ITI students to get new uniforms designed by NIFT

Ahmedabad: Students enrolled in Gujarat’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are set to receive redesigned uniforms by late 2026, with the winning concepts emerging from a first-of-its-kind design hackathon organised at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Gandhinagar.

Senior officials said the top prize of Rs 50,000 was awarded to a team from Gujarat University, while the first and second runners-up from NIFT Gandhinagar (NIFT-G) received Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. Officials from the Directorate of Employment and Training (DET) will now evaluate the shortlisted concepts before finalising the official uniform design.

The two-day hackathon, held on May 29 and 30 at the NIFT-G campus, brought together student teams tasked with designing uniforms for both soft trades such as computer operators and office assistants, and rigorous trades including fitter, welder and electrician. Participants were asked to create both unisex and gender-specific designs.

Officials said one of the major challenges was ensuring the total production cost, including manufacturing and transportation, remained under Rs 1,000 per uniform. Teams presented detailed concepts along with technical specifications.

DET officials said the initiative aimed to create affordable, comfortable and practical uniforms that also promote equality and a sense of belonging among students from diverse social and financial backgrounds.