ITI Jobs for Freshers in India: Trades, Apprenticeships and PSUs

Last updated: 12 October 2026 · By the Asuraa Team

Quick answer: ITI freshers in India usually start as trade apprentices or as technicians, operators and helpers in manufacturing, maintenance and service companies. Apprenticeships under the Apprentices Act, 1961 are posted on the NAPS portal, and railways and PSUs often select ITI apprentices on merit. Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Turner, Machinist and Mechanic trades are common. Register on the apprenticeship portal and apply every week.

Key takeaways

• ITI courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme run from six months to two years and lead to a National Trade Certificate after the final exam.
• Apprenticeships are governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961 and listed on the official apprenticeship portal under NAPS, run by MSDE.
• Railway zones and PSUs such as IOCL often select ITI apprentices on merit from 10th and ITI marks rather than a written test.
• An apprenticeship does not guarantee a job: under Section 22 of the Act, the employer is not obliged to offer employment afterwards.
• RRB Assistant Loco Pilot accepts matriculation plus ITI in trades like Fitter and Electrician, or a completed apprenticeship in those trades.

What an ITI certificate prepares you for

ITI courses run under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) of the Directorate General of Training. Depending on the trade, a course lasts from six months to two years. After passing the final exam, you receive a National Trade Certificate, which employers, railways and PSUs recognise across India.

ITI freshers are hired for practical work: fitting, wiring, welding, machining, repairing vehicles and maintaining equipment. Employers care most about whether you can work safely, read a simple drawing and use tools correctly from day one.

ITI trades that hire freshers

Pay depends on the trade, company, city, shift and overtime, so compare the full offer, including food, transport and PF, rather than the basic figure alone.

Apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act and NAPS

For most ITI freshers, the best first step is an apprenticeship. It gives you paid training on a real shop floor and a certificate that counts in later recruitment.

The law. Apprenticeships in India are governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961. The minimum age is 14, or 18 for designated trades in hazardous industries. The employer pays you a stipend during training.

The scheme. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) was launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on 19 August 2016. Under NAPS, the government shares part of the stipend with private employers: 25% of the stipend, up to Rs 1,500 per month per apprentice. This support is not given to central or state government departments or PSUs, though they still take apprentices under the Act. ITI pass-outs are covered, and so are fresher apprentices who meet a trade's minimum qualification, up to 35 years of age.

How to register:

1. Go to the official apprenticeship portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) and register as a candidate.
2. Enter your ITI trade, marks and contact details, and upload documents.
3. Search for apprenticeship openings by trade and location.
4. Apply, attend the interview or document check, and accept the offer.
5. Sign the apprenticeship contract, which is registered through the portal.

An important point. Under Section 22 of the Act, the employer is not obliged to offer you a job after training, and you are not obliged to accept one, unless your contract says otherwise. Many apprentices are absorbed, but treat the apprenticeship as training, not a guaranteed job.

Railway and PSU apprentice routes

Railway Act Apprentices. Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs) of different zones regularly invite ITI holders for Act Apprentice training. For example, South Central Railway's notice asks for 10th with at least 50% marks plus an ITI certificate in the trade, and an age of 15 to 24, with relaxations for reserved categories. Selection is usually by merit, using the average of 10th and ITI marks, followed by document verification and a medical check. You usually must belong to districts covered by that zone.

PSU apprenticeships. PSUs such as IOCL, BHEL, NTPC, ONGC and SAIL run apprentice drives for ITI holders. In IOCL's 2026 drive, candidates had to register on the NAPS or NATS portal and fill IOCL's own form, and selection was on merit with no written exam. Each PSU sets its own rules, so read every notice fully.

Railway jobs after ITI. For RRB Assistant Loco Pilot, the qualification is matriculation plus ITI in listed trades such as Fitter, Electrician or Turner, or matriculation plus a completed apprenticeship in those trades. The 2026 notice sets an age limit of 18 to 30 as on 1 July 2026, with relaxations. Selection includes two CBTs, an aptitude test, document verification and a medical exam.

Private manufacturing and service jobs

Private companies hire the largest number of ITI freshers. Auto and auto component plants, engineering units, electronics factories, construction contractors and facility management companies all need trade workers.

Industrial belts around Pune, Chennai, Sriperumbudur, Hosur, Manesar, Sanand, Jamshedpur and Coimbatore hire ITI freshers through campus drives at ITIs, walk-ins and manpower agencies. Many plants run rotational shifts, so read our notes on night shift jobs for freshers and on relocating to a new city for your first job before you accept an offer far from home.

How to get hired as an ITI fresher

1. Keep documents ready. 10th marksheet, ITI marksheets, NTC, Aadhaar and bank details. Use our joining documents checklist.
2. Register on the apprenticeship portal in your final ITI year, so you are ready when results are out.
3. Practise the trade test. Expect a practical task, safety questions and basic theory on tools and measurements.
4. Go to walk-ins prepared. Carry copies of every document. Read these walk-in interview tips.
5. Never pay for a job. Genuine apprenticeships and factory jobs do not charge a fee. Learn how to spot fake HR calls and emails.

Find verified ITI jobs on asuraa.in

On asuraa.in, every company is verified before a job is posted, and apply links are checked every morning so dead listings are closed. Search for ITI and fresher roles by trade and city, and apply only to openings that are still live.

Frequently asked questions

Which ITI trade has the most jobs for freshers?

Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Turner, Machinist, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) and Electronics Mechanic are widely hired across manufacturing, maintenance and service companies. Demand depends on the industries near you, so check current listings in your district and nearby industrial areas.

How do I get an apprenticeship after ITI?

Register as a candidate on the official apprenticeship portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in), complete your profile and apply to establishments in your trade. Also watch railway zone and PSU notifications, which ask you to register on the portal and fill their own form.

Is there a written exam for railway apprentice posts?

Many railway zones select Act Apprentices on merit using the average of 10th and ITI marks, followed by document verification and medical checks. Rules differ by zone and year, so always read the official notification of that railway recruitment cell.

Will I get a permanent job after my apprenticeship?

Not automatically. Under Section 22 of the Apprentices Act, 1961, the employer is not obliged to offer employment. Many apprentices are absorbed or hired elsewhere, and the apprenticeship certificate helps in railway and private recruitment.

Can ITI holders apply for government jobs?

Yes. RRB Assistant Loco Pilot and Technician posts accept matriculation plus ITI in listed trades, and many PSUs and state departments recruit ITI holders. Check the trade list, age limit and relaxations in each official notification.