CITS Admission 2026: The Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) admission for the academic session 2026–27 is organised by the Directorate General of Training through the All India Common Entrance Test (AICET). This admission process facilitates entry into various National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Institutes for Training of Trainers (IToTs). Candidates with qualifications such as NTC, NAC, Diploma, or Degree are eligible to apply. The application process is expected to begin in May 2026 through the official NIMI online portal. The admissions process offers a structured pathway for skilled candidates seeking to advance their technical training.
Also Read: IIFCL Manager Recruitment 2026: Apply Now for Grade B Roles
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Applicants applying under CITS Admission 2026 must be at least 16 years old as of the start of the academic session 2026-27.
Educational Criteria
Candidates applying for CITS Admission 2026 should hold one of the following qualifications from recognised boards or universities:
- National Trade Certificate (NTC)/ National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC)
- Diploma
- Degree
- Candidates appearing for their final exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
Selection Process
The selection for CITS Admission 2026 is conducted through an online entrance examination, the All India Common Entrance Test (AICET). Following the exam, multiple rounds of counselling and physical document verification take place to allot seats to eligible candidates in NSTIs and IToTs.
Exam Pattern / Admission Test Details
- AICET is an objective-type online examination.
- It assesses candidates’ aptitude and preparedness for admission to the training programs under CITS Admission 2026.
- Candidates must perform well in this exam to proceed through the subsequent counselling rounds.
Documents Required
- National Trade Certificate (NTC) / National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) / Diploma / Degree certificate
- Proof of age (birth certificate or equivalent)
- Mark sheets of qualifying examinations
- Hall ticket downloaded from the NIMI portal
- Other identity and residence proofs as required during document verification
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official NIMI Online Admission portal (Given below).
- Register and complete the CITS Admission 2026 online application form.
- Pay the entrance examination fee through the online payment gateway.
- Download the hall ticket once it becomes available on the portal.
Fee Structure / Application Fees
The specific application fees for CITS Admission 2026 have not been detailed yet, but will be available on the NIMI portal at the time of application.
Key Dates
| Action Item | Conducted By | Start Date | End Date | Duration (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release of Advertisement for CITS Admissions | DGT, NIMI, RDSDEs, NSTIs, IToTs | 2nd April 2026 | Ongoing | – |
| Online Registration of Candidates | NIMI | 18th April 2026 | 10th May 2026 | 23 |
| Downloading Hall Tickets and Online Mock Test | NIMI | 21st May 2026 | 31st May 2026 | 11 |
| Conducting AICET Examination | NIMI, CFI (DGT) | 31st May 2026 | 31st May 2026 | 01 |
| Publication of AICET Results | NIMI | 10th June 2026 | 10th June 2026 | 01 |
| 1st Round of Counselling (Choice Filling) | NIMI, CFI (DGT) | 15th June 2026 | 18th June 2026 | 04 |
| Result of 1st Round Counselling | NIMI | 19th June 2026 | 19th June 2026 | 01 |
| Physical Document Verification & Correction | NSTI / RDSDE | 22nd June 2026 | 25th June 2026 | 04 |
| Online Transfer Round | NIMI | 27th June 2026 | 27th June 2026 | 01 |
| Result of Online Transfer Round and Merit List | NIMI | 29th June 2026 | 29th June 2026 | 01 |
| 2nd Round of Counselling (Choice Filling) | NIMI, CFI (DGT) | 30th June 2026 | 3rd July 2026 | 04 |
| Result of 2nd Round Counselling | NIMI | 4th July 2026 | 4th July 2026 | 01 |
| Physical Document Verification & Correction | NSTI / RDSDE | 7th July 2026 | 10th July 2026 | 04 |
| Online Transfer Round | NIMI | 11th July 2026 | 11th July 2026 | 01 |
| Result of Online Transfer Round and Merit List | NIMI | 13th July 2026 | 13th July 2026 | 01 |
| 3rd Round of Counselling (Choice Filling) | NIMI, CFI (DGT) | 15th July 2026 | 18th July 2026 | 04 |
| Result of 3rd Round Counselling | NIMI | 20th July 2026 | 20th July 2026 | 01 |
| Physical Document Verification & Correction | NSTI / RDSDE | 22nd July 2026 | 24th July 2026 | 03 |
| Online Transfer Round | NIMI | 25th July 2026 | 25th July 2026 | 01 |
| Result of Online Transfer Round and Merit List | NIMI | 27th July 2026 | 27th July 2026 | 01 |
| Spot Round / Walk-in Admissions | NIMI, CFI (DGT), NSTI / IToT | 3rd August 2026 | 5th August 2026 | 03 |
| Physical Admission in Allotted Institutes | NSTI and IToT | 10th August 2026 | 14th August 2026 | 05 |
| Commencement of Session | NSTIs / IToTs | 17th August 2026 | – | – |
| Completion of Academic Session 2026-27 | NSTIs / IToTs | – | 31st May 2027 | – |
| All India Trade Test (AITT) 2026-27 | DGT | July 2027 | – | – |
Important Links
| CITS Admission 2026: Official notice |
| Official DGT Website |
| Apply now ( Application portal will open later) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are required for CITS Admission 2026?
Applicants must have an ITI (NTC), NAC, Diploma, or Degree from a recognized board or university. Final year exam candidates are also eligible to apply.
When will the online application for CITS Admission 2026 open?
The online application is expected to open in May 2026 on the NIMI portal.
What is the age limit to apply for CITS Admission 2026?
Candidates must be at least 16 years old as of the start of the academic session.
How is the admission test (AICET) conducted?
AICET is an online objective-type examination conducted by NIMI and DGT.
What is the process after clearing the AICET examination?
Candidates proceed through multiple rounds of counselling, physical document verification, and seat allotment in NSTIs and IToTs.
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