CITS AICET 2026: Complete Admission Schedule & Counselling Process for Craft Instructor Training Scheme

The CITS AICET 2026 counselling schedule has been officially released by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and NIMI. Admission to the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Institutes for Training of Trainers (IToTs) for the academic session 2026-27 will be conducted through a transparent, multi-round counselling process. The All India Common Entrance Test (AICET) is scheduled for 31st May 2026, followed by result declaration on 10th June 2026. Applications are invited online from 18th April 2026 to 10th May 2026 via the official portal www.nimionlineadmission.in.

This recruitment is a golden opportunity for ITI pass-outs, diploma holders, and engineering graduates to build a stable government teaching career. Unlike previous years, the 2026-27 session introduces a well-defined CITS AICET 2026 counselling schedule with three regular counselling rounds, online transfer rounds, and a spot round for vacant seats. The session is set to commence on 27th July 2026, and the academic year will conclude with the All India Trade Test (AITT) in June 2027. Understanding the complete timeline – from registration to final admission – is crucial to avoid missing any deadline. This article breaks down every stage: application, exam, result, counselling rounds, document verification, online transfer, spot admission, and the final AITT examination.

Recruitment Overview – CITS Admission 2026-27

The National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) operate under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The advertisement was released on 2nd April 2026 across leading newspapers, Employment News, and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to reach candidates in villages, blocks, and ITI clusters. This widespread outreach indicates the government’s focus on filling all trainer vacancies. For candidates, this means increased competition but also more transparency in the selection process.

Important Dates – Complete CITS Admission Timeline 2026-27

Expert advice: The CITS AICET 2026 counselling schedule is your roadmap. Missing the choice filling window for any round means losing your chance. Set multiple reminders for 15th-18th June (Round 1 choice filling) and 30th June-3rd July (Round 2 choice filling). The online transfer rounds are unique – they allow candidates to upgrade to a better institute if seats become available. Do not skip these transfer rounds even if you have a confirmed seat.

Application Fee – Category Wise

Payment modes include UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card, and Credit Card. A common mistake: candidates upload the wrong transaction ID or close the browser before payment confirmation. Always take a screenshot of the successful payment page and save the PDF receipt.

Age Limit & Relaxation Norms

Age calculation is based on the AICET exam date (31st May 2026) or as per the official notification. Always double-check the exact clause in the detailed PDF.

Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualification & Experience

The most common eligibility mistake: Candidates apply for a trade that is not exactly matched with their ITI or diploma specialization. Always cross-check the trade list from the official notification PDF.

Vacancy Details – Trade & Category Breakdown (Illustrative)

Selection Process – Complete 2026-27 Procedure

The selection process for CITS 2026-27 is more structured than ever. It includes a written exam followed by multiple counselling rounds, document verification, and an online transfer mechanism.

Stage 1: All India Common Entrance Test (AICET) – CBT

Online computer-based test on 31st May 2026. Questions from trade theory, general awareness, reasoning, and basic engineering science. Mock tests available from 21st May to 31st May 2026 – use this window extensively.

Stage 2: Result Declaration & Merit List

Results published on 10th June 2026 on NIMI website. Based on your rank, you become eligible for counselling rounds.

Stage 3: Multiple Counselling Rounds (Choice Filling)

What is choice filling in CITS counselling? Candidates log in to the portal, select preferred NSTI/IToT and trade combinations, and lock their choices. Three regular rounds are scheduled: Round 1 (15th-18th June), Round 2 (30th June-3rd July), and Round 3 (dates to be notified). After each round, seats are allotted based on merit and preferences.

Stage 4: Online Transfer Rounds

Unique to CITS 2026, the CITS online transfer round meaning is a chance for already allotted candidates to upgrade to a higher preference institute if vacancies arise. Transfer rounds occur after each counselling round (27th June, then after Round 2). Do not skip this – you can move from a less preferred NSTI to a top-tier one.

Stage 5: Physical Document Verification

Conducted at the nearest NSTI or RDSDE. Round 1 verification: 22nd-25th June 2026. Round 2 verification: 7th-10th July 2026. Original certificates and self-attested copies required. Verification is mandatory; missing it cancels your allotment.

Stage 6: Spot Round / Walk-in Admissions

For remaining vacant seats after all rounds. Conducted at institute level. Candidates who were not allotted earlier can directly approach NSTIs.

Stage 7: Physical Admission & Session Commencement

Final admission at allotted institute. Session starts 27th July 2026.

