Vision
The National Standards for Civil Services Training Institutions (NSCSTI) envisions a world-class training ecosystem that strengthens the foundations of India's civil services. By embedding uniform benchmarks, evidence-based evaluation, and a culture of continuous improvement, NSCSTI seeks to transform training institutions into hubs of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.
The goal is to ensure that every civil servant, regardless of cadre or location, has access to high-quality, future-ready learning that enhances their ability to serve citizens with competence, integrity, and accoutability.
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Objectives
The overall aim is to significantly improve Civil Service Training Institutes individually and as a collective. The following are the objectives to implement the same:
Capacity-Building Initiatives
In parallel, capacity-building initiatives will accelerate through horizontal interventions. Implementing faculty development programs periodically, each training 30–35 faculty members at a time.
Further, CSTIs shall be supported in expanding the Indian Knowledge System, case-based training content and digitalisation. This will be achieved through structured workshops in collaboration with academic partners to strengthen the quality and relevance of content on platforms such as iGOT Karmayogi and Amrit Gyan Kosh.
NSCSTI 2.0 Focus Areas
NSCSTI aims to accelerate progress over the next phase by:
- Strengthening QIP outcomes: Enabling institutes currently at 0–2 star levels to move up to the 3-star benchmark.
- Driving reaccreditation: Encouraging institutes from the first accreditation cycle to renew and upgrade their standards.
- Introducing NSCSTI Lite: Launching a simplified framework tailored for smaller training institutes to widen participation.
- Enhancing digital experience: Revamping the accreditation portal with more interactive and user-friendly features.
About NSCSTI
The National Standards for Civil Services Training Institutions (NSCSTI) is a pioneering accreditation framework developed by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) under Mission Karmayogi. As the world's first comprehensive system dedicated to benchmarking and enhancing the quality of Civil Service Training Institutions (CSTIs), NSCSTI embodies India's commitment to building a competent, outcome-focused, and learner-centric bureaucracy ready to address contemporary challenges.
Introduced at the first CTI Roundtable in October 2021, NSCSTI was designed through an inclusive, consultative process, including six expert sub-committees and extensive workshops held between January 2022 and April 2023. The approach paper and portal were officially launched in July 2022, and capacity-building workshops and conclaves including the landmark National Training Conclave in June 2023 have engaged over 1000 CSTIs nationwide.
The framework is structured around 8 assessment pillars. These pillars are evaluated using standardized metrics across a five-stage maturity model, supporting institutions in diagnosing gaps and planning for continuous improvement. NSCSTI emphasizes universality, objectivity, and adaptability, ensuring all CSTIs, from national academies to regional ATIs, can engage meaningfully with the framework.
As of January 2026, 200 Civil Service Training Institutions have been accredited under NSCSTI. The accreditation has catalyzed improvements in governance structures, teaching quality, digital capacity, and collaborative practices. Star ratings awarded to these institutions highlight both excellence and areas needing significant support. To sustain momentum, CBC has initiated 47 Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) tailored to help institutions address gaps with clear action plans, mentorship, and measurable targets.
Horizontal interventions have further strengthened the ecosystem. Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) have built faculty capacity across CSTIs, while the DigiManthan initiatives have supported the digitalization of over 1000 courses, fostering a robust phygital training ecosystem. Regional workshops and conclaves have enhanced cross-institutional learning, widened participation, and promoted a shared commitment to quality improvement.
NSCSTI 1.0 has laid a strong foundation for standardizing civil service training in India, embedding a culture of evidence-based evaluation and continuous enhancement. Building on field-level feedback and learnings, the upcoming NSCSTI 2.0 aims to be even more streamlined, inclusive, and future-ready, strengthening India's vision of a responsive, skilled, and accountable civil service for a rapidly evolving governance landscape.
Framework & Approach
NSCSTI is structured around eight assessment pillars that together define excellence in training institutions:
Governance & Leadership
Faculty & Pedagogy
Curriculum & Content
Infrastructure & Resources
Digital Capacity
Research & Innovation
Collaboration & Outreach
Monitoring & Evaluation
These are evaluated through a five-stage maturity model that supports institutions in identifying gaps and charting their path to improvement.
Chronology of Events (Pilot / Phases)
Key Milestones
200 Civil Service Training Institutions have been accredited under the NSCSTI framework including 23 CTIs and 13 ATIs among others. The framework has now expanded to include regional, zonal, and smaller CSTIs, making them eligible for accreditation under the prescribed criteria.
Analysis of the Accredited Institutes
Table A: Different types of institutes accredited (as of 26th September 2025)
| Type of Institutions | Number of Institutions Accredited |
|---|---|
| ATI | 13 |
| CTI | 23 |
| Others | 164 |
| Grand Total | 200 |
Star Ratings Distribution
Table B: Distribution of Institutions by Star Ratings
| Star Ratings | Number of Institutions |
|---|---|
| 5 Star | 8 |
| 4 Star | 8 |
| 3 Star | 43 |
| 2 Star | 64 |
| 1 Star | 65 |
| No Star | 65 |
| Grand Total | 200 |
Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)
The National Standard for Civil Service Training Institutions (NSCSTI) accreditation process is a significant milestone that signifies the adherence to predefined quality standards in civil service institutions. However, achieving accreditation is not the endpoint; it is rather a foundation upon which institutions must continually strive for enhancement and innovation. CBC aims to support institutions to improve the quality standards and enable continuous improvement of training delivery through a structured Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
The Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), with the active involvement and ownership of the institute and support from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Organizations (MDOs) and the CBC, encompasses the following:
- Identifying immediate opportunities for improvement (low hanging fruits) within the institutes.
- Developing a customized, actionable quality improvement plan.
- Assigning mentors to institutes to identify areas for improvement and recommend action points and strategies for quality enhancement.
- Focusing the QIP on targeted interventions that can yield significant improvements in training quality within the institute.
- Implementing the QIP within defined timeframes, ensuring trackability by the institute, mentors, and the CBC.
At present, 47 Quality Improvement Plans have been initiated by CBC.
Impact So Far
Way Forward
The accreditation of 370+ Civil Services Training Institutions (CSTIs) under the NSCSTI framework marks a significant milestone in strengthening the capacity-building ecosystem. With CSTIs increasingly recognizing the value of the framework and adopting it, the next steps must focus on scaling, deepening impact, and ensuring sustainable improvements in training delivery.
Scaling-up Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)
The Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) have proven to be effective tools for capacity building. Moving forward, the focus should be on:
- Customizing QIPs to address the unique strengths and challenges of regional and smaller CSTIs.
- Monitor progress and provide mentorship for sustainable improvements.
Regional Integration
With the framework now scaling to regional and smaller CSTIs:
- Localized Support Systems: Establish regional hubs for mentoring and support to ensure consistent implementation.
- Knowledge Sharing: Promote cross-learning among CSTIs through regional workshops and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Collaboration
Strengthen partnerships to amplify the framework's impact: Collaborating with Stakeholders: Foster collaboration between CSTIs, government agencies, and international organizations for resource optimization.
By focusing on these strategies, the NSCSTI framework can solidify its position as a transformative tool for enhancing the capacity-building ecosystem in India, ensuring that training delivery meets the dynamic needs of governance.
Testimonials & Voices
"NSCSTI has transformed how our institution measures quality and plans for the future."
— Director, Accredited CTI
"The framework ensures no training institution is left behind in the journey towards excellence."
— Senior Faculty, ATI