Mangaluru: Around 50 seats in three diploma programmes offered by the Government Tool Room and Training Centre (GTTC) at Baikampady are lying vacant, and the institution has invited applications from eligible students for admission to the current academic year.
The courses offered at the centre include Diploma in Tool and Die Making, Diploma in Precision Manufacturing, and Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Authorities said admissions will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all the vacant seats are filled.
Speaking to reporters, GTTC Principal Lakshminarayana C R said the institution continues to provide industry-oriented, skill-based education with a strong focus on practical training and employability.
Three specialised diploma courses on offer
The Government Tool Room and Training Centre currently offers three diploma programmes catering to the growing demand for skilled professionals in manufacturing and technology sectors.
The Diploma in Tool and Die Making and Diploma in Precision Manufacturing are related to Mechanical Engineering and focus on advanced manufacturing techniques, industrial design and production processes.
The Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is linked to Computer Science Engineering and is aimed at preparing students for emerging technologies and the rapidly expanding digital economy.
The sanctioned intake for Diploma in Tool and Die Making is 60 seats, while Precision Manufacturing has an intake of 30 seats. The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning programme has a sanctioned intake of 60 seats.
According to the principal, around 50 seats across the three courses are currently vacant and applications are being accepted from interested candidates.
Skill-based courses with practical training
All the diploma programmes have a duration of four years and follow a curriculum that emphasises practical learning and hands-on experience.
The courses are structured with 70 per cent practical training and 30 per cent theory classes, enabling students to develop technical skills that are directly relevant to industry requirements.
Students seeking admission to these courses must have passed the SSLC examination, which is the minimum educational qualification prescribed for admission.
The institution believes that the practical-oriented nature of the programmes provides students with better employment opportunities upon completion of their studies.
Mandatory industry internship
One of the key features of the diploma programmes is the mandatory one-year internship during the fourth year of study.
Students are placed in reputed industries where they gain real-world experience and practical exposure to industrial operations. During the internship period, students receive a monthly stipend ranging between Rs 18,000 and Rs 23,000.
Officials said the internship component significantly enhances students’ employability and enables them to understand workplace requirements before entering the job market.
Many students also receive employment opportunities from the companies where they undertake their internships.
Good response in previous year
The principal said that last year, around 93 per cent of the available seats at the institution were filled, reflecting the growing interest among students in skill-based technical education.
He also noted that there has been a change in the fee payment structure for the current academic year. Until last year, students were allowed to pay the fees in four instalments.
However, based on directions issued by the government, fees will now have to be paid in two instalments from this academic year.
Hostel facilities available
Apart from academic and practical training, the Government Tool Room and Training Centre also provides hostel facilities for students, making it convenient for candidates from different parts of Karnataka to pursue their studies at the institution.
With nearly 50 seats still available, the GTTC administration has urged eligible students who have completed their SSLC to apply at the earliest and take advantage of the specialised diploma programmes that combine technical education with industry exposure and internship opportunities.