The Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) has issued a fresh notice extending the registration window for the Industrial Training Institute Competitive Admission Test (ITICAT) 2026. Aspirants who could not complete their applications within the original schedule now get an additional opportunity to apply for two-year vocational programmes offered across the state’s network of government and private ITIs.
Affiliated to the Directorate of Employment & Training, Bihar, ITICAT functions as the single-window entrance test for first-year admissions to engineering and non-engineering trades — including Electrician, Fitter, Mechanic Diesel, COPA, Stenography, and Draughtsman, among others. The 2026 cycle covers an estimated intake of over 35,000 seats, distributed across 152 government ITIs and 1,500+ recognised private institutes.
📋 Table of Contents
📌 Examination Overview
The ITICAT serves as the gateway for vocational training aspirants in Bihar. Conducted annually by BCECEB on behalf of the Directorate of Employment & Training, the test evaluates candidates across general science, mathematics, and reasoning. Successful candidates secure admission into NCVT/SCVT-affiliated trades that culminate in the issuance of a National Trade Certificate (NTC) — a qualification widely recognised by central government undertakings, railways, and the apprenticeship ecosystem.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB) |
| Examination Name | Industrial Training Institute Competitive Admission Test (ITICAT) |
| Academic Session | 2026–2028 (Two-Year Programme) |
| Mode of Examination | Offline — OMR-based Pen & Paper |
| Total Seats (approx.) | 35,000+ across Government & Private ITIs |
| Affiliating Body | NCVT (National) / SCVT (State Council for Vocational Training) |
| Award on Completion | National Trade Certificate (NTC) |
| Official Portal | bceceboard.bihar.gov.in |
🗓️ Important Dates & Extension Details
The Board’s revised schedule accommodates candidates who experienced server delays during the closing days of the original window. The dates listed below reflect the latest official notification.
| Event | Original Date | Revised Date |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | Already Released | — |
| Online Application Begins | Already Open | — |
| Last Date of Registration | Earlier Cut-off | Extended (As Per Notice) |
| Last Date of Fee Payment | Earlier Cut-off | Same as Revised |
| Application Correction Window | — | Immediately After Closure |
| Admit Card Download | — | Notified Separately |
| Examination Date | — | Notified Separately |
| Result Declaration | — | Within 4–6 Weeks of Exam |
| Counselling Schedule | — | Post-Result |
⚠️ Aspirants are advised to verify exact deadlines from the official BCECEB notification PDF before initiating payment, as cut-off times generally close at 5:00 PM on the last working day.
💰 Application Fee Structure
Fee can be remitted through net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI via the integrated payment gateway. Once submitted, the application fee is non-refundable irrespective of admission outcome.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / BC / EBC | ₹ 750/- |
| SC / ST / Divyang | ₹ 100/- |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | As per category — concession may apply where notified |
| Mode of Payment | Online — Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed Class 8th or Class 10th from a recognised board, depending on the trade applied for.
- For most engineering trades (Fitter, Electrician, Mechanic Diesel, etc.) the minimum requirement is Class 10th pass with Mathematics & Science.
- For non-engineering trades such as Stenography or COPA, Class 10th in any stream is acceptable.
- Appearing candidates may also apply, subject to producing the qualifying mark-sheet during counselling.
Age Limit (As on 01.07.2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General (All Trades) | 14 Years | No Upper Limit |
| Reserved Categories | 14 Years | As per Bihar Govt. norms |
There is no upper age cap for ITICAT — a unique feature that distinguishes vocational entry from regular degree admissions.
Domicile & Reservation
Reservation is extended to candidates as per the Bihar government’s prevailing roster — covering SC, ST, EBC, BC, BC (Female), EWS, and Divyang categories. Horizontal reservation for women remains applicable in line with state policy.
🛠️ Trades & Indicative Seat Distribution
BCECEB conducts admissions for two-year duration trades only. One-year trades are filled through separate channels by the Directorate. The following list represents the principal trades on offer in the 2026 cycle.
