Surveyor Training System
The Surveyor trade under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) is designed to provide technical training and practical knowledge required in the field of surveying and mapping. This training program is conducted under the Directorate General of Training (DGT), which operates under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The main objective of this vocational training system is to develop skilled manpower that can meet the growing demands of industries such as construction, infrastructure development, transportation, and land management.
The vocational training programs offered by the Directorate General of Training are structured to serve different sectors of the labour market. These programs are conducted through a nationwide network of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Among these programs, the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) and the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS) are two of the most important initiatives that aim to strengthen vocational education and improve employment opportunities for youth.
General Structure of the Training System
The Surveyor trade is one of the most popular technical courses offered in ITIs across India. The course duration is two years, during which trainees receive a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training. The training system is divided into two major areas: Domain Area and Core Area.
The Domain Area includes trade theory and practical training, where students learn the technical aspects of surveying such as measurement techniques, mapping, use of survey instruments, AutoCAD drawing, and modern surveying technologies. The Core Area includes employability skills which focus on developing communication skills, teamwork, basic computer knowledge, and professional behaviour. These skills are essential for improving the employability of trainees after completing the course.
After successfully completing the training program, trainees are awarded the National Trade Certificate (NTC) issued by the Directorate General of Training. This certificate is recognized across India and also accepted internationally in many technical fields.
Skills Expected from Trainees
The training system is designed to ensure that trainees develop the professional abilities required for working in real engineering and surveying environments. During the course, trainees are expected to demonstrate several competencies related to technical work and professional behaviour.
First, trainees should be able to read and interpret technical documents such as drawings, survey maps, and project plans. They must understand how to analyze technical parameters and determine the materials and tools required for specific tasks.
Second, trainees are trained to perform tasks while following safety rules, accident prevention regulations, and environmental protection guidelines. Surveyors often work in outdoor conditions such as construction sites, roads, and open land areas, therefore safety awareness is extremely important.
Another key skill developed during the training program is the ability to apply professional knowledge and technical skills while performing surveying tasks. Students learn how to check survey drawings, analyze measurement data, identify errors, and correct them using proper surveying methods.
Trainees also learn how to document technical parameters and process the data collected during field measurements. This data is later used for preparing maps, site plans, and engineering drawings required in construction projects.
Progression Pathways After Training
The Surveyor trade not only prepares students for employment but also provides various opportunities for career growth and further education. After completing the course, trainees can join industries as technicians or junior surveyors and gradually progress to higher positions.
With experience and additional skills, a surveyor can advance to roles such as Senior Technician, Supervisor, or Project Manager in construction and infrastructure companies.
Trainees who are interested in entrepreneurship can start their own surveying services or consultancy in land measurement, mapping, and construction planning. Private surveying services are in high demand for real estate development, land documentation, and civil engineering projects.
Another important progression pathway is higher education. Students who complete ITI Surveyor can take admission in Diploma courses in Civil Engineering or Survey Engineering through lateral entry. This allows them to continue their studies and obtain advanced technical qualifications.
Trainees can also join the Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), where they receive practical industrial training and earn a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC). This certificate improves job opportunities in both government and private sectors.
For those interested in teaching careers, trainees can join the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS). After completing CITS, they can work as instructors in Industrial Training Institutes and train the next generation of technical students.
Course Structure
The Surveyor training program is carefully structured to distribute learning hours across different subjects over a two-year period. Each year consists of 1200 training hours covering trade practical, trade theory, and employability skills.
In the first year, trainees receive around 840 hours of practical training and 240 hours of theoretical training. They also receive 120 hours of employability skills training to improve their communication, teamwork, and professional development.
In the second year, the focus shifts to advanced surveying methods and modern technologies. Trainees again receive 840 hours of practical training along with 300 hours of theoretical instruction. The employability skills component is reduced to 60 hours as students already develop basic professional skills during the first year.
In addition to classroom training, every year trainees must complete 150 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) in nearby industries. If industrial training is not available, institutes may assign group projects to provide practical experience.
Assessment and Certification
The performance of trainees is evaluated through both internal and final assessments. Continuous evaluation during the training period is conducted through Formative Assessment, where instructors evaluate students based on practical work, assignments, attendance, and technical performance.
Training institutes maintain individual trainee portfolios that include records of practical work, project reports, and progress charts. These records are used to evaluate the overall development of each trainee.
The final evaluation is conducted through the All India Trade Test (AITT), organized by the Controller of Examinations under the Directorate General of Training. This examination includes both theory and practical tests designed to assess the technical competence of trainees.
Pass Regulation
For two-year courses such as the Surveyor trade, the final result is calculated by giving 50 percent weightage to each year’s examination. This ensures that students maintain consistent performance throughout the entire training program.
To pass the course, trainees must obtain a minimum of 60 percent marks in trade practical and formative assessment. For other subjects such as theory and employability skills, the minimum passing marks are 33 percent.
Assessment Guidelines
The assessment system is designed to evaluate not only technical knowledge but also behavioural skills and professional attitudes. Various factors such as teamwork, punctuality, proper use of tools, and safety awareness are considered during evaluation.
Evidence used in assessment includes workshop activities, record books, answer sheets, viva-voce examinations, project work, computer-based tests, and practical demonstrations. This comprehensive evaluation system ensures that trainees acquire both theoretical understanding and practical competence required in the surveying profession.
Overall, the Surveyor training system is structured to develop skilled professionals who can work efficiently in engineering, construction, and infrastructure development sectors.