General Information – Surveyor Trade
The Surveyor trade is an important vocational training program offered under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. This course is designed to provide technical knowledge and practical skills required for land surveying, mapping, and measurement activities used in construction, infrastructure development, and civil engineering projects.
Surveying plays a crucial role in modern development because accurate measurement and mapping of land are essential for planning and designing roads, bridges, buildings, railways, irrigation systems, and urban infrastructure. The Surveyor trade aims to train students in both traditional and modern surveying techniques so that they can contribute effectively to these sectors.
Name of the Trade
The official name of this vocational program is the Surveyor Trade. It focuses on developing the skills required to measure land areas, prepare survey maps, determine elevations and boundaries, and operate modern surveying instruments.
Students enrolled in this trade gain practical experience in field surveys, topographical mapping, cadastral surveys, and the use of digital tools such as AutoCAD and GIS-based mapping systems.
Trade Code
The trade code assigned to the Surveyor course is DGT/1018. This code is used by the Directorate General of Training for official identification of the course across all Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in India.
The trade code helps maintain uniformity in curriculum, certification, and training standards throughout the country. It also ensures that the course structure and learning outcomes remain consistent in every training institute.
NCO Classification
The Surveyor trade is classified under the National Classification of Occupations (NCO) – 2015 with the code 2165.0200. This classification places the profession within the category of technical occupations related to surveying and mapping.
The NCO classification helps in identifying the occupation in government records, employment data, and labour statistics. It also assists employers in recognizing the skills and competencies associated with the Surveyor trade.
National Occupational Standards (NOS)
The Surveyor course follows several National Occupational Standards (NOS) which define the competencies required for performing various surveying tasks. These standards ensure that trainees acquire the skills needed by the industry.
The NOS standards cover different technical activities such as performing site surveys, preparing maps, using modern surveying instruments, applying GIS and GPS technologies, conducting hydrographic surveys, and performing railway and transmission line surveys.
By aligning the training program with these national standards, the course ensures that students develop industry-relevant skills and remain competitive in the job market.
NSQF Level
The Surveyor trade is aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) Level 4. The NSQF framework organizes vocational education and training programs based on the level of skills, knowledge, and responsibilities required for specific occupations.
At NSQF Level 4, trainees are expected to perform technical tasks independently under limited supervision. They develop practical skills, technical knowledge, and problem-solving abilities that enable them to work effectively in the field of surveying and construction.
Duration of Training
The duration of the Surveyor trade is two years. During this period, trainees complete a total of approximately 2400 hours of institutional training along with additional 300 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) or group project work.
The two-year training program is divided into first year and second year modules. The first year focuses on basic surveying concepts, drawing skills, and fundamental measurement techniques. The second year covers advanced surveying methods, modern instruments, and digital mapping technologies.
Entry Qualification
To enroll in the Surveyor trade, candidates must have passed the 10th class examination from a recognized board. Basic knowledge of mathematics and science is helpful because surveying involves calculations related to distance, angles, elevations, and coordinates.
Students who have an interest in civil engineering, mapping, and fieldwork will find this course particularly useful for building a career in technical professions.
Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age required for admission to the Surveyor trade is 14 years as on the first day of the academic session. This requirement ensures that students have completed basic education before starting technical training.
Many students join ITI programs immediately after completing their secondary education in order to gain practical skills and enter the workforce at an early stage.
Eligibility for Persons with Disabilities
The Surveyor trade is open to several categories of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), provided that the candidates are capable of performing the tasks required in surveying activities.
Eligible categories include individuals with conditions such as locomotor disability, low vision, deafness, autism, and other specified disabilities as defined under government guidelines.
This inclusive approach ensures that vocational training opportunities are available to a wide range of learners.
Unit Strength
The standard batch size for the Surveyor trade is 24 trainees per unit. This limit ensures that each student receives sufficient practical training and access to surveying instruments during the course.
Because surveying requires hands-on experience with technical equipment, maintaining an appropriate student-to-instructor ratio is essential for effective learning.
Infrastructure and Power Requirements
Industrial Training Institutes offering the Surveyor trade must maintain proper infrastructure and workshop facilities. The recommended space requirement is approximately 64 square meters for the training unit.
The institute must also provide a power supply of around 3 kilowatts to support training activities, including the use of computers and electronic surveying equipment.
Instructor Qualifications
The quality of training depends greatly on the qualifications of instructors. For the Surveyor trade, instructors must have relevant educational and professional experience in surveying or civil engineering fields.
Eligible qualifications include a degree in Survey Engineering or Civil Engineering, a diploma in the relevant field, or a National Trade Certificate (NTC) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in the Surveyor trade with practical experience.
In addition to technical qualifications, instructors must also possess the National Craft Instructor Certificate (NCIC) issued by the Directorate General of Training.
Conclusion
The General Information section of the Surveyor trade provides essential details about the structure, eligibility requirements, training duration, and institutional standards for the course. These guidelines ensure that all Industrial Training Institutes follow a uniform system of vocational education.
By completing the Surveyor trade training program, students gain valuable technical skills and practical experience required for employment in construction, engineering, mapping, and land development sectors. With increasing infrastructure development in India, skilled surveyors are expected to remain in high demand in both government and private industries.