New Delhi, August 12, 2025: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN) have jointly introduced The State of India’s ITIs: A Grading Framework for Readiness and Reform, a comprehensive blueprint to assess whether Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are equipping youth with skills for the future of work.
The launch coincides with the Government of India’s ₹60,000 crore ITI Upgrade Scheme aimed at modernizing ITIs and creating National Centres of Excellence. The framework complements this agenda by providing a structured approach to improve institutional performance, enhance data systems, and align skilling outcomes with industry needs.
Developed in consultation with industry leaders and government representatives, the framework was unveiled by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, during the FICCI Global Skills Summit 2025.
The assessment tool evaluates ITIs in three core areas — Youth Readiness and Skills, ITI–Industry Engagement, and Institutional Functioning — drawing on inputs from learners, alumni, employers, administrators, and institutional records to create a 360-degree performance overview. While building on the Directorate General of Training’s Data-Driven Grading Methodology, the new framework offers more actionable insights to bridge the gap between training and employment.
“India’s ITIs are the backbone of our technical training system, yet their true potential is realised only when they are empowered, industry-connected, and outcome-focused. This framework is a step towards building that enabling environment—where data informs decisions, and decisions create impact,” said Ms. Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI.
Aakash Sethi, CEO of Quest Alliance, which leads FRSN, added, “This is more than creating a grading framework. It is about reimagining how we see the health of ITIs through the lens of industry readiness and future skills. By bringing together Quest Alliance’s on-ground experience across 1,000 ITIs and FICCI’s authentic industry voice, this collaboration bridges policy, practice, and real-world needs. Our aspiration is a system where data drives learning and continuous improvement, where progress is not only expected but also celebrated and incentivised.”
The framework is envisioned as a national tool for benchmarking, targeted investment, and feedback loops, enabling more responsive, data-driven planning in line with the government’s upgrade scheme.
By linking performance with purpose, FICCI and FRSN aim to reaffirm the role of ITIs in preparing India’s youth for meaningful employment and a rapidly evolving job market.
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