ITI Shorthand Course: Admission, Syllabus and Career Options
The ITI Stenographer (Stenography/Shorthand) course is a 1-year certificate-level non-engineering vocational training programme offered under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) by the Directorate General of Training (DGT). Candidates require a Class 10 qualification to enroll, with course fees ranging between INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 per year in government ITIs and INR 10,000 – INR 50,000 in private ITIs, leading to starting salaries of INR 2.0 to INR 3.5 LPA.
Detailed information on ITI shorthand eligibility criteria, admission procedures, theoretical and practical syllabus, training hours, fee structures, top institutes, and career options is outlined below.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | ITI Stenographer / Stenography / Shorthand Course |
| Course Level | Certificate (Vocational Training) |
| Duration | 1 Year (2 Semesters / 1600 Notional Training Hours) |
| Minimum Eligibility | Class 10 pass from a recognised board; Minimum age 14 years |
| Government ITI Fees | INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 per year (up to INR 10,000 total) |
| Private ITI Fees | INR 10,000 – INR 30,000 per year (up to INR 50,000 total) |
| Governing Scheme | Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) under DGT, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2.0 – INR 3.5 LPA |
What is ITI Stenography
The ITI Stenographer course is a 1-year certificate-level non-engineering vocational trade conducted under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS). Overseen by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the curriculum is structured into 2 semesters spanning 1600 notional training hours. The trade is available in both Hindi Stenography and English Stenography streams.
The training curriculum prioritises practical skill acquisition, allocating 1200 hours to Trade Practical work to build high-speed dictation and error-free typing capabilities. The remaining hours focus on theoretical knowledge and workplace readiness skills.
| Course Element | Notional Training Hours |
|---|---|
| Professional Skill (Trade Practical) | 1200 Hours |
| Professional Knowledge (Trade Theory) | 240 Hours |
| Employability Skills | 160 Hours |
| Total | 1600 Hours |
ITI Stenography Eligibility
To secure admission to the ITI Stenographer course, candidates must meet basic educational and age criteria mandated by the DGT:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Secondary School Examination) or an equivalent examination from a recognised education board.
- Minimum Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 14 years old at the time of application. There is generally no upper age limit for vocational CTS enrollment.
ITI Stenography Admission Process
- Eligibility Check: Applicants must be at least 14 years old and have passed Class 10 or equivalent from a recognised board.
- Government ITI Admission: Admissions are mainly based on Class 10 merit lists or state entrance tests, followed by counselling.
- Private ITI Admission: Private ITI institutes generally offer direct admission without requiring entrance exams.
- Application Details: Application dates vary by state on official education board websites, while private ITI information requires visiting the institute in person.
The ITI stenography trade is offered in both Hindi and English languages. Candidates must meet the basic age and academic criteria before applying to government or private ITIs.
ITI Stenography Syllabus and Subjects
The ITI Stenography curriculum trains students to record spoken words rapidly using shorthand symbols and transcribe them accurately on computers. The course aims to develop shorthand dictation speeds ranging from 60 to 100 words per minute (wpm) and computer typing speeds between 30 to 40 wpm alongside high accuracy standards.
The subjects cover core shorthand principles, office automation software, and language proficiency, enabling students to handle secretarial and correspondence duties efficiently.
Top ITI Stenography Colleges
| Institute Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Ch. Brahm Parkash Industrial Training Institute | Delhi |
| Government Industrial Training Institute (I.T.I.) | Baramulla |
| Bishop Morrow Industrial Training Centre | Nadia, West Bengal |
| Jai Amman Industrial Training Institute | Puducherry |
Top institutes offering the ITI stenography course include government and private ITIs located across different regions. Students can pursue this trade at prominent centers like Ch. Brahm Parkash ITI in Delhi and Bishop Morrow IT Centre in Nadia.
How to Apply for ITI Stenography Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Eligibility: Verify 10th class pass qualification from a recognised board and minimum age of 14 years.
- Select Language Stream: Choose between English Stenography or Hindi Stenography depending on institute availability.
- Submit Application Form: Check state board of education official websites for government ITI application dates or visit private ITI institutes in person.
- Merit List or Entrance Exam Evaluation: Government ITIs select candidates based on Class 10 merit lists or state entrance tests, while private ITIs generally offer direct admission.
- Counselling & Seat Allotment: Participate in counselling based on entrance exam performance for assignment to a government ITI institute.
- Document Verification & Fee Payment: Provide a category certificate (if applicable) and pay course fees (INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 per year for government ITIs or INR 10,000 – INR 30,000 per year for private ITIs).
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | ITI Stenography colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
Admissions to government ITIs are primarily based on Class 10 merit lists or state entrance tests. Private ITIs generally provide direct admission without requiring entrance exams.
FAQs
What is the duration of the ITI Stenographer course?
The ITI Stenographer course duration is 1 year, comprising 2 semesters and a total of 1600 notional training hours under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS).
What is the minimum qualification required for ITI shorthand course?
Candidates must have passed Class 10 from a recognised board and be at least 14 years old. Some institutes may prefer 10+2 qualifications for English stenography.
What is the fee for ITI Stenographer in government vs private colleges?
Government ITIs charge an average course fee between INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 per year (up to INR 10,000 total), while private ITIs charge between INR 10,000 to INR 50,000.
What is the average salary of a stenographer after ITI?
The starting salary for an ITI stenographer typically ranges between INR 2.0 LPA and INR 3.5 LPA. Higher administrative roles like Steno Secretary can offer up to INR 5 LPA.
What subjects are taught in the ITI Stenography syllabus?
The syllabus covers Trade Theory (shorthand principles, consonants, vowels, computer fundamentals, MS-Excel, grammar) and Trade Practical (typing speed, MS Office, dictation, and email management).
What are the passing marks for ITI Stenography examinations?
Candidates must score a minimum of 60% in Trade Practical and Formative Assessments, and at least 33% in all other theory disciplines, with no grace marks awarded.