| Trade Name | Type | Approx. Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Engineering | 4,800+ |
| Fitter | Engineering | 4,200+ |
| Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | Engineering | 3,100+ |
| Mechanic Diesel | Engineering | 2,800+ |
| Welder | Engineering | 2,500+ |
| Turner / Machinist | Engineering | 2,100+ |
| Draughtsman (Civil / Mechanical) | Engineering | 1,900+ |
| COPA — Computer Operator & Programming Assistant | Non-Engineering | 3,400+ |
| Stenographer (Hindi / English) | Non-Engineering | 1,200+ |
| Surveyor | Engineering | 900+ |
| Other Trades (Plumber, Refrigeration & AC, Carpenter, etc.) | Mixed | 8,000+ |
📝 Examination Pattern & Syllabus
The ITICAT is a single-paper offline test of 150 minutes conducted in OMR mode. Each correct response carries equal weight, and there is no negative marking — a structural choice that rewards comprehensive attempt strategies.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 30 | 30 | 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| General Science | 40 | 40 | |
| Mathematics | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Syllabus Outline
Mathematics
- Number System & Arithmetic
- Algebra (Basic)
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Trigonometry (Class 10 Level)
- Statistics & Data Interpretation
General Science
- Physics — Motion, Heat, Light
- Chemistry — Atoms, Acids & Bases
- Biology — Human Body Systems
- Environmental Science
- Everyday Applications of Science
General Knowledge
- Indian History & National Movement
- Geography of India & Bihar
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Bihar — Cultural & Economic Profile
📄 Documents Required for Application
- Class 8th / 10th Mark Sheet & Certificate
- Date of Birth Proof (Matriculation Certificate / Birth Certificate)
- Domicile Certificate of Bihar
- Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/EBC/BC candidates)
- EWS Certificate (where applicable, latest financial year)
- Divyang Certificate (if applicable, minimum 40% disability)
- Recent Passport-sized Photograph (scanned, 50–100 KB)
- Scanned Signature (10–50 KB)
- Aadhaar Card / Government-issued Photo ID
- Active Email ID & Mobile Number for OTP verification
🖥️ How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step
- Visit the BCECEB official portal at bceceboard.bihar.gov.in.
- Locate the link titled “ITICAT-2026 Online Application” on the homepage.
- Complete the Registration by entering name, parents’ details, contact information, and category.
- An Application Number and password will be generated — note these credentials securely.
- Re-login and fill in academic details, communication address, and choice of examination centre (Bihar districts only).
- Upload scanned photograph and signature within prescribed dimensions.
- Proceed to Fee Payment via Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI.
- After successful payment, generate the Application Confirmation Page.
- Download and print the confirmation page along with the fee receipt for future reference.
- If errors are noticed, use the Correction Window (opens after registration closes) to rectify.
🎯 Counselling & Admission Process
Post-result, BCECEB conducts online counselling in multiple rounds. Candidates must register separately for counselling by paying the counselling fee, exercising trade and college preferences, and locking choices before the deadline.
Counselling Stages
- Result Declaration — Merit list published district-wise & category-wise.
- Counselling Registration — Pay counselling fee and confirm participation.
- Choice Filling — Select preferred trades and ITIs in order of priority.
- Choice Locking — Final lock before allotment processing.
- Provisional Allotment — Seat allotted based on rank, choice & reservation.
- Document Verification — At designated facilitation centres.
- Final Reporting — At allotted ITI with original documents and fee.
Key Points to Remember
- Sliding option remains available across rounds for upgrade-seeking candidates.
- Mop-up round is conducted for vacant seats after the principal rounds.
- Admission becomes final only after physical reporting at the institute.
- Candidates failing to report within the stipulated window forfeit their allotment.
🔗 Important Links
🌐 Apply Online (BCECEB Portal) 📥 Date Extension Notice
📋 Information Brochure 🏛️ List of ITIs
Note: All links redirect to the official BCECEB portal. Aspirants are advised to bookmark the page and check periodically for fresh updates regarding admit card and examination date.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. By how many days has the Bihar ITICAT 2026 last date been extended?
The exact extension period varies as per the official notice issued by BCECEB. Candidates should refer to the latest notification PDF on bceceboard.bihar.gov.in for the precise revised cut-off date.
Q2. Can a candidate from outside Bihar apply for ITICAT 2026?
No. ITICAT admissions are restricted exclusively to candidates holding a valid Bihar domicile certificate. Outside-state aspirants are not eligible and their applications, if submitted, are summarily rejected.
Q3. Is there any upper age limit for ITICAT 2026?
No upper age limit applies. The minimum age requirement is 14 years as on 01.07.2026. This makes ITICAT one of the most age-inclusive entrance routes in the state’s vocational ecosystem.
Q4. What is the minimum educational qualification needed?
Class 10th pass (with Mathematics and Science for engineering trades) is the standard requirement. A few trades may admit Class 8th passed candidates. Appearing candidates can also apply, subject to producing the result during counselling.
Q5. Will there be negative marking in the ITICAT examination?
No. The examination follows a positive-marking-only structure. Each of the 120 questions carries one mark, and there is no penalty for incorrect responses, encouraging candidates to attempt the entire paper.
Q6. Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes. BCECEB opens a dedicated correction window immediately after the registration deadline closes. Limited fields such as photograph, signature, category, and personal details are typically editable. Trade preferences are exercised separately during counselling.
Q7. Is the ITICAT certificate valid for railway and central government jobs?
Yes. Trades affiliated to NCVT culminate in the National Trade Certificate (NTC), which is recognised across India for ITI-based recruitment by Indian Railways, Defence PSUs, and various central government undertakings.
Q8. What is the difference between government and private ITIs under BCECEB allotment?
Government ITIs offer subsidised fees and established infrastructure but have limited seats. Private ITIs (recognised by SCVT/NCVT) charge institutional fees as per state norms but offer broader trade availability. Both routes lead to the same NTC qualification on successful completion.
Published by SarkariRezults Editorial Desk | Last Updated: April 2026