Assistance to Training Institutions Scheme helps training centers under the Ministry of MSME by providing financial support to build or upgrade their infrastructure and open new branches. This scheme is made for government-backed training bodies to improve their capacity for skill development and entrepreneurship training across India.
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises runs this central sector scheme for the 2026-27 period. It gives capital grants to national level training institutions and state level Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (EDIs) for creating and strengthening infrastructure, and also supports skill development and entrepreneurship training programmes.
Assistance to Training Institutions Scheme
Assistance to Training Institutions Scheme is a government scheme launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to boost infrastructure and operational capacity. It provides financial support to training centers under the Ministry and helps cover revenue deficits for the National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NIMSME).
Support under this scheme can be used to develop physical infrastructure, buy equipment, train faculty, and build research capabilities for the MSME sector. State government or union territory owned Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (EDIs) can apply based on a recommendation from their local government. The support given is over and above any earlier grants received under this scheme.
The main aim is to strengthen India's skill development landscape. By upgrading facilities and providing specialized training to staff in District Industries Centres (DICs), this scheme matches the Skill India Programme and follows the standards set by the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). Through these efforts, a more capable workforce and a stronger industrial ecosystem can be built.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Assistance to Training Institutions Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Business & Entrepreneurship, Skills & Employment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Business Entity, Industries |
| Sub Category | Training and Skill Up-gradation |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
| Implementing Agency | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India |
| Tags | Training, ATI, MSME, EDI, Financial Assistance |
Benefits
Support under the scheme covers the actual costs of creating, strengthening, or expanding infrastructure for training institutions of the Ministry of MSME. It also helps meet revenue deficits for NIMSME specifically.
Scale of Support for State-Level EDIs
A state-level EDI can receive up to ₹3.00 Crore as financial support. These funds can be used to develop physical premises, purchase equipment, and train instructors. Construction must be completed within the approved timeline and a use certificate must be submitted to keep funding active.
Scale of Support for Training Programmes
The ministry decides training costs based on the duration of NSQF-compliant programs. The base rates for training are given below:
| Category | Rate per head per hour |
|---|---|
| Category I Courses | ₹38.50 |
| Category II Courses | ₹33.00 |
| Category III Courses | ₹27.50 |
For Training of Trainers (ToTs) programs, support of ₹60 per trainee per hour is given, or the rate prescribed under common norms, whichever is lower. These rates cover overhead costs such as equipment rentals, electricity, and training materials. Duplicate claims for the same purpose under different schemes must be avoided, and clean financial records must be maintained.
Eligibility
Training Institutions of the Ministry of MSME
An established training institution under the Ministry of MSME is eligible if it is looking for infrastructure expansion or support to manage revenue gaps.
State Level EDIs
Institutions owned and controlled by a State Government or Union Territory can apply. This funding supports building construction and equipment procurement. Costs for land acquisition or staff quarters are not covered. The scheme no longer supports the establishment of fully new EDIs.
Training Programmes
Institutes like NIMSME, NSIC, KVIC, Coir Board, Tool Rooms, and MGIRI are eligible to conduct skill development programs under this scheme. Support is strictly for revenue-based activities related to training.
Application Process
To start the application process, a detailed proposal must be prepared following the official rules. The completed application is submitted to the Deputy Secretary or Director (EDI), Ministry of MSME, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi 110011.
STEP 1 - The proposal moves to the Screening Committee for a detailed review.
STEP 2 - The committee shares its recommendations with the Secretary (MSME) for final approval.
STEP 3 - Once approved, the ministry sends an official notification and releases the funds according to the terms of the sanction letter. Private training institutions and NGOs cannot apply for this infrastructure support scheme.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Copy of PAN Card
- MSME registration certificate or Udyam Registration number
- Official bank account details
- Any additional project-specific documents requested by the ministry
References
View Official ATI Scheme Guidelines
Official ATI Scheme Page on ni-msme
FAQ's
What is the Assistance to Training Institutions Scheme?
This is a specialized government scheme that provides financial support to help training institutions under the Ministry of MSME grow their infrastructure and maintain operational efficiency.
What is the objective of the scheme?
The main aim is to build strong infrastructure for skill development and entrepreneurship training, so that institutes under the Ministry of MSME are well-equipped to support the MSME sector.
Which department oversees this scheme?
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, is the department running the scheme.
Which institutions get the benefits?
Only training institutions under the Ministry of MSME and state-owned Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (EDIs) are eligible for the benefits.
What are the key benefits?
Financial support is given to cover infrastructure costs, equipment procurement, faculty training, and the operating expenses of skill development programs.
How do I apply?
A detailed proposal for financial support is submitted to the Deputy Secretary or Director (EDI) at the Ministry of MSME, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi.
How is the progress monitored?
The Screening Committee monitors the project regularly. An online portal is used to track beneficiaries, and the overall impact is reviewed periodically.