🔩 Fitter / Welder Trade

What it costs to get there

Indicative total tuition for the whole course in Karnataka

Tuition for the full trade course. Government ITIs are heavily subsidised; private ITIs charge much more for the same NCVT certificate.

Fees change every year and differ by college — confirm with the college before paying. Scholarships can cover much of this.

The journey, step by step

SSLC through to leadership.

1. 1Foundation · 1 Year🎓 SSLC — Class 10Finish Class 10. Your marks decide which colleges and subject combinations are open to you next.
2. 2Entrance Exam · Exam year📝 SSLC or Class 8 pass (no entrance exam)Entry to ITI (NCVT) Fitter / Welder is through SSLC or Class 8 pass (no entrance exam). Dates change every year — always confirm on the conducting authority's official portal.
3. 3Degree · Fitter 2 Years · Welder 1 Year📘 ITI (NCVT) Fitter / WelderFitter / Welder Trade: Fitter 2 Years · Welder 1 Year. You can specialise in Structural Welding, Pipe Fitter, Sheet Metal Worker and more.
4. 4First Job · After graduating💼 FitterCommon starting roles include Fitter, Welder, Fabricator.
5. 5Higher Studies · Optional🎯 Diploma Mechanical (Lateral)You can continue with Diploma Mechanical (Lateral), CITS (train to teach at an ITI), Advanced Welding Cert.
6. 6Research · 3–5 Years (PhD)🔬 CoE advanced modulesCoE advanced modules · Diploma → BE progression · Welding technology certification
7. 7Government Route · Exam-based🏛️ Railways fitter and technician postsRailways fitter and technician posts · PSU trade apprentice (BHEL / HAL) · Ordnance factory posts · State transport workshops
8. 8Entrepreneurship · Any time🚀 Fabrication workshopFabrication workshop · Welding and job-work unit · Machine maintenance service
9. 9Leadership · Long term⭐ Workshop SupervisorWorkshop Supervisor · Maintenance Foreman · Workshop owner

Job roles and salary ranges

Salary figures are indicative annual ranges, not guarantees.

Where these facts come from

NCVT-affiliated ITI trades — Fitter 2 years, Welder 1 year