Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Varanasi

About

The Govt. of India, being impressed with the great potential that existed for developing the Central Weaving Instt. both as major research hub as well as a training Instt. for providing trained man-power to the Handloom sector in the field of Handloom Technology, decided to take over this Instt. During the year 1956. Accordingly, on 17th. Sept., 1956, the Central Weaving Instt. was taken over by All India Handloom Board on behalf of the Central Govt. and thus became a part of the Textile Commissioner’s Office and the Instt. Was renamed as Indian Instt. of Handloom Technology. 1976, it has been functioning under the aegis of O/o Development Commissioner for Handlooms, M/o Textiles.

In 1962, the re-organized long term (3 years) course, viz. Diploma in Handloom Technology was started which has been re-named as Diploma in Handloom & Textile Technology since academic session 2009-10. The institute has switched over to SEMESTER System effective from the Academic Session, i.e., 2011-12. Apart from DHTT, three semesters (1/½ years) Post Diploma course in Textile Chemistry has been introduced in 1983, which is renamed as Post Diploma in Textile Processing w.e.f. 2009-2010

A new UG programme B.Tech Handloom & Textile Technology has been started in this institution from the academic year 2021-22 onwards. The programme is approved by AICTE, New Delhi and affiliated to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow. This B.Tech Handloom & Textile Technology is a unique programme which is offered only by this Institution in North India.

In olden days Indian handloom Industry was not having trained technical personnel and was solely dependent on the expertise and knowledge passed on from generation to generation for its survival and development. It was in this context that the Government of India decided to set up Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology with the prime objective of providing technical personnel trained in new methods and latest development in the field of Handloom to enable the Handloom industry to face the challenges from other sector of the Textile Industry. The first Indian Institute of Handloom Technology was established in 1956 at Varanasi by taking over the Central Weaving Institute, Varanasi. The second Institute was established in 1960 at Salem in Tamil Nadu by taking over the Government Textile Institute at Madras and shifting the same to Salem, one of the important Handloom Weaving Centers in southern India. At present there are six Indian Institutes of handloom Technology in the Central Sector and four Institutes in State Sector. The Central Sector Institutes are located at

• Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
  
• Salem in Tamil Nadu
  
• Guwahati in Assam (Estd. In 1982)
  
• Jodhpur in Rajasthan (Estd. In 1993)
  
• Bargarh in Orissa (estd. In 2008).
  
• Shantipur in West Bengal (estd. In 2015)

Some Highlights of Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Varanasi

1. Premier Government Institute

IIHT Varanasi is one of India’s leading government institutes dedicated to handloom technology, funded by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, ensuring quality education at affordable fees.

2. Legacy and Expertise

Established in 1919, it is one of the oldest textile institutes in the country, known for its century-long experience in handloom, textile, and fabric design education.

3. Specialized Technical Education

The institute offers unique programs focused on handloom technology, textile engineering fundamentals, fibre science, dyeing, weaving, and fashion-oriented studies, which are not commonly found elsewhere.

4. Industry-Oriented Curriculum

Courses are designed to meet the needs of India’s handloom, textile, and apparel sectors, integrating practical training, lab work, and industrial exposure.

5. Advanced Laboratories

IIHT Varanasi has well-equipped labs for dyeing, weaving, fabric testing, CAD design, yarn technology, and modern loom handling, giving students hands-on experience.

6. Strong Industry Connections

Students receive training and internships from leading textile industries, MSMEs, and government handloom development bodies, improving employability.

7. Supportive Placement Cell

A dedicated placement cell helps students secure jobs in textile mills, handloom clusters, government organizations, fabric manufacturing units, and export firms.

8. Affordable Fees & Scholarships

Government subsidies make education highly affordable, and students can avail national and state scholarships, making it accessible for all socio-economic groups.

9. Skill Development Opportunities

The institute provides workshops, entrepreneurship training, field visits, and practical exposure, preparing students to start their own units or work in industry.

10. Cultural and Traditional Hub

Located in Varanasi—India’s famous textile & handloom centre—students experience the city’s rich heritage in weaving, Banarasi saree production, and artisanal craftsmanship, deeply enriching their learning.

Admission Procedure

IIHT Varanasi Courses are offered at UG, Diploma, PG Diploma level. There are 4 courses offered at IIHT Varanasi. The courses are offered disciplines like Engineering, Science. IIHT Varanasi courses includes B.Tech, Polytechnic, B.Tech {Lateral}, PG Diploma. Popular courses at IIHT Varanasi are B.Tech, Polytechnic, B.Tech {Lateral}.

Admission Criteria

B.Tech Admission

IIHT Varanasi admission to the B.Tech program in Handloom & Textile Technology. For admission to the B.Tech program, candidate needs to appear for JEE Main entrance exam. IIHT Varanasi admission would be done on the basis of JEE MAIN rank against vacant seats available after completion of all rounds of JoSAA/CSAB or UPTAC. 33 Seats are offered by IIHT Varanasi to the candidates attending JEE main counseling conducted by the CSAB. Another 33 seats are offered to the candidates attending UPTAC counseling of AKTU.

Diploma Admission

IIHT Varanasi offers a diploma course in Handloom and Textile Technology. To get admission in the first year, students must have passed the 10th class or an equivalent exam with English as one of the subjects. Admission is given based on marks in the 10th exam, followed by counselling at the institute.

Scholarship

Students may receive:

• Central Government scholarships

• State Government scholarships

• Category-based scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)

• Ministry of Textiles stipend for diploma students

• Merit-based financial assistance
  These scholarships help reduce the financial burden for students from all backgrounds.

Placement

IIHT Varanasi offers placement assistance through its training and placement cell. Students get opportunities in:

• Textile mills

• Dyeing and printing units

• Garment manufacturing industries

• Testing laboratories

• Handloom development corporations

• MSME textile units

• Government schemes like Handloom Clusters & Textile Parks
  Many graduates also start their own weaving units, dyeing houses, or design businesses, supported by practical training received at the institute.

Facilities Offered @ Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Varanasi

IIHT Varanasi provides students with well-maintained academic and training facilities that support both theoretical and practical learning. The campus includes modern weaving labs, textile processing labs, design studios, IT-enabled classrooms, and testing labs. Students receive hands-on experience with looms, dyeing units, and textile machinery to build industry-relevant skills. Recreational areas, study zones, hostels, and student support amenities make the learning environment comfortable and productive.

• A comprehensive collection of books on weaving, textile chemistry, yarn manufacturing, design, and quality control
  
• National and international journals on textiles
  
• Reference materials, research publications, and handloom cluster reports
  
• Digital resources and e-materials for advanced learning
  
• Quiet reading rooms and study spaces
  
• The library supports students in research and technology-based learning in all textile subjects.
  

Hostel

• Separate hostels for boys and girls

• Furnished rooms with basic amenities

• Mess facility providing hygienic meals

• Common recreation area

• Hostel wardens for safety and discipline
  The hostel environment is designed to support a comfortable academic stay.

Transport

• Easy connectivity through city buses and auto-rickshaws

• Proximity to major roads in Varanasi

• Transportation support for industrial visits and field training.
  The campus is accessible from railway stations and nearby towns.