ATI Scheme 2026: Financial Assistance for MSME Training & State EDIs

At a glance

About the scheme

The Assistance to Training Institutions (ATI) Scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, created to strengthen entrepreneurship training and skill infrastructure across the country. The programme offers financial assistance to national MSME training organisations, helps meet revenue deficits of NI-MSME, and funds existing state-run EDIs to modernise facilities, procure modern equipment, and train instructors. In addition, the scheme finances National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant training courses and Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes to upgrade the skills of trainers, District Industries Centre (DIC) staff, and state industries department officials.

Benefits

• Maximum financial assistance of ₹3 Crore (₹300 lakhs) per case to state-level EDIs for infrastructure, equipment, and faculty capability building.
• Grant for state-level EDIs is over and above any assistance received earlier under the ATI scheme.
• Coverage of actual infrastructure development costs and revenue deficits for training institutions under the Ministry of MSME, including NI-MSME.
• Hourly training assistance for Category I NSQF-compliant courses at ₹38.50 per head per hour.
• Hourly training assistance for Category II NSQF-compliant courses at ₹33.00 per head per hour.
• Hourly training assistance for Category III NSQF-compliant courses at ₹27.50 per head per hour.
• Assistance of ₹60 per trainee per hour (or common norms rate, whichever is less) for Training of Trainers (ToTs) programmes.
• First instalment of training grants released in advance, with subsequent instalments linked to fund utilisation.
• Coverage of overhead expenditures including motivation camps, space hiring, equipment, water, electricity, stationery, and project personnel deployment.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Training institutions operating under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
• Existing State-Level Entrepreneurship Development Institutes (EDIs) owned and controlled by a State Government or Union Territory, recommended by the respective State/UT Government.
• National Institute for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (NI-MSME) for infrastructure expansion or revenue deficit support.
• Eligible institutions for conducting skill development training programmes: NI-MSME, NSIC, KVIC, Coir Board, Tool Rooms/Technology Centres, and MGIRI.

Who cannot apply

• Private training institutions and NGOs are strictly not covered for infrastructure assistance or training programmes.
• Financial assistance is not available for setting up new EDIs (except previously approved or committed proposals).
• Cost of land and construction of staff quarters are excluded from grant calculations.

Documents required

• Copy of PAN Card
• MSME Registration Certificate / Udyam Registration of the unit
• Bank account details
• Any other document, as required by the Ministry

How to apply

1. 1Prepare a detailed project proposal covering infrastructure needs, equipment procurement, or skill development training schedules.
2. 2Obtain the formal recommendation of the respective State Government or Union Territory administration if applying as a state-level EDI.
3. 3Submit the physical proposal to the Deputy Secretary/Director (EDI), Ministry of MSME, Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi 110011.
4. 4The submitted proposal is reviewed and processed by the official Screening Committee.
5. 5Following screening recommendations and approval by the Secretary (MSME), administrative sanction is issued and funds are disbursed.
6. 6Track beneficiary reporting and project execution through the official portal at www.ati.msme.gov.in.

Frequently asked questions