Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) conducts the ITI Common Admission Test (ITICAT) 2026 for admission to 33,108 seats across 1500+ Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Bihar — both Government and Private. ITI courses are 1–2 year National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) programs that make candidates industry-ready. Completing an ITI leads directly to employment in Central/State Govt depts, Railways, Defence, PSUs, and private industry — OR to a Apprenticeship under the Apprentices Act 1961 with a monthly stipend.
ITICAT is one of Bihar's most important entrance tests for technical education. Over 1 lakh students appear annually. Admission is strictly merit-based (marks in Class 10th qualifying exam). This is the OFFICIAL gateway to becoming a skilled technical professional in trades like Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Electronic Mechanic, COPA, Plumber, Turner and 100+ other NCVT/SCVT recognised trades.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Notification Released | 16 March 2026 |
| Online Apply Start Date | 16 March 2026 (ACTIVE) |
| Online Apply Last Date | 14 April 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 15 April 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | 16 – 17 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 08 May 2026 |
| CAT Exam Date | 17 May 2026 |
| Result Date | Will be updated on official website |
| Official Website | bceceboard.bihar.gov.in |
APPLICATION FEE
| General / EBC / OBC | Rs. 750/- |
| SC / ST | Rs. 100/- |
| PH (Physically Handicapped) | Rs. 430/- |
| Payment Mode | Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Mobile Wallet |
| Refund Policy | No refund once fee is paid. Verify all details before payment. |
AGE LIMIT — As on 01 August 2026
| Minimum Age — General ITI Trades | 14 Years |
| Minimum Age — MMT / MT Trades | 17 Years |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit (open for all age groups) |
| Note | Age relaxation as per Bihar Govt rules for SC/ST/OBC/PH/Ex-SM categories |
EDUCATION QUALIFICATION
| Minimum Qualification | Class 10th (High School / Matric) Pass from any recognized Board |
| Appearing Candidates | Candidates appearing in Class 10th exam in 2026 are ALSO eligible to apply |
| Merit Basis | Admission based on Class 10th marks — Higher percentage = Better trade & ITI choice |
| Preferred Subjects | Science + Mathematics marks have higher weightage for technical trades |
| Document Required | 10th Marksheet, School Leaving Certificate, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Aadhaar Card |
TOTAL SEATS & TRADE-WISE AVAILABILITY
| Total Seats | 33,108 Seats across Bihar's Government & Private ITIs |
| Duration of Trades | 1-Year Trades: Electrician, Welder, Fitter, COPA, Plumber, Wireman, Carpenter etc. |
| 2-Year Trades | Electronic Mechanic, Mechanic Motor Vehicle, Refrigeration & AC, Instrument Mechanic, Turner, Machinist etc. |
| Government ITI Seats | Priority: SC/ST/OBC reservations apply as per Bihar Govt reservation policy |
| Private ITI Seats | Merit-based + Management quota seats available |
| Seat Reservation | SC: 16% | ST: 1% | OBC/EBC: 43% | EWS: 10% | UR: 30% (approx Bihar norms) |
POPULAR ITI TRADES & CAREER PROSPECTS
| Sr. | Trade Name | Duration | Min. Edu. | Career After ITI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrician | 2 Years | 10th (Sci+Math) | Electrical Dept, Railways, Defence, PSUs, Private Factories — Salary Rs.15,000–35,000/month |
| 2 | Fitter | 2 Years | 10th (Sci+Math) | Manufacturing, Railways, Defence, Engineering workshops — Salary Rs.14,000–30,000/month |
| 3 | Electronic Mechanic | 2 Years | 10th (Sci+Math) | Electronics industry, TV/AC repair, Defence, ISRO, DRDO — Salary Rs.15,000–30,000/month |
| 4 | Computer Operator & Prog. Asst (COPA) | 1 Year | 10th Pass | Data entry, IT companies, Govt offices, BPO — Salary Rs.12,000–25,000/month |
| 5 | Welder | 1 Year | 8th Pass | Ship building, construction, automobile, Railways — Salary Rs.12,000–28,000/month |
| 6 | Mechanic Motor Vehicle | 2 Years | 10th (Sci+Math) | Automobile workshops, Transport Dept, Defence — Salary Rs.13,000–30,000/month |
| 7 | Plumber | 1 Year | 8th Pass | Construction, Municipal Corp, CPWD, Real Estate — Salary Rs.12,000–22,000/month |
| 8 | Refrigeration & AC Mechanic | 2 Years | 10th (Sci+Math) | AC companies, Cold storage, Hotels — Salary Rs.15,000–32,000/month |
| 9 | Turner | 2 Years | 10th (Sci+Math) | Precision engineering, Railways, Defence — Salary Rs.14,000–28,000/month |
| 10 | Wireman | 2 Years | 8th Pass | Electrical wiring, construction, Factories — Salary Rs.12,000–22,000/month |
AFTER ITI — GOVT JOB OPPORTUNITIES
▶ Railway Group D (RRB): ITI holders are eligible — 22,195 posts in 2026 — Pay Level-1 (Rs.18,000/month)
▶ Railway Apprentice (RRC): Direct apprenticeship after ITI — Western Railway 5,349 posts — Stipend Rs.5,000-7,000/month
▶ SSB Constable Tradesman: ITI in trade like Carpenter, Welder, Cook etc. — 827 posts — Pay Level-3 (Rs.21,700/month)
▶ DRDO CEPTAM: Technical A posts for ITI holders — Rs.25,500/month pay scale
▶ Army Agniveer: Tradesman posts available for 8th/10th pass candidates — Rs.30,000+/month
▶ State Govt PWD / CPWD: Junior level technical posts for ITI holders
▶ Apprenticeship under Apprentices Act 1961: Stipend Rs.5,000-9,000/month + Certificate with trade experience
▶ Self-Employment: ITI certificate holders can start their own workshops, electrical/plumbing businesses
SELECTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Written Entrance Exam (CAT) | Objective type test based on Class 10th syllabus — Mathematics, Science, General Knowledge. Duration: as per official notification. Exam date: 17 May 2026 |
| 2 | Merit List Preparation | District-wise + Category-wise merit list prepared on the basis of CAT score + 10th marks (weightage as per BCECEB formula) |
| 3 | Online Seat Allotment | Candidates choose preferred ITI and trade through online counselling portal based on merit rank |
| 4 | Document Verification | 10th Marksheet, Caste Certificate, Domicile, Aadhaar, Passport Photo verified at ITI on reporting day |
| 5 | Admission Confirmation | Fee payment + Enrollment at allotted ITI within stipulated deadline |
HOW TO APPLY — STEP BY STEP
▶ Step 1: Visit bceceboard.bihar.gov.in
▶ Step 2: Click on 'ITICAT 2026 Registration' link
▶ Step 3: Register with valid Mobile Number and Email ID
▶ Step 4: Login and fill the application form — Name, DOB, Father/Mother Name (exactly as in 10th certificate)
▶ Step 5: Enter 10th Class roll number and board details
▶ Step 6: Select preferred ITI trades (can select multiple preferences)
▶ Step 7: Upload scanned Photo and Signature
▶ Step 8: Pay fee — General/EBC/OBC: Rs.750 | SC/ST: Rs.100 | PH: Rs.430
▶ Step 9: Preview and submit the application form
▶ Step 10: Download and print Confirmation Page — keep safe for Admit Card download on 08 May 2026
▶ Exam Date: 17 May 2026 — Download Admit Card from 08 May 2026
