Craftsman Training Scheme provides a monthly stipend of ₹500 to eligible trainees studying in Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Maharashtra. Payments are made through the MahaDBT portal, and admissions for the August 2026 session under this scheme are open on admission.dvet.gov.in.
Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) is a state-level vocational scheme of Maharashtra run by the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET) under the Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department. It helps trainees from SC, ST, VJNT, OBC, SBC, minority communities and the economically weaker open category complete their technical courses even when money is tight.
Craftsman Training Scheme Overview
Craftsman Training Scheme was started by the Government of India in 1950 to make sure industries get a steady flow of skilled workers. The day-to-day running of ITIs under this scheme was handed over to the state government in 1956, and since 1969 the scheme has been run by the state government. Maharashtra now has 419 government and 585 private ITIs with an intake capacity of about 1.39 lakh and 1.03 lakh seats respectively.
Training under the scheme is offered in 85 trades, and the courses are 70 percent practical and 30 percent theory. After passing the All India Trade Test, successful trainees receive the NCVT certificate issued by the Directorate General of Training, New Delhi, and this certificate is recognized across the country and abroad.
The stipend was raised from the earlier nominal rates of ₹40 to ₹60 to ₹500 per month from the academic year 2023. This amount continues for the 2026-27 academic year, and eligible trainees get it for the full duration of their approved course.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Craftsman Training Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Maharashtra |
| Category | Skills and Employment |
| Benefit Type | Cash Stipend |
| Stipend Amount | ₹500 per month |
| DBT Enabled | Yes |
| Main Department | Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department |
| Application Mode | Online through MahaDBT portal |
Benefits
Eligible trainees of Government ITIs get a monthly stipend of ₹500 during the training period. This amount helps meet day-to-day expenses such as travel, study material and maintenance.
The amount is paid directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the trainee through the MahaDBT portal. Trainees from VJNT and SBC categories can also check the related Award of Stipend to VJNT and SBC Students Studying in ITI scheme for additional support.
Eligibility
To get the stipend, a trainee should meet all the conditions given below:
- State resident: Trainee should be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
- Category: Trainee should belong to SC, ST, VJNT, OBC, SBC, minority communities, or the economically weaker open category.
- Income limit: Family annual income should be at or below ₹8,00,000.
- Admission: Trainee should be admitted to a Government ITI under Craftsman Training Scheme. Private ITI trainees are not covered.
- Attendance: A minimum of 80 percent attendance should be maintained.
- Course progress: For two-year trade courses, the first year should be passed to continue getting the benefit.
- Sibling cap: Benefit is limited to two siblings per family.
Application Process
Eligible trainees apply online through the MahaDBT portal of Maharashtra. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official MahaDBT website at mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in and select the new applicant registration option. Enter the name, create a username and password, provide a valid email ID and verify the mobile number with the OTP sent.
STEP 2 - Log in with the registered credentials and complete the profile with personal details, address and current course information. The portal will show the schemes for which the applicant is eligible.
STEP 3 - Select the scheme named "Stipend of ₹500 per month for trainees in Craftsman Training Scheme in Government ITI" and upload the required documents in the format asked by the portal.
STEP 4 - Submit the application and note down the Application ID for tracking. Payments are released only to an Aadhaar-seeded savings bank account, so keep an Aadhaar-linked bank account ready.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- Domicile certificate of Maharashtra
- Family income certificate
- Admission letter or receipt from the Government ITI
- Aadhaar-linked bank passbook copy
- Marksheets from previous years
- Caste certificate, if applicable
References
Official DVET Scheme Page | ITI Admission Notification 2026 | ITI Admission Portal | MahaDBT Portal
FAQ's
Who is eligible for this stipend?
Trainees from SC, ST, VJNT, OBC, SBC, minority and economically weaker open category families with a family income of up to ₹8,00,000 per year are eligible.
What is the minimum attendance required to receive the stipend?
At least 80 percent attendance should be maintained every three months.
Is this benefit available to all ITI students?
No, the benefit is mainly for eligible students admitted to Government ITIs under Craftsman Training Scheme.
Can more than two children from one family apply?
No, the scheme limits the benefit to two children per family.
How do I apply for the stipend?
Register and submit the application through the MahaDBT portal at mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in.
When will the stipend be credited?
Stipend is paid quarterly into the Aadhaar-linked bank account after attendance and eligibility are verified.
What happens if I miss the attendance requirement?
If the 80 percent attendance mark is not met, the stipend for that specific period is not released.
How can I check my application status?
Log in to the MahaDBT portal and check the applied schemes section for approval and payment status.
Is there a specific deadline to apply?
DVET announces the deadlines, so check the MahaDBT portal and official notifications regularly.
Can private ITI students apply?
No, this scheme is made for students studying in Government ITIs only.