India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) serve as a crucial foundation for skill development, equipping young individuals with trades such as electrician, fitter, and mechanic to support various industries.
By 2025, India is projected to have approximately 15,500 ITIs, training millions for employment opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and technology.
However, the distribution of ITIs varies significantly across states and Union Territories (UTs) – some regions are densely populated with these institutes, while others have only a limited number.
This article will examine the state-wise distribution of ITIs in India as of 2025, investigate the reasons behind these disparities, and discuss their significance.
ITI’s across Different Indian States
| Rank | State/Union Territory | Number of ITIs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 3000 |
| 2 | Rajasthan | 1900 |
| 3 | Karnataka | 1470 |
| 4 | Maharashtra | 1400 |
| 5 | Gujarat | 1350 |
| 6 | Madhya Pradesh | 1000 |
| 7 | Tamil Nadu | 900 |
| 8 | Andhra Pradesh | 800 |
| 9 | Bihar | 700 |
| 10 | West Bengal | 650 |
| 11 | Odisha | 600 |
| 12 | Haryana | 550 |
| 13 | Telangana | 500 |
| 14 | Punjab | 450 |
| 15 | Kerala | 400 |
| 16 | Chhattisgarh | 350 |
| 17 | Jharkhand | 300 |
| 18 | Assam | 250 |
| 19 | Delhi | 200 |
| 20 | Uttarakhand | 150 |
| 21 | Himachal Pradesh | 100 |
| 22 | Jammu and Kashmir | 80 |
| 23 | Tripura | 18 |
| 24 | Manipur | 15 |
| 25 | Meghalaya | 12 |
| 26 | Arunachal Pradesh | 10 |
| 27 | Nagaland | 10 |
| 28 | Mizoram | 8 |
| 29 | Sikkim | 5 |
| 30 | Goa | 5 |
| 31 | Puducherry | 5 |
| 32 | Chandigarh | 4 |
| 33 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | 3 |
| 34 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 2 |
| 35 | Lakshadweep | 1 |
| 36 | Ladakh | 1 |
Percentage share of every Indian States on ITI’s
| Rank | State/Union Territory | % Share of ITIs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 19.35% |
| 2 | Rajasthan | 12.26% |
| 3 | Karnataka | 9.48% |
| 4 | Maharashtra | 9.03% |
| 5 | Gujarat | 8.71% |
| 6 | Madhya Pradesh | 6.45% |
| 7 | Tamil Nadu | 5.81% |
| 8 | Andhra Pradesh | 5.16% |
| 9 | Bihar | 4.52% |
| 10 | West Bengal | 4.19% |
| 11 | Odisha | 3.87% |
| 12 | Haryana | 3.55% |
| 13 | Telangana | 3.23% |
| 14 | Punjab | 2.90% |
| 15 | Kerala | 2.58% |
| 16 | Chhattisgarh | 2.26% |
| 17 | Jharkhand | 1.94% |
| 18 | Assam | 1.61% |
| 19 | Delhi | 1.29% |
| 20 | Uttarakhand | 0.97% |
| 21 | Himachal Pradesh | 0.65% |
| 22 | Jammu and Kashmir | 0.52% |
| 23 | Tripura | 0.12% |
| 24 | Manipur | 0.10% |
| 25 | Meghalaya | 0.08% |
| 26 | Arunachal Pradesh | 0.06% |
| 27 | Nagaland | 0.06% |
| 28 | Mizoram | 0.05% |
| 29 | Sikkim | 0.03% |
| 30 | Goa | 0.03% |
| 31 | Puducherry | 0.03% |
| 32 | Chandigarh | 0.03% |
| 33 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | 0.02% |
| 34 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 0.01% |
| 35 | Lakshadweep | 0.01% |
| 36 | Ladakh | 0.01% |
India’s ITI Expansion
The network of ITIs in India has expanded by 47% since 2014, reaching around 15,500 by 2025, which includes 3,298 government and 11,736 private institutions, according to recent reports.
Notable examples include the Industrial Training Institute Tollygunge in West Bengal and the Industrial Training Institute Chandigarh, both of which offer a range of courses from welding to computer skills.
