iti 11 April 2025

ITI Desk Top Publishing Operator Trade Syllabus 

The ITI "Desk Top Publishing Operator" trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with skills in designing, formatting, and producing print-ready materials such as brochures, books, and posters using desktop publishing software. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical design skills, and employability training to prepare students for roles such as DTP operators, graphic designers, or layout artists in printing presses, advertising agencies, or freelance opportunities.

Course Overview

  • Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
  • NSQF Level: Level 4
  • Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass (or equivalent)
  • Objective: To train individuals in creating professional layouts, typesetting, and preparing digital files for printing using DTP tools and techniques.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in desktop publishing and design.

  • Semester 1
    • Introduction to Desktop Publishing
      • Role and importance of a DTP operator in publishing.
      • Overview of the printing and publishing industry.
      • Types of publications: books, magazines, brochures, flyers.
    • Computer Fundamentals
      • Basics of computer hardware: CPU, monitor, printer, scanner.
      • Operating systems: Windows basics, file management.
      • Introduction to DTP software: Adobe PageMaker, CorelDRAW, MS Publisher.
    • Typography and Design Basics
      • Types of fonts: serif, sans-serif, decorative; font sizes, styles.
      • Principles of design: balance, alignment, contrast, proximity.
      • Color theory: RGB, CMYK, color matching for print.
    • Office Software
      • MS Word: document formatting, tables, templates.
      • MS Excel: data organization for publishing needs.
      • MS PowerPoint: creating basic layouts and presentations.
    • Safety and Maintenance
      • Workplace safety: handling printers, scanners, and computers.
      • Ergonomics: correct posture for long computer use.
      • Basic maintenance of DTP equipment: cleaning printers, troubleshooting.
  • Semester 2
    • Advanced DTP Software
      • Adobe InDesign: layouts, master pages, text threading.
      • Adobe Photoshop: image editing, resizing, color correction.
      • CorelDRAW: vector graphics, logo design, illustrations.
    • Pre-Press and Printing Technology
      • File preparation: resolution (DPI), bleed, crop marks.
      • Types of printing: offset, digital, screen printing basics.
      • Proofreading and quality checking before printing.
    • Graphic Design Techniques
      • Creating layouts for multi-page documents: books, magazines.
      • Designing promotional materials: posters, banners, business cards.
      • Image manipulation: cropping, layering, applying effects.
    • Internet and Digital Publishing
      • Basics of internet: downloading fonts, images, templates.
      • Email: sending print-ready files to clients or printers.
      • Introduction to e-publishing: PDFs, eBooks, web layouts.
    • Professional Skills
      • Time management: meeting publication deadlines.
      • Client interaction: understanding design briefs and revisions.
      • Cost estimation: calculating printing and design expenses.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical DTP and design skills.

  • Semester 1
    • Basic Computer Operations
      • Setting up a computer and installing DTP software.
      • File management: organizing project folders and backups.
      • Connecting and operating printers and scanners.
    • Typing and Formatting
      • Practicing typing for speed and accuracy (20-25 WPM).
      • Formatting documents in MS Word: headings, paragraphs, tables.
      • Creating simple layouts in PageMaker or MS Publisher.
    • Design Practice
      • Designing basic layouts: visiting cards, letterheads.
      • Applying fonts and colors to sample projects.
      • Scanning and inserting images into documents.
    • Software Skills
      • Using CorelDRAW for simple shapes and logos.
      • Creating flyers and brochures in PageMaker.
  • Semester 2
    • Advanced DTP Skills
      • Designing multi-page documents in Adobe InDesign.
      • Editing images in Photoshop: resizing, retouching, filters.
      • Creating vector graphics and posters in CorelDRAW.
    • Pre-Press Practice
      • Preparing files for printing: setting DPI, bleed, and margins.
      • Converting designs to PDF with print-ready settings.
      • Proofreading layouts for errors in text and alignment.
    • Graphic Design Projects
      • Designing a magazine layout with text and images.
      • Creating promotional materials: banners, posters.
      • Combining text, images, and graphics for a brochure.
    • Project Work
      • Designing and preparing a complete publication (e.g., booklet or catalog).
      • Presenting a portfolio of DTP projects.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for DTP tasks.

  • Semester 1
    • Basic arithmetic: calculating paper sizes, margins, font sizes.
    • Measurements: converting inches to centimeters, DPI calculations.
    • Physics: understanding resolution and color output.
  • Semester 2
    • Calculations: estimating printing costs, page layouts.
    • Geometry: aligning elements, scaling designs proportionally.
    • Science: basics of light and color for digital and print media.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drawing for layout planning.

  • Semester 1: Sketching basic layouts for single-page designs.
  • Semester 2: Preparing detailed diagrams for multi-page publications.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

  • Semester 1
    • Communication skills: interacting with clients or printers.
    • Time management: completing design tasks on schedule.
    • Basic IT skills: using DTP software efficiently.
  • Semester 2
    • Entrepreneurship: starting a freelance DTP or design business.
    • Resume writing and interview preparation for design jobs.
    • Teamwork: collaborating on publication projects.

Assessment and Certification

  • Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
  • Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
  • Evaluation: Based on design accuracy, software proficiency, theoretical knowledge, and project work.

Career Opportunities

  • Employment: DTP operator, graphic designer, layout artist in printing presses, advertising agencies, or publishing houses.
  • Self-Employment: Freelance desktop publishing, graphic design services.
  • Further Studies: Diploma in Graphic Design, Multimedia, or Printing Technology.

Note

  • This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
  • For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) website (dgt.gov.in) or consult your local ITI.

Trade Type

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