Stage 8: All India Trade Test (AITT) at Session End

After completing the CITS training, candidates must pass the AITT to receive their Craft Instructor Certificate. This is the final qualifying exam.

Exam Syllabus & Pattern – CITS AICET 2026

Salary & Pay Scale – After CITS Completion

In-hand salary after NPS (10% deduction), CGHS, and professional tax will be around ₹48,000 to ₹62,000 depending on the city. After 5 years, promotion to Training Officer (Level-8) with ₹65,000+ in-hand.

How to Apply Online for CITS AICET 2026 – Step by Step Guide

1. Visit the official admission portal – www.nimionlineadmission.in (type carefully, avoid fake sites).
2. Register as a new user – Provide name, mobile, email, and create a password. Note down the registration number.
3. Fill the online application form – Enter personal details, address, trade preference, and exam city choices.
4. Upload documents – Photograph, signature, and relevant certificates in JPG/PDF as per size limits.
5. Pay the application fee – Choose payment mode, complete transaction, and save receipt.
6. Preview and submit – Review every field carefully. Edit if needed, then click FINAL SUBMIT.
7. Download confirmation page – Take a printout and save PDF for future reference.

3 most common mistakes to avoid: (1) Wrong date of birth – mismatch with 10th marksheet leads to rejection. (2) Uploading blurred or oversized photo. (3) Selecting a trade not in your qualification.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips to Crack CITS AICET 2026 Recruitment

1. Apply in the First Week Itself

Server slowdowns are common on the last date (10th May 2026). Applying early gives you mental peace and time to correct any form errors without panic.

2. Read the Full Notification Before Filling the Form

The official notice contains trade-wise seat distribution, exact age calculation method, and important clauses about probation. Download and read it thoroughly.

3. Prepare All Documents Before Starting the Application

Keep scanned copies, certificates, and payment method ready. The portal times out after 20 minutes of inactivity.

4. Understand the Counselling Process Fully

Many candidates lose seats because they don’t understand the online transfer round. Even if you get a seat in Round 1, participate in the transfer round on 27th June – you might upgrade to a better NSTI without losing your current seat.

5. Begin Exam Preparation from Day One

Solve at least 5 previous year mock tests. Use the free mock test window from 21st-31st May 2026 on the NIMI portal.

6. Avoid the Most Common Rejection Reasons

Incorrect photograph format, missing signature, or selecting “General” instead of “OBC” (if you have a valid non-creamy layer certificate) are top reasons for application rejection.

7. Stay Updated on All Counselling Dates

Set a reminder to check the official website every Monday. The difference between Round 1 and Round 2 counselling is just 12 days – missing any window closes your opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – CITS AICET 2026

What is the last date to apply for CITS admission 2026?

The last date to submit online applications is 10th May 2026 (Sunday).

When will the CITS AICET 2026 exam be held?

The All India Common Entrance Test will be conducted on 31st May 2026 as a Computer-Based Test (CBT).

When will the CITS AICET result be declared?

Results will be published on 10th June 2026 on the official NIMI portal.

How many counselling rounds are there for CITS 2026?

There are 3 regular counselling rounds, online transfer rounds after each round, and a final spot round for vacant seats.

What is the CITS online transfer round?

It allows candidates already allotted a seat to upgrade to a higher preference institute if vacancies arise. You do not lose your current seat.

Where will document verification be held?

At the nearest NSTI (National Skill Training Institute) or RDSDE (Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship).

When does the CITS 2026-27 session start?

The academic session will commence on 27th July 2026 at all NSTIs and IToTs.

What is the All India Trade Test (AITT)?

AITT is the final qualifying exam conducted at the end of the CITS session. Passing it is mandatory to receive the Craft Instructor Certificate.

Can a final year diploma student apply for CITS AICET 2026?

Not mentioned in official notification. Candidates are advised to check the official notice for updates on provisional eligibility.

Is there any age relaxation for OBC candidates?

Yes, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) gets 3 years relaxation. Maximum age becomes 40 years.

What is the salary of a Craft Instructor after CITS?

Approx ₹55,000 to ₹72,000 gross per month plus allowances as per 7th Pay Commission Level-6/7.

Is there negative marking in the CITS AICET exam?

The official exam pattern PDF is awaited. Check the notification for negative marking details.

Where can I download the admit card for AICET 2026?

Admit card will be available on www.nimionlineadmission.in from 21st May 2026 onwards.

What is the spot round in CITS admission?

Spot round is the final admission opportunity for remaining vacant seats after all counselling rounds. It is conducted directly at the institute level.