ITI Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
Last updated · Confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official website before you apply.
A two-year NCVT trade in cooling systems, from split ACs to commercial refrigeration - seasonal, in growing demand, and among the easiest trades to run independently.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Entry after
- Class 10
- Entrance exam
- None
- Study mode
- OnCampus
- Licence
- Not required
What the trade is
Two years after Class 10, covering everything from a split AC to commercial cold storage. Demand climbs with both incomes and temperatures.
What you learn
The refrigeration cycle, compressors, gas charging, electrical controls and fault diagnosis, across domestic units through to chillers and cold chain equipment. Refrigerant handling is regulated and the rules are tightening, so the handling certification is part of the job rather than an extra.
Who it suits
People who want repeat customers. Annual maintenance contracts give an independent technician something rare in the trades — income that arrives whether or not anything breaks. Employers include AC service companies, appliance brands, facility management and cold chain operators.
The honest part
It is seasonal. Summer is relentless, winter is thin, and the money has to be managed across the year rather than spent in June. Much of the work is on ladders and rooftops in the heat. Skipping the refrigerant handling certification will close doors as enforcement improves.
Eligibility and admission
Who can apply. 10th pass with Science and Maths.
How you get in. State ITI merit / DGT admission portal.
How it is studied. Full-time at the ITI. Some trades also run under the Dual System of Training with an industry partner.
Admission rules change every year. Confirm eligibility, the entrance test and the calendar against the current official notification.
Where this can lead
Where people work.
- HVAC contractors
- Appliance service networks
- Cold storage and cold chain firms
- Commercial buildings and malls
- Gulf employment
What you can study next.
- NAPS Apprenticeship
- HVAC design certification
- Diploma via lateral entry
Cost, duration and indicative earnings
Indicative total course fee. Govt ITI: about 3,000 - 15,000 total; Private ITI: about 25,000 - 90,000 total.
Indicative starting salary. 13,000 - 24,000 per month.
Typical duration. 2 years.
Fees and salaries here are indicative ranges, not quotes. Confirm the current fee with the institution and treat the salary as a starting range that varies by employer and location.
Who can apply
1 route into this course.
| Qualification | Stream | Minimum | Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 10 | Any | — | Science and Maths |
Percentages are indicative. State directorates and individual institutes set their own cut-offs, and reserved-category relaxations differ by state.
Careers this course leads to
2 routes mapped from this qualification.
A course supports eligibility and preparation. It never guarantees a particular job.
Common questions
Who can apply for ITI Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician?
10th pass with Science and Maths. Admission is through State ITI merit / DGT admission portal.
How long does ITI Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician take?
2 years. Full-time at the ITI. Some trades also run under the Dual System of Training with an industry partner.
What does ITI Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician cost?
Govt ITI: about 3,000 - 15,000 total; Private ITI: about 25,000 - 90,000 total. These are indicative ranges, not quotes. Confirm the current fee with the institution.
What can I study after ITI Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician?
NAPS Apprenticeship, HVAC design certification, Diploma via lateral entry.
Turn this into a decision you can defend
Compare the route, follow where it actually leads, and keep one alternative in view before you apply.