Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar is a special institute initiated to support the well-known carpet industry of Kashmir. It was designed to provide new technology, contemporary training and skill upgrading to local carpet makers and designers.
The first ICT Srinagar was launