
ITI Information Communication Technology System Maintenance Trade Syllabus
The ITI "Information Communication Technology System Maintenance" (ICTSM) trade is a two-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 installing, maintaining, and repairing computer hardware, software, networking systems, and communication technologies like CCTV, intercoms, and telecommunication systems. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical maintenance techniques, and employability skills to prepare students for roles such as system maintenance technicians, network support staff, or ICT service technicians in IT firms, telecom industries, offices, or as self-employed professionals in ICT maintenance services.
Course Overview
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters, each 6 months)
- NSQF Level: Level 5
- Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass with Science and Mathematics (or equivalent)
- Objective: To train individuals in maintaining and troubleshooting ICT systems, ensuring operational efficiency, network connectivity, and system reliability.
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)
Covers foundational concepts in ICT systems, hardware, networking, and communication technologies.
- Semester 1
- Introduction to ICT Systems
- Overview of ICT: scope, applications, career opportunities.
- Role of an ICTSM technician: system maintenance, user support, troubleshooting.
- Computer fundamentals: types, components (CPU, RAM, storage), functions.
- Computer Hardware
- Hardware components: motherboard, processor, memory, HDD, SSD, graphics cards.
- Peripheral devices: printers, scanners, webcams, external drives.
- Power supply: SMPS, UPS, battery backup systems.
- Operating Systems
- Types: Windows, Linux, macOS – features, architecture.
- OS installation: partitioning, formatting, bootable media creation.
- File systems: NTFS, FAT32, ext4 – structure, applications.
- Basic Electronics
- Electronic components: resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors.
- Circuits: basics of AC/DC, soldering, PCB troubleshooting.
- Measuring instruments: multimeter, oscilloscope usage.
- Safety and Maintenance
- Workplace safety: handling electrical components, ESD prevention.
- Personal hygiene: maintaining clean workstations, tools.
- Preventive maintenance: cleaning hardware, updating firmware.
- Basic Networking
- Networking concepts: LAN, WAN, MAN, internet, intranet.
- Network devices: routers, switches, hubs, modems.
- IP addressing: IPv4, IPv6, static vs. dynamic IPs.
- Introduction to ICT Systems
- Semester 2
- Advanced Hardware Maintenance
- Motherboard troubleshooting: diagnosing chipsets, slots, connectors.
- Storage systems: RAID configurations, NAS, cloud storage basics.
- Hardware upgrades: replacing CPUs, adding RAM, upgrading GPUs.
- Operating System Management
- User administration: creating accounts, permissions, group policies.
- System utilities: disk cleanup, defragmentation, registry editing.
- Backup and recovery: system imaging, data restoration tools.
- Networking Fundamentals
- Network topologies: star, bus, ring – design, limitations.
- Cabling: Ethernet (Cat5, Cat6), fiber optics, crimping techniques.
- Protocols: TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, FTP – functions, configurations.
- Communication Systems
- Telephone systems: analog vs. digital, PBX, VoIP basics.
- Intercom systems: wiring, installation, troubleshooting.
- CCTV systems: camera types, DVR setup, remote monitoring.
- Cybersecurity Basics
- Threats: viruses, malware, phishing, spyware.
- Security tools: firewalls, antivirus, encryption methods.
- Safe practices: password management, secure data transfer.
- Advanced Hardware Maintenance
- Semester 3
- Advanced Networking
- Network configuration: setting up VLANs, Wi-Fi networks.
- Network troubleshooting: using ping, traceroute, packet analyzers.
- Wireless technologies: Wi-Fi standards (802.11), Bluetooth, RFID.
- Server Maintenance
- Server types: web, file, database, mail servers.
- Server OS: Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS) – roles, services.
- Server management: Active Directory, DNS, DHCP configurations.
- Telecommunication Systems
- Telecom networks: GSM, CDMA, 4G/5G basics.
- Fiber optics: splicing, testing, OTDR usage.
- EPABX systems: installation, programming, maintenance.
- Database Maintenance
- RDBMS basics: MySQL, MS SQL – structure, queries.
