New Delhi: In a landmark move to strengthen vocational education in India, The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN) jointly launched ‘The State of India’s ITIs: A Grading Framework for Readiness and Reform,’ a first-of-its-kind blueprint to evaluate whether India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are truly preparing young people for the future of work.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as the Government of India rolls out its ambitious Rupees 60,000 crore ITI Upgrade Scheme aimed at modernising government ITIs and establishing National Centres of Excellence. The blueprint complements the national agenda by offering a strategic framework to improve institutional performance, enhance data systems and align skilling outcomes with the real-world demand.
Developed through extensive consultations with industry leaders and government representatives, the framework responds to the vision articulated in Parliament by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It aims to institutionalise regular health checks for ITIs and support systemic reform through evidence-based evaluation.
The framework was officially launched by the Minister during the FICCI Global Skills Summit 2025.
Rooted in the belief that the primary role of ITIs is to prepare young people for meaningful, future-oriented employment, the framework evaluates ITIs across three core levers: Youth Readiness and Skills, ITI–Industry Engagement, and Institutional Functioning. Drawing from diverse data sources, including learners, alumni, employers, administrators, and institutional records, the framework generates a 360-degree view of institutional performance and reform priorities.
While building on the Data-Driven Grading Methodology (DDGM) currently used by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), the framework goes further by offering sharper, actionable insights to bridge the gap between institutions and industry.
Jyoti Vij Director General FICCI, added, “India’s ITIs are the backbone of our technical training system, yet their true potential is realised only when they are empowered, industry-connected, and outcome-focused. This framework is a step towards building that enabling environment—where data informs decisions, and decisions create impact.”
“I am truly excited about the role FRSN has played in leading this collective effort. This is more than creating a grading framework. It is about reimagining how we see the health of ITIs through the lens of industry readiness and future skills. By bringing together Quest Alliance’s on-ground experience across 1,000 ITIs and FICCI’s authentic industry voice, this collaboration bridges policy, practice, and real-world needs. Our aspiration is a system where data drives learning and continuous improvement, where progress is not only expected but also celebrated and incentivised. It is this coming together of experience and commitment that gives me hope for a future-ready skilling ecosystem,” said Aakash Sethi, CEO, Quest Alliance.
The blueprint is envisioned as a national tool for benchmarking, targeted investment, and institutional feedback loops, and will play a critical role in supporting a more responsive, data-driven planning, especially in the context of the government’s ITI Upgrade Scheme.
By enabling better decision-making and linking performance with purpose, the framework reaffirms the mission of ITIs: to equip India’s youth for life, work, and a rapidly evolving future.