How to become a Fitter in India
फिटर
Assemble, fit and maintain machine parts and mechanical equipment in factories, railways and plants.
- Streams
- Vocational / ITI, Any stream
- Time it takes
- 2 years of ITI, plus apprenticeship
- Key exams
- ITI admission, All India Trade Test
What you actually do
- Measure, mark, cut and file metal parts to precise sizes
- Assemble and align machines, pumps, gears and pipelines
- Carry out preventive maintenance and repair breakdowns
A day in the life
Checking a drawing, measuring parts with a vernier and micrometer, aligning a pump and motor, and joining the maintenance team to fix a stopped conveyor.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: pass Class 10 with Science and Mathsabout 2 yr
- ITI Fitter trade (NCVT, 2 years)about 2 yr
- All India Trade Test for the NCVT certificateabout 1 mo
- Apprenticeship in a factory, PSU, railway workshop or refineryabout 1 yr
- First job: Fitter / Maintenance Technician in manufacturing, railways, PSUs or process plantsabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| ITI admission (state counselling, merit on Class 8/10 marks) | State ITI admission authorities under the DGT framework | Once a year, after Class 10 results |
| All India Trade Test (NCVT certificate) | Directorate General of Training (DGT) | At the end of each ITI course |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Government ITIs: low fees, often nominal
Private route
Private ITIs: moderate fees, varying by state
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
Pay depends on the employer; government and PSU technician posts follow their own pay rules, while private factories vary. We do not quote figures.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You like precise, careful hand work
- You enjoy understanding how machines fit together
- You want factory or railway technician roles
Maybe not, if…
- You dislike shift work in plants
- You are not patient with measurements
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Common questions
How do I become a Fitter in India?
1. Class 9–10: pass Class 10 with Science and Maths 2. ITI Fitter trade (NCVT, 2 years) 3. All India Trade Test for the NCVT certificate 4. Apprenticeship in a factory, PSU, railway workshop or refinery 5. First job: Fitter / Maintenance Technician in manufacturing, railways, PSUs or process plants
Which entrance exams lead to a career as a Fitter?
ITI admission (state counselling, merit on Class 8/10 marks) (State ITI admission authorities under the DGT framework); All India Trade Test (NCVT certificate) (Directorate General of Training (DGT)). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become a Fitter?
Vocational / ITI, Any stream.
How long does it take to become a Fitter?
2 years of ITI, plus apprenticeship
How much does it cost to become a Fitter?
Government route: Government ITIs: low fees, often nominal. Private route: Private ITIs: moderate fees, varying by state. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of a Fitter in India?
Pay depends on the employer; government and PSU technician posts follow their own pay rules, while private factories vary. We do not quote figures.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Fitter: path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Directorate General of Training · Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
ITI admission (state counselling, merit on Class 8/10 marks) — State ITI admission authorities under the DGT framework · All India Trade Test (NCVT certificate) — Directorate General of Training (DGT)
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