ITI and polytechnic courses are two most sought after courses for students who would like to pursue technical courses rather than pursuing higher secondary. However, students often get confused regarding the two courses and sometimes consider the two courses as same.
One should understand that, there is a difference between polytechnic and ITI. Through this article, alerts.results.shiksha have detailed what the two courses entail and the differences between them.
So the first question is what is ITI?
Industrial Training Institutes or popularly known as ITI is a Government of India initiative for the purpose of offering job skills to students who have cleared their 10th or 12th. There are over 250 ITI courses and almost every state in the country has its own Industrial Training Institute in order to train candidates for more skills-oriented jobs. The main objective of introducing ITI courses is to offer a platform for students to learn vocational skills and provides employment opportunities on completion of these short-term courses. Candidates can seek admission in ITI’s on completion of the 10th or 12th. Formal education or basic graduation is not required when it comes to seeking admission in ITI courses.
Types of ITI Courses
ITI can divided into two- Technical courses and non-technical courses. Technical courses are based more on engineering subjects whereas non-technical courses are more skill-based.
Duration
The duration of ITI courses depends on the type of course. ITI courses range from 6 months to two years. On completion of the ITI course, students shall obtain a certificate from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training. Welcome to NCVET/NCVET
Now the next question is What Is Polytechnic?
Unlike ITI, polytechnic courses are more technical in nature. Polytechnic courses emphasize more on the practical aspect of technical subjects. For example, a polytechnic course in civil engineering will cater to the training and practical aspect of civil engineering. Polytechnic courses are quite popular amongst students. It also acts as a stepping stone for students who wish to pursue a degree in engineering or graduate in any other technical course.
Also, pursuing a polytechnic course is the best option for students who aspire to do an engineering course but are unable to pursue the course due to financial constraints or any other problem.
Polytechnic courses are recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education. Government of India, All India Council for Technical Education | (aicte-india.org)
Difference Between Polytechnic and ITI
The main difference between polytechnic and ITI can be summarized as follows:
| ITI courses
|
Polytechnic courses
|
| Can be technical or non-technical in nature | More technical in nature |
| ITI courses can be pursued after the completion of grade and above | Completion of 10th or 12th is compulsory for pursuing any polytechnic course |
| ITI courses are more basic and cannot be compared to an engineering degree | Polytechnic courses are more than basic and graduates can apply as engineers after the completion of the polytechnic course |
| Course duration varies from 6 months to 2 years depending on the type of ITI course | Duration of the course is 3 years |
| ITI courses are less expensive than polytechnic courses | Polytechnic courses are more expensive than ITI courses but less expensive than engineering graduate degrees |
| ITI trained students can apply for jobs in the ITI sector | Polytechnic students can also apply for jobs in the ITI sector |
| An ITI course is to a polytechnic course study | A polytechnic course is closer to the engineering course study. ITI students are given lateral entry into polytechnic courses |
| Salaries of ITI students are less than that of polytechnic students | Salaries of polytechnic students are more than that of ITI |
Polytechnic or ITI- Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to deciding polytechnic vs ITI, it depends on the resources and academic pursuit of the candidates.
While both courses aim at providing technical skill training to students and quick opportunities for jobs, polytechnic courses are considered more valuable because of their close association with undergraduate engineering courses.
Polytechnic Vs ITI is a big debate amongst students. While ITI students are practically trained in vocational skills, polytechnic students have more technical knowledge. The skills of both polytechnic as well as ITI graduates are required.
The duration of each course varies. Polytechnic courses are usually around three years, whereas ITI courses are for a shorter duration.
If you have more time to spare, polytechnic would be a better course to pursue because of the better job opportunities.
However, polytechnic courses may be a bit more expensive than ITI courses. So, depending on your financial situation you can choose to pursue an ITI course or a polytechnic course.
Given Below Are a List of All Job Opportunities for ITI and Polytechnic Students
ITI Courses
Plumber Engineering
Weaving
Book Binder
Welding Technology
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Secretarial Practice
Embroidery
Commercial Art
Hair and Skin Care
Surveyor
Painter
Library and Information Science
Creche Management
Spa Therapy
Fashion Technology
Digital Photography
Laboratory Assistant among a range of other courses
Polytechnic Courses
Diploma in Civil Engineering
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Diploma in Computer Science and Engineering
Diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering
Diploma in Biotechnology Among a Range of Other Courses
Food Engineering
Textile Engineering
Glass Engineering
Ceramic Engineering
Mining Engineering
Notice the difference between the polytechnic and ITI. While polytechnic courses are more inclined towards the technical engineering field, ITI courses are more skill-based or vocational.
Also, with a polytechnic background, it is possible to seek a lateral admission into an undergraduate engineering degree course. ITI courses do not allow lateral entry into undergraduate engineering courses.
Conclusion
Though there is a large difference between ITI and polytechnic courses, the overall aim of the courses is the same. That is, to provide skillful and gainful employment to students at an early age.
The aim of these courses is to provide an opportunity for school dropouts and students who are unable to complete their education due to any reason.
Choose wisely.
All the best!
