How to become a Welder in India
वेल्डर
Join metal parts by gas and arc welding for structures, pipelines, vehicles, ships and machines.
- Streams
- Vocational / ITI, Any stream
- Time it takes
- 1 year of ITI, plus apprenticeship
- Key exams
- ITI admission, All India Trade Test
What you actually do
- Prepare joints and weld steel and other metals using gas, arc, MIG or TIG processes
- Read drawings and weld to the required size and strength
- Inspect welds for defects and follow strict safety practices
A day in the life
Wearing protective gear, setting up the welding machine, fabricating a steel frame from a drawing, grinding and checking the welds, and finishing a repair job on factory equipment.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: pass Class 10 (some states admit after Class 8 — check DGT)about 2 yr
- ITI Welder (Gas & Electric) trade (NCVT, 1 year)about 1 yr
- All India Trade Test for the NCVT certificateabout 1 mo
- Apprenticeship in a fabrication shop, shipyard, railway workshop or PSU; add advanced welding certificationsabout 1 yr
- First job: Welder / Fabricator in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding or pipelinesabout 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 rises with skill in specialised processes (TIG, pipe welding) and certifications. Industrial and overseas project roles often pay more. We do not quote figures.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You have steady hands and good concentration
- You enjoy making strong, visible things
- You are fine with protective gear and heat
Maybe not, if…
- You are sensitive to heat, noise or bright light
- You do not want physically demanding work
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Common questions
How do I become a Welder in India?
1. Class 9–10: pass Class 10 (some states admit after Class 8 — check DGT) 2. ITI Welder (Gas & Electric) trade (NCVT, 1 year) 3. All India Trade Test for the NCVT certificate 4. Apprenticeship in a fabrication shop, shipyard, railway workshop or PSU; add advanced welding certifications 5. First job: Welder / Fabricator in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding or pipelines
Which entrance exams lead to a career as a Welder?
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 Welder?
Vocational / ITI, Any stream.
How long does it take to become a Welder?
1 year of ITI, plus apprenticeship
How much does it cost to become a Welder?
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 Welder in India?
Pay rises with skill in specialised processes (TIG, pipe welding) and certifications. Industrial and overseas project roles often pay more. 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.
- Welder: 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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