Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Fitter trains students in mechanical assembly, bench work and fitting components using hand tools and basic machines — one of the largest and most versatile ITI trades in India. It's especially valued for its strong access to Railways and defence technical recruitment, alongside broad manufacturing demand.
Check whether your Class 10 background qualifies, and see backup options if this path doesn't work out. Duration and salary are in the summary at the top of the page.
Class 10 pass, generally with Science and Maths. Your Class 11–12 stream choice does not decide eligibility here.
If this path doesn't work out — or you want options — these guides share skills or eligibility:
ITI Fitter is a 2-year, NCVT/DGT-affiliated trade under the Craftsman Training Scheme, training students in mechanical fitting, bench work, assembly of machine parts, and use of hand tools and measuring instruments. It's one of the largest and most widely offered ITI trades in India, valued for its broad applicability across manufacturing, maintenance and assembly work.
Training is heavily hands-on — filing, drilling, precision measurement, assembling components to specification — combined with trade theory, workshop calculation and engineering drawing, following the standard Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) structure. Fitter trade-qualified candidates are also specifically eligible for several Railways and defence technical recruitment categories, giving this trade wider government job access than many others.
Clear your state's ITI counselling process based on merit.
Trade theory combined with substantial hands-on bench fitting and assembly practice.
Clear the final trade exam, then take up a paid apprenticeship for real industry experience.
Join a manufacturing company, apply for Railways/defence/PSU technical posts, or pursue a diploma.
| Year | Typical content |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Basic fitting, filing & marking, hand tools, measuring instruments, workshop safety |
| Year 2 | Precision fitting & assembly, engineering drawing, machine shop basics, employability skills |
Exact module sequencing follows the NCVT-prescribed CTS syllabus but can vary slightly by state and ITI.
Pay depends heavily on employer, city, apprenticeship experience and government vs private sector — these are broad, commonly reported ranges, not guarantees.
Government-set stipend during the apprenticeship period, with structured on-the-job training.
Typical starting range for fitters at manufacturing and maintenance companies.
Railway Technician, defence technical posts and Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) roles follow official pay scales, offering strong long-term stability.
Many institutes allow lateral entry into Diploma in Mechanical Engineering for ITI Fitter holders, typically into a later year, though rules vary by state and institute. Fitter trade-qualified candidates also have strong, ongoing access to Railways and defence technical recruitment exams, which many graduates pursue directly instead of further study. Further specialisation via Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine operation certifications or maintenance-specific training can also strengthen your profile.
| Factor | Fitter | Machinist |
|---|---|---|
| Core focus | Manual assembly, bench work & fitting | Operating precision machine tools (lathe, milling, grinding) |
| Typical tools | Hand tools, measuring instruments | Lathes, milling machines, CNC machines |
| Job scope | Broad — assembly, maintenance, general fitting | Specialised — precision part manufacturing |
| Railways/defence eligibility | Widely eligible for multiple categories | Also eligible, more machine-shop-specific roles |
Choose Fitter for the broadest, most versatile mechanical trade; choose Machinist if you're specifically drawn to precision machine tool operation.
*Fee and salary figures are indicative, based on publicly available information as of 2026, and vary significantly by state, institute and employer — always verify current figures directly with your target ITI.