iti 25 April 2025

CITS Desktop Publishing Operator 

Overview

The CITS Desktop Publishing Operator trade is a one-year program aimed at training instructors to teach desktop publishing and graphic design skills in ITIs. The course26 course is divided into two semesters and covers Trade Technology (theory and practical), Training Methodology, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Calculation & Science, and Soft Skills. It adheres to NSQF Level 5 standards, emphasizing advanced desktop publishing techniques, graphic design software proficiency, and instructional methods.

Semester 1 Syllabus

Trade Technology - Theory

  • Introduction to CITS and Desktop Publishing: Role of instructors, scope of the printing and publishing industry, and emerging trends (e.g., digital publishing, print-on-demand).

  • Safety and Workplace Standards:

    • Safe handling of printing equipment and chemicals.

    • Ergonomics and electrical safety in DTP labs.

    • Data security and intellectual property protection.

  • Fundamentals of Graphic Design:

    • Principles of design: Balance, contrast, alignment, and hierarchy.

    • Color theory: RGB, CMYK, and color management.

    • Typography: Font families, kerning, leading, and tracking.

  • Desktop Publishing Software:

    • Advanced features of Adobe InDesign, CorelDRAW, and Adobe Illustrator.

    • Page layout techniques: Grids, master pages, and style sheets.

  • Image Editing and Processing:

    • Advanced Adobe Photoshop techniques: Layers, masks, and filters.

    • Image resolution, file formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF), and color correction.

  • Pre-Press and Printing Technology:

    • Basics of offset, digital, and screen printing.

    • File preparation: Bleeds, crop marks, and imposition.

  • Digital Publishing:

    • Introduction to eBooks, PDFs, and interactive documents.

    • Basics of web-to-print solutions.

  • Quality Control: Proofreading, color accuracy, and print quality standards.

Trade Technology - Practical

  • Set up and configure DTP workstations with design software.

  • Create professional layouts using Adobe InDesign (e.g., brochures, magazines).

  • Design vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW (e.g., logos, icons).

  • Edit and retouch images in Adobe Photoshop (e.g., color correction, compositing).

  • Prepare print-ready files with proper bleeds, crop marks, and color profiles.

  • Produce a sample eBook or interactive PDF with hyperlinks and multimedia.

  • Perform quality checks on layouts and printed outputs.

  • Simulate pre-press processes: File checking and imposition.

  • Document design workflows and quality control procedures.

Training Methodology

  • Role of an Instructor: Teaching techniques, lesson planning, and student assessment methods.

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

  • Classroom Management: Engaging diverse learners and maintaining discipline.

  • Instructional Aids: Use of projectors, digital boards, and e-learning platforms.

  • Practical Training Techniques: Demonstrating tasks, supervising practice, and providing constructive feedback.

Semester 2 Syllabus

Trade Technology - Theory

  • Advanced Desktop Publishing:

    • Multi-page document design: Books, catalogs, and annual reports.

    • Automation in DTP: Data merge, scripting, and variable data printing.

  • Advanced Graphic Design:

    • Branding: Logo design, style guides, and brand consistency.

    • Packaging design and label creation.

  • Digital and Web Publishing:

    • Advanced eBook formats (EPUB, MOBI) and accessibility features.

    • Basics of web design integration with DTP (e.g., HTML/CSS for digital layouts).

  • Printing and Finishing Techniques:

    • Advanced printing processes: Flexography, gravure, and 3D printing basics.

    • Finishing: Binding, lamination, and embossing.

  • Industry 4.0 in Publishing:

    • Automation and AI in DTP (e.g., automated layout tools).

    • Cloud-based DTP solutions and collaborative platforms.

  • Quality Management:

    • ISO standards for printing (e.g., ISO 12647).

    • Statistical process control in print production.

  • Entrepreneurship in DTP:

    • Setting up a DTP or printing business.

    • Costing, budgeting, and marketing strategies.

  • Legal and Ethical Aspects: Copyright laws, licensing, and ethical design practices.

Trade Technology - Practical

  • Design and produce a multi-page document (e.g., magazine, book) using InDesign.

  • Create a complete branding package (logo, business card, letterhead) in Illustrator/CorelDRAW.

  • Develop an advanced eBook with interactive elements (e.g., videos, quizzes).

  • Design packaging or labels with proper die-lines and print specifications.

  • Simulate advanced printing processes and finishing techniques (e.g., binding).

  • Use cloud-based DTP tools for collaborative design projects (if available).

  • Apply quality control checks using ISO standards for print outputs.

  • Develop a business plan for a DTP or printing venture.

  • Document compliance with copyright and licensing requirements.

Training Methodology

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

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

  • Digital Tools for Training: Use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual labs, and e-learning modules.

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

  • Project-Based Learning: Guiding trainees to complete DTP projects (e.g., designing a marketing campaign).

Additional Components

Workshop Calculation & Science

  • Calculations: Cost estimation for print jobs, paper quantity calculations, and file size optimization.

  • Science: Properties of inks, papers, and substrates; basics of light and color physics.

Engineering Drawing

  • Drawing Basics: Layout diagrams for print setups and imposition schemes.

  • Design Schematics: Sketches for packaging templates and die-lines.

Soft Skills & Employability Skills

  • Communication: Report writing, presentation skills, and client interaction.

  • Leadership: Supervising teams and managing DTP projects.

  • Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and meeting print deadlines.

Assessment

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

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

  • Project Work: Trainees must complete a DTP project (e.g., designing a complete publication) and a teaching demonstration.

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Trade Type