The state government's decision to provide annual tuition fee exemption for girls in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) starting from the next academic year is anticipated to significantly increase enrolment, particularly in regions such as the Belagavi division where demand is already high.
High Enrolment in Belagavi Division
State-run ITIs in the Belagavi division have consistently achieved around 85% admissions each year, the highest in Karnataka, compared to the overall state enrolment of 75% for 2025–26. There are 73 ITIs functioning in the Belagavi division. The state is divided into four regions: Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Mysuru, and Bengaluru. The government has announced free admission for girls from the upcoming academic year to further boost enrolment.
Industrial Growth Driving Demand
Officials noted that ITIs in the Belagavi region, including those in Hubballi-Dharwad, have seen high demand due to industrial growth and the expansion of industrial areas, which have created ample employment opportunities. Some centres in the region offer a large number of trades; for instance, ITI Vidyanagar provides 23 trades focusing on technical, mechanical, and electrical skills.
Current Female Enrolment Statistics
According to a department source, around 1,000 women candidates secure admission in government ITIs every year. Of these, approximately 500–600 join one-year courses, while 300–400 enrol in two-year programmes. With the annual tuition fee exemption of Rs 1,200 for women candidates from this year, officials expect a further rise in female enrolment.
Official Statements
Basavaprabhu Hiremath, joint director of the Hubballi division, department of industrial training and employment, told TOI that the region records around 85% enrolment annually. “We have about 10,000 seats across 73 institutions, and almost every centre reports near-full enrolment. We are working to further improve this. With the government waiving fees for women candidates, enrolment is expected to increase,” he said. He added that awareness campaigns are being conducted in rural areas regarding the fee exemption.
Ravindra Dyaberi, principal of ITI Vidyanagar, said there are nine ITIs in Hubballi and Dharwad. The Hubballi institute offers 23 trades, while Dharwad offers 11. “Out of 800 seats, more than 750 have been filled in Hubballi, while Dharwad has achieved 100% enrolment,” he said.
Career Outcomes and Future Prospects
Dyaberi added that 50–60% of candidates join industries, 10–20% pursue higher education, and the rest opt for self-employment. Admissions for 2026–27 are currently underway, and female enrolment, which was earlier low, is expected to rise. He said the district has seen strong industrial growth across sectors such as automobile, mechanical, and services. “Industries require skilled manpower and are keen to recruit trained youth from ITIs,” he said.