These ITIs, supported by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, prepare youth for employment or entrepreneurship. States such as Uttar Pradesh are at the forefront, while smaller UTs like Lakshadweep lag behind.
The Importance of ITIs
Institutes like Ispat Pvt Industrial Training Institute in Maharashtra and Ghousia Industrial Training Institute in Karnataka train over 1.44 million students annually, based on government statistics.
They play a vital role in job creation – 63.5% of ITI graduates secure employment, thereby enhancing the economies of states like Karnataka (which hosts 9.48% of ITIs) and Gujarat (with 8.71%).
ITIs located in industrial centers, such as the Industrial Training Institute Guwahati in Assam, are instrumental in fulfilling the labor demands of factories.
Additionally, they contribute to initiatives like Skill India, which aims to skill 400 million workers by 2030.
Reasons for Variations in State ITI Numbers
The distribution of ITIs across Indian states differs due to several factors:
- Population: Uttar Pradesh, with 3,000 ITIs (19.35%), and Rajasthan, with 1,900 ITIs (12.26%), have large populations that necessitate a greater number of ITIs to provide training for the youth.
- Industry: Maharashtra, hosting 1,400 ITIs, and Tamil Nadu (5.81%) are home to numerous factories and technology hubs, which create a demand for skilled labor from institutions such as the Ispat Private Industrial Training Institute.
- Government Initiatives: Programs like STRIVE contribute to the establishment of ITIs in states such as Odisha (3.87%), while smaller states like Mizoram (0.05%) have fewer due to limited industrial development.
- Geographical Factors: Smaller Union Territories (UTs) like Ladakh (1 ITI) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (2 ITIs) have a reduced number of institutes, attributed to their small populations and isolated locations.
Leading States and Associated Challenges
Uttar Pradesh leads with 3,000 ITIs, a result of its size and governmental emphasis. Rajasthan and Karnataka follow closely, with institutions like the Kshetrabasi Industrial Training Institute in Odisha providing training for local youth.
However, challenges persist: only 88% of ITI seats are occupied, according to PRS India, indicating underutilization in states such as Jharkhand (1.94%).
Some ITIs, particularly in Bihar (4.52%), offer outdated courses that do not align with contemporary job market demands, such as those in artificial intelligence or green energy.
Recent updates in Industrial Training Institute news reveal initiatives like the 2025 National Scheme aimed at modernizing 1,000 ITIs with an investment of Rs. 60,000 crore, yet smaller states like Sikkim (0.03%) face difficulties in keeping pace.
Gender Disparities and Rural Access
The involvement of women in ITIs is on the rise, increasing from 9.8% in 2016 to 13.3% in 2024, as reported by PIB.
States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala (2.58%) have established ITIs focused on women, but rural regions in Chhattisgarh (2.26%) experience a lack of access.
Remote UTs like Lakshadweep (1 ITI) and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (3 ITIs) have very few institutes, which restricts opportunities for skill development in rural areas.
What Lies Ahead for ITIs?
India has set a goal to enhance 1,000 ITIs by the year 2030, which includes the establishment of five new National Centres of Excellence, according to news from Industrial Training Institutes.
States such as Telangana (3.23%) and Andhra Pradesh (5.16%) are expanding their ITI offerings to address technological demands. New programs focusing on robotics and solar technology are being introduced at institutions like the Industrial Training Institute Guwahati.
However, states like Arunachal Pradesh (0.06%) require additional investment to keep pace. The industrial training institute in Chandigarh serves as a benchmark, providing contemporary trades such as 3D printing.
Fostering a Skilled Future
ITIs play a crucial role in India’s development by producing skilled labor for factories, startups, and international markets.
Major states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are at the forefront, yet every ITI, from Ispat Pvt Industrial Training Institute to Kshetrabasi Industrial Training Institute, contributes significantly.
Addressing disparities in smaller states and rural regions will enhance the strength of India’s workforce.
Source
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. (2024, October 15). Annual report 2023–24: Skill development and ITIs. https://msde.gov.in/annual-reports
- National Council for Vocational Training. (2024, September 30). NCVT MIS: ITI statistics 2024. https://ncvtmis.gov.in/iti-statistics
- Press Information Bureau. (2024, August 5). Skill India mission: Progress on ITI expansion. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2041234
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