Theory - 1 :- Punctuality and Discipline expected of trainees. Course duration, methodology and structure of the training program.

1. Trainee Discipline & Punctuality Expectations

Professional discipline forms the foundation of a successful technical career. As ICTSM technicians, high standards of workplace behavior are expected at all times.

• Punctuality & Time Management: Arrive on time for both theoretical lectures and practical lab sessions. Late entry interrupts active learning and technical workflows.
• Attendance Requirement: Maintain a minimum of 80% attendance to qualify for final trade examinations and practical assessments.
• Standard Workshop Uniform: Always wear the prescribed ITI uniform along with safety shoes. Protective gear guards against electrical hazards and mechanical injuries.
• Laboratory Safety Guidelines:
  • Never touch live electrical terminals or open power supply units (PSUs) without supervision.
  • Wear an ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) wrist strap when handling sensitive microprocessors, RAM, and system motherboards.
  • Keep food, water, and liquids strictly outside the computer assembly and networking lab.
• Professional Conduct: Follow instructions given by instructors, maintain clean workstations, and handle all measuring equipment (e.g., multimeters, LAN testers) with proper care.

2. ICTSM Course Overview & NSQF Level 4 Framework

The Information & Communication Technology System Maintenance (ICTSM) trade is aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) Level 4 guidelines issued by DGT under NCVT. It equips trainees to work independently as system maintenance and network support technicians.

Key Highlights

• Course Duration: 2 Years (1200 Hours/Year structure)
• Qualification Level: NSQF Level 4
• Training Ratio: 70% Practical Hands-on Training | 30% Theoretical Knowledge

Training Methodology

• Interactive Lectures: Multimedia presentations, component demonstrations, and architectural block diagrams.
• Practical Workbench Labs: Hands-on experience with hardware assembly, OS installation, router configuration, and cable crimping.
• Industrial Visits & OJT: Field exposure to computer assembly lines, data centers, and IT support service environments.
• Continuous Assessment: Weekly practical assignments, periodic unit tests, and terminal trade tests.

3. Course Structure & Core Skill Modules

Year 1: Hardware & OS

• Electrical & Electronics Fundamentals
• Motherboard Architecture & PC Assembly
• OS Installation & Configuration
• Peripherals & Printer Maintenance

Year 2: Networking & Servers

• Network Topologies & IP Addressing
• Router & Switch Setup
• Windows & Linux Server Admin
• Network Security & Wi-Fi Setup

Term	Major Modules Covered	Core Skills Developed
Year 1	Basic Electricity, Electronics, Computer Hardware, OS & Software Tools	• Component testing using digital multimeters • Assembling desktop PCs & RAM/CPU installation • Formatting, partitioning, and dual-boot OS installation • Troubleshooting printers, scanners, and UPS systems
Year 2	Computer Networking, Server Administration, Cyber Security Basics	• Structured UTP/STP cable crimping (RJ45, T568A/B) • Subnetting, IP addressing (IPv4/IPv6), VLAN setup • Server configuration (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP) • Wi-Fi router setup, firewalling, and malware remediation

Key Takeaways for Trainees

1. Trade Objective: ICTSM trains you to assemble, diagnose, repair, and maintain computer systems, peripheral devices, and enterprise networks.
2. Career Pathways: Successful completion opens roles such as Hardware Support Engineer, Network Technician, System Administrator Assistant, or Self-Employed IT Service Provider.

"Safety First, Accuracy Always, Discipline Throughout."