Mechanic Auto Body Painting

ITI Mechanic Auto Body Repair Trade Syllabus 

The ITI Mechanic Auto Body Repair 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 repairing vehicle body damage, including dents, scratches, and structural issues, using techniques like welding, panel beating, sanding, and painting. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical repair skills, and employability skills to prepare students for roles such as auto body repair technicians, panel beaters, or painters in automotive repair shops, dealerships, or manufacturing units, or as self-employed service providers.

Course Overview

  • Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
  • NSQF Level: Level 4
  • Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass with Science and Mathematics (or equivalent)
  • Objective: To train individuals in restoring vehicle bodywork to factory standards, ensuring safety, aesthetics, and functionality.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers principles of auto body repair, materials, and techniques.

  • Semester 1
    • Introduction to Auto Body Repair
      • Overview: role of body repair in automotive industry, vehicle anatomy (chassis, panels).
      • Industry scope: career opportunities, safety regulations, workshop setup.
      • Safety: PPE (gloves, masks, goggles), handling chemicals, lifting safely.
    • Vehicle Construction
      • Materials: steel, aluminum, composites in vehicle bodies.
      • Structures: unibody, frame-on-chassis, panel types (hood, fender, door).
      • Design: aerodynamics, crumple zones, corrosion protection.
    • Tools and Equipment
      • Hand tools: hammers, dollies, pry bars, sanders.
      • Power tools: grinders, MIG welders, plasma cutters, spray guns.
      • Measuring tools: tram gauges, calipers, laser alignment systems.
    • Dent Removal Techniques
      • Methods: hammering, pulling, glue-based dent removal, heat shrinking.
      • Principles: metal memory, stress relief, surface preparation.
      • Limitations: assessing repair vs. replacement for panels.
    • Welding and Joining
      • Types: MIG, TIG, spot welding, brazing for bodywork.
      • Materials: welding rods, gases, flux for automotive metals.
      • Safety: ventilation, fire prevention, arc flash protection.
    • Surface Preparation
      • Processes: sanding, degreasing, masking for painting.
      • Materials: primers, fillers, abrasives, cleaning solvents.
      • Techniques: feathering edges, achieving smooth surfaces.
  • Semester 2
    • Painting and Finishing
      • Paints: basecoats, clearcoats, single-stage, water-based paints.
      • Equipment: spray guns, booths, drying systems, color matching tools.
      • Techniques: layering, blending, polishing, defect correction (runs, orange peel).
    • Structural Repairs
      • Frames: straightening chassis, aligning unibody structures.
      • Tools: frame racks, hydraulic jacks, pullers, laser alignment systems.
      • Safety: ensuring structural integrity, crashworthiness post-repair.
    • Corrosion Protection
      • Methods: rust-proofing, galvanizing, sealants, undercoating.
      • Materials: anti-corrosion sprays, epoxy coatings, wax-based protectors.
      • Inspection: identifying rust, treating affected areas.
    • Plastic and Composite Repairs
      • Materials: fiberglass, ABS, carbon fiber in vehicle panels.
      • Techniques: bonding, patching, filling, reshaping plastics.
      • Finishing: priming, painting composites for seamless repair.
    • Troubleshooting and Quality Control
      • Diagnosis: assessing damage, estimating repair scope, cost.
      • Standards: OEM specifications, I-CAR guidelines, safety compliance.
      • Inspection: checking alignment, finish quality, structural strength.
    • Professional Skills
      • Customer service: explaining repairs, providing estimates, warranties.
      • Entrepreneurship: starting a body shop, sourcing materials.
      • Trends: eco-friendly paints, automated repair systems, lightweight materials.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical tasks in workshops and simulated auto body repair setups.

