The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) has completed its first year, with the government focusing on modernising Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), expanding industry participation and aligning vocational education with emerging workforce requirements.
Launched on October 4, 2025, the scheme has a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore, including ₹30,000 crore from the Centre, ₹20,000 crore from States and ₹10,000 crore from industry.
PM-SETU aims to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs through a Hub-and-Spoke model comprising 200 Hub ITIs and 800 Spoke ITIs.
During its first year, 850 ITIs were identified, including 172 Hub ITIs and 678 Spoke ITIs.
The model allows Hub ITIs to share advanced infrastructure, digital learning systems, modern trades and incubation facilities with connected Spoke ITIs.
Strategic Investment Plans for 14 ITI clusters across eight States and one Union Territory have been approved, involving an investment of ₹3,446 crore.
The clusters cover sectors including steel and metals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, defence, electronics, automotive and manufacturing.
The National Steering Committee has also approved the transition from the pilot phase to nationwide implementation across all 200 identified ITI clusters.
Industry participation is a key component of PM-SETU through Strategic Investment Plans, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Anchor Industry Partners.
Under the proposed SPV structure, the Anchor Industry Partner would hold 51% ownership, while the Centre and State Governments would hold 24.5% each.
The SPVs will help determine interventions related to curriculum, training, infrastructure and industry exposure based on local requirements.
The Directorate General of Training has introduced 32 new-age courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.
These include training in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Additive Manufacturing, Electric Vehicles, Semiconductor Technology, Robotics, Green Hydrogen, Drones, IoT, Solar Energy, 5G and Software Testing.
PM-SETU also includes international partnerships aimed at strengthening advanced training and aligning vocational education with global standards.
MoUs have been signed with Singapore, France and Australia for NSTIs in Chennai, Kanpur and Bhubaneswar respectively. A Joint Declaration of Intent has also been exchanged with Germany for NSTI Hyderabad.
India’s total number of ITIs increased from 9,776 in 2014 to 13,888 in 2026, while enrolment rose from 9.51 lakh in 2014-15 to 14.70 lakh in 2025-26.
PM-SETU seeks to build on this expanding network through modern infrastructure, industry involvement and demand-driven training.