- Database backup: export/import, scheduling backups.
- Database security: user roles, access control.
- ICT Support
- Helpdesk operations: ticketing systems, user query resolution.
- Remote support: using TeamViewer, RDP, SSH for troubleshooting.
- Documentation: maintaining service logs, user manuals.
- Advanced Networking
- Semester 4
- Cloud and IoT Maintenance
- Cloud computing: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS – AWS, Azure basics.
- IoT systems: sensors, gateways, smart devices maintenance.
- Cloud maintenance: managing VMs, storage, backups.
- Advanced Cybersecurity
- Intrusion detection: analyzing logs, monitoring traffic.
- Ethical hacking basics: vulnerability scanning, penetration testing.
- Compliance: data protection laws, IT security standards.
- Advanced Communication Systems
- CCTV maintenance: troubleshooting cameras, NVR/DVR issues.
- Access control systems: biometric, card-based system maintenance.
- Unified communications: integrating VoIP, video conferencing.
- Professional Skills
- Entrepreneurship: starting an ICT maintenance or consultancy business.
- Project management: planning system upgrades, maintenance schedules.
- Industry trends: AI in IT maintenance, green ICT practices.
- Soft Skills
- Customer service: addressing user complaints professionally.
- Team collaboration: working with network admins, telecom engineers.
- Time management: prioritizing maintenance tasks, emergencies.
- Cloud and IoT Maintenance
2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)
Focuses on practical maintenance and troubleshooting of ICT systems.
- Semester 1
- Hardware Assembly and Maintenance
- Assembling PCs: installing CPU, RAM, motherboard, storage.
- Connecting peripherals: setting up printers, scanners, webcams.
- Testing hardware: checking BIOS, POST, component functionality.
- OS Installation and Configuration
- Installing Windows/Linux: creating bootable USBs, partitioning.
- Configuring OS: setting users, drivers, network settings.
- Troubleshooting OS: resolving boot failures, system crashes.
- Basic Electronics Practice
- Identifying components: testing resistors, capacitors, diodes.
- Soldering: joining wires, repairing PCBs in mock setups.
- Using multimeters: measuring voltage, current, continuity.
- Networking Basics
- Setting up LAN: connecting PCs, configuring IPs.
- Crimping cables: creating Ethernet cables (straight, crossover).
- Testing connectivity: using ping, checking network status.
- Safety Practices
- Handling components: using anti-static wristbands, grounding.
- Cleaning hardware: removing dust from CPUs, fans.
- Organizing tools: maintaining screwdrivers, testers, cables.
- Project Work
- Assembling a PC: installing OS, connecting peripherals.
- Documenting hardware specs, installation steps, safety measures.
- Hardware Assembly and Maintenance
- Semester 2
- Hardware Troubleshooting
- Diagnosing faults: testing RAM, HDD, SMPS with diagnostic tools.
- Replacing components: upgrading storage, swapping GPUs.
- Configuring BIOS: adjusting boot order, enabling security features.
- OS Management
- Managing users: creating accounts, setting permissions in Windows/Linux.
- Backing up data: using external drives, cloud tools.
- Restoring systems: recovering from backups, reinstalling OS.
- Networking Practice
- Configuring routers: setting Wi-Fi, DHCP, port forwarding.
- Testing networks: checking speed, resolving IP conflicts.
- Simulating LANs: creating small networks in lab setups.
- Communication Systems Practice
- Installing intercoms: wiring, testing in mock setups.
- Setting up CCTV: connecting cameras, configuring DVRs.
- Troubleshooting telephones: checking lines, repairing connections.
- Project Work
- Setting up a small office ICT system: PCs, LAN, intercom.
- Preparing a troubleshooting report for hardware/network issues.
- Hardware Troubleshooting
- Semester 3
- Advanced Networking
- Configuring VLANs: setting up switches for segmentation.
- Troubleshooting networks: using Wireshark, diagnosing packet loss.
- Setting up wireless: configuring Wi-Fi, securing networks.
- Server Maintenance
- Installing Windows Server: configuring file, DHCP roles.
- Setting up Linux servers: hosting web servers (Apache).
- Managing Active Directory: creating users, policies.
- Telecom Systems Practice
- Installing EPABX: programming extensions, testing calls.
- Splicing fiber optics: using fusion splicers, testing connections.
- Troubleshooting telecom: diagnosing signal issues, line faults.
- Database Maintenance
- Managing MySQL: creating tables, running queries.
- Backing up databases: exporting data, scheduling tasks.
- Securing databases: setting user privileges, encryption.
- Project Work
- Deploying a server: hosting a web service, managing users.
- Documenting network setups, telecom installations.
- Advanced Networking
- Semester 4
- Cloud and IoT Maintenance
- Setting up cloud storage: configuring AWS S3, Google Cloud.
- Maintaining IoT devices: troubleshooting sensors, Raspberry Pi.
- Managing VMs: deploying virtual machines, backups.
- Cybersecurity Practice
- Configuring firewalls: setting rules for network protection.
- Scanning vulnerabilities: using Nmap, Nessus tools.
- Encrypting data: applying SSL, AES for secure transfers.
- Advanced Communication Systems
- Maintaining CCTV: repairing cameras, NVR issues.
- Setting up access control: installing biometric systems.
- Configuring VoIP: integrating voice, video systems.
- ICT Support Simulation
- Resolving tickets: handling mock issues (system crashes, network errors).
- Conducting training: teaching peers basic troubleshooting.
- Preparing reports: documenting maintenance cases, solutions.
- Project Work
- Designing an ICT infrastructure: network, servers, CCTV for a mock office.
- Presenting a portfolio with setups, maintenance logs, and user guides.
- Cloud and IoT Maintenance
3. Workshop Calculation and Science
Provides mathematical and scientific support for ICT maintenance tasks.
- Semester 1
- Arithmetic: calculating storage sizes, bandwidth, power requirements.
- Measurements: estimating cable lengths, server rack spaces.
- Science: basics of electricity, binary systems, signal transmission.
- Semester 2
- Calculations: determining network throughput, disk allocation.
- Logic: Boolean algebra, diagnostic flowcharts.
- Science: semiconductor physics, electromagnetic interference.
- Semester 3
- Statistics: analyzing network performance, error rates.
- Algorithms: basics of scripting for automation.
- Science: fiber optics, wireless signal propagation.
- Semester 4
- Calculations: cloud cost estimation, encryption key lengths.
- Probability: assessing system failure risks, security threats.
- Science: IoT sensor mechanics, cloud architecture basics.
4. Engineering Drawing
Focuses on technical drawing for ICT system layouts.
- Semester 1: Sketching PC layouts, cable connections.
- Semester 2: Drawing network topologies, server room plans.
- Semester 3: Designing telecom layouts, CCTV wiring diagrams.
- Semester 4: Preparing diagrams for cloud setups, IoT networks.
5. Employability Skills
Enhances job readiness and soft skills.
- Semester 1
- Communication skills: explaining technical issues to users.
- Time management: prioritizing repairs, updates.
- Basic IT skills: using ticketing systems, email platforms.
- Semester 2
- Teamwork: collaborating on network, telecom installations.
- Problem-solving: diagnosing complex system issues.
- Customer service: handling user queries professionally.
- Semester 3
- Leadership: guiding teams in system deployments, training.
- Documentation: writing technical reports, service logs.
- Ethics: maintaining data privacy, adhering to IT policies.
- Semester 4
- Entrepreneurship: planning an ICT maintenance business.
- Negotiation: discussing contracts with vendors, clients.
- Presentation skills: showcasing solutions to stakeholders.
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 hardware maintenance, networking skills, telecom troubleshooting, and project work.
Career Opportunities
- Employment: System maintenance technician, network support staff, ICT service technician in IT firms, telecom industries, or offices.
- Self-Employment: Starting an ICT repair shop, networking service, or freelance maintenance.
- Further Studies: Diploma in Computer Engineering, Electronics, or certifications like CCNA, CompTIA.
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) or consult your local ITI.
Trade Type
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