  • Semester 1
    • Safety Practices
      • Using PPE: wearing gloves, masks, safety glasses in workshops.
      • Safe handling: lifting panels, managing welding sparks, chemical safety.
      • Emergency drills: fire safety, first aid for burns, cuts.
    • Tool Handling
      • Using tools: hammering dents, sanding surfaces in labs.
      • Operating: welders, grinders, spray guns in mock setups.
      • Measuring: checking gaps, alignment with tram gauges, calipers.
    • Dent Removal
      • Repairing: removing dents using hammers, dollies on mock panels.
      • Pulling: using stud welders, glue pullers for dent correction.
      • Finishing: smoothing surfaces, preparing for primer.
    • Welding Practice
      • Welding: performing MIG, spot welds on steel panels in labs.
      • Joining: brazing joints, practicing seam welding.
      • Testing: inspecting weld strength, grinding excess material.
    • Surface Preparation
      • Sanding: using orbital sanders, hand sanding for smooth finishes.
      • Cleaning: degreasing, masking panels for painting in mock setups.
      • Applying: fillers, primers to repair scratches, minor damage.
    • Project Work
      • Repairing a panel: dent removal, welding, surface prep.
      • Report: documenting tools used, repair process, outcomes.
  • Semester 2
    • Painting Practice
      • Spraying: applying basecoats, clearcoats in spray booths.
      • Blending: matching colors, correcting defects in mock setups.
      • Polishing: buffing finishes, removing dust nibs, imperfections.
    • Structural Repairs
      • Straightening: aligning frames using hydraulic racks in labs.
      • Replacing: fitting new panels (fenders, doors) on mock vehicles.
      • Testing: checking alignment, structural integrity post-repair.
    • Corrosion Treatment
      • Treating: applying rust-proofing, sealants to mock panels.
      • Inspecting: identifying corrosion, preparing surfaces for coating.
      • Finishing: spraying undercoats, protective layers in labs.
    • Plastic Repairs
      • Repairing: patching fiberglass, bonding ABS in mock bumpers.
      • Finishing: priming, painting plastics for seamless integration.
      • Testing: verifying strength, aesthetic match with vehicle.
    • Troubleshooting
      • Diagnosing: assessing mock vehicle damage, estimating costs.
      • Repairing: correcting misalignments, paint defects in labs.
      • Inspecting: ensuring repairs meet OEM standards, safety norms.
    • Project Work
      • Restoring a vehicle section: dent repair, painting, alignment.
      • Portfolio: presenting repair logs, photos, quality checks.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Supports auto body repair with relevant concepts.

  • Semester 1
    • Arithmetic: calculating paint volumes, welding wire usage.
    • Physics: force, stress in dent removal, heat effects in welding.
    • Materials: properties of steel, aluminum, paint adhesion.
  • Semester 2
    • Geometry: angles in frame alignment, panel fitting.
    • Mechanics: torque, leverage in structural repairs.
    • Chemistry: paint curing, corrosion reactions, solvent properties.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drafting for auto body repair.

  • Semester 1: Sketching vehicle panels, welding joints, orthographic views.
  • Semester 2: Drawing frame layouts, panel alignments, paint booth setups.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

  • Semester 1
    • Communication: reporting repairs, interacting with clients.
    • Time management: prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines.
    • Basic IT: using apps for estimates, inventory tracking.
  • Semester 2
    • Entrepreneurship: planning a body shop, sourcing paints, tools.
    • Teamwork: coordinating with painters, welders, mechanics.
    • Problem-solving: addressing repair challenges, customer complaints.

Assessment and Certification

  • Examinations: Semester-wise (theory + practical).
  • Certification: National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally.
  • Evaluation: Based on repair accuracy, finish quality, structural integrity, and project work.

Career Opportunities

  • Employment: Auto body repair technician, panel beater, automotive painter in repair shops, dealerships, or manufacturers.
  • Self-Employment: Starting an auto body repair or painting business.
  • Further Studies: Diploma in Automobile Engineering, certifications in advanced welding, or I-CAR training.

Note

  • This syllabus aligns with NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly by institution or state.
  • For the latest version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) or local ITI.

Trade Type