in the e-marksheet. Use official NIMI books and CSTARI-prescribed tool lists for practical preparation. Regular formative assessments at the ITI help identify weak areas early. Stay updated via the DGT and CSTARI websites for exam schedules, hall tickets, and any centralized practical paper notifications.

Conclusion

The CTS Syllabus 2026, developed and maintained by CSTARI Kolkata, provides a robust, industry-relevant framework for skill development under the Craftsmen Training Scheme. By combining technical expertise, core skills, employability modules, and mandatory industry exposure, it equips trainees for employment, self-employment, or higher vocational pathways. Aspirants and training institutes should regularly refer to the official CSTARI and DGT portals for the most current trade-specific syllabi, exam guidelines, and notifications. Proper adherence to the curriculum and consistent preparation will help candidates successfully clear the AITT and earn the National Trade Certificate.