CITS Mechanic Agricultural Machinery Trade Syllabus (English)

Overview

The CITS Mechanic Agricultural Machinery trade is a one-year program designed to train instructors to teach the repair, maintenance, and operation of agricultural machinery in ITIs. Divided into two semesters, the course covers Trade Technology (theory and practical), Training Methodology, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Calculation & Science, and Soft Skills. It aligns with NSQF Level 5 standards, emphasizing advanced diagnostics, precision agriculture, and effective teaching methods. The syllabus adheres to the latest Directorate General of Training (DGT) guidelines for outcome-based learning.


Semester 1 Syllabus

Trade Technology - Theory

  • Introduction to CITS and Mechanic Agricultural Machinery Trade: Role of instructors, scope of the agricultural machinery industry, and trends (e.g., smart farming, automation).

  • Safety and Standards:

    • Advanced workshop safety: Risk assessment, PPE usage, and machine guarding.

    • Compliance with IS, ISO, and agricultural machinery safety standards.

    • Safe handling of fuels, lubricants, and hydraulic systems.

  • Agricultural Machinery Basics:

    • Types: Tractors, harvesters, tillers, and irrigation pumps.

    • Components: Engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems.

  • Engines and Power Systems:

    • Diesel and petrol engines: Construction, operation, and fuel systems.

    • Power take-off (PTO) systems and belt drives.

  • Mechanical Systems:

    • Gearboxes, clutches, and differentials in agricultural machines.

    • Implements: Ploughs, seeders, and sprayers.

  • Electrical Systems:

    • Basic electrical circuits: Batteries, alternators, and starters.

    • Wiring diagrams for tractors and machinery.

  • Maintenance Basics:

    • Preventive maintenance: Schedules for engines and implements.

    • Troubleshooting common faults in agricultural machinery.

  • Quality Control: Inspection of repaired machinery for performance and safety compliance.

Trade Technology - Practical

  • Implement safety protocols in a workshop (e.g., PPE, fuel handling).

  • Dismantle and assemble tractor engines and hydraulic systems.

  • Service and repair implements (e.g., ploughs, seeders).

  • Test and maintain electrical systems (e.g., batteries, starters).

  • Perform preventive maintenance on tractors and harvesters.

  • Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical faults in machinery.

  • Use diagnostic tools (e.g., multimeters, pressure gauges) for inspections.

  • Conduct quality checks on repaired components and systems.

  • Document maintenance and repair procedures.

Training Methodology

  • Instructor Role: Lesson planning, teaching strategies, and student evaluation techniques.

  • Communication Skills: Clear verbal and non-verbal communication for effective training.

  • Classroom Management: Engaging diverse learners and ensuring discipline.

  • Instructional Aids: Using projectors, digital tools, and e-learning platforms.

  • Practical Training: Demonstrating repair tasks, guiding practice, and providing feedback.


Semester 2 Syllabus

Trade Technology - Theory

  • Advanced Agricultural Machinery:

    • Precision agriculture equipment: GPS-guided tractors, drone sprayers.

    • Combine harvesters and automated irrigation systems.

  • Electronics in Agriculture:

    • Sensors and controllers in modern machinery.

    • Basics of CAN bus systems for machine communication.

  • Hydraulics and Pneumatics:

    • Advanced hydraulic systems: Proportional valves and load-sensing pumps.

    • Pneumatic systems in seeders and sprayers.

  • Diagnostics and Repair:

    • Advanced diagnostics: Use of OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) for tractors.

    • Overhauling engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems.

  • Sustainable Practices:

    • Fuel-efficient machinery and emission control.

    • Recycling of machine components and lubricants.

  • Automation in Agriculture:

    • IoT for equipment monitoring and telematics.

    • Robotics in planting and harvesting machines.

  • Entrepreneurship:

    • Starting an agricultural machinery repair business: Business plans, budgeting, and marketing.

    • Client acquisition and service contracts.

  • Industry 4.0 in Agriculture:

    • AI for predictive maintenance and yield optimization.

    • Cloud-based farm equipment management systems.

  • Legal and Ethical Issues: Machinery safety regulations, environmental laws, and ethical repair practices.

Trade Technology - Practical

  • Service and repair precision agriculture equipment (e.g., GPS-guided systems).

  • Test and calibrate sensors and controllers in machinery.

  • Overhaul hydraulic and pneumatic systems in a lab setup.

  • Use OBD tools for advanced diagnostics of tractors/harvesters.

  • Implement IoT-based monitoring for machinery (if available).

  • Perform overhauls on engines and transmissions.

  • Apply sustainable practices: Recycle lubricants and components.

  • Develop a business plan for a machinery repair service.

  • Document compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Training Methodology

  • Advanced Teaching Techniques: Micro-teaching, flipped classrooms, and blended learning.

  • Assessment and Evaluation: Designing tests, practical assessments, and grading systems.

  • Digital Tools: Using Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual labs, and e-learning modules.

  • Mentoring: Supporting trainees in skill development and career planning.

  • Project-Based Learning: Guiding trainees to complete repair projects (e.g., tractor overhaul).


Additional Components

Workshop Calculation & Science

  • Calculations: Engine horsepower, hydraulic pressure, and gear ratios.

  • Science: Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and material properties.

Engineering Drawing

  • Drawing Basics: Detailed component drawings of engines and implements.

  • Schematics: Hydraulic circuits and electrical wiring diagrams.

Soft Skills & Employability Skills

  • Communication: Client consultations, report writing, and technical presentations.

  • Leadership: Managing repair teams and service workflows.

  • Time Management: Meeting repair and maintenance deadlines.


Assessment

  • Internal Assessment: Continuous evaluation through assignments, practicals, and tests.

  • Final Examination: Theory and practical exams conducted by NCVT at year-end.

  • Project Work: Complete a machinery repair project (e.g., restoring a tractor) and a teaching demonstration.

Trade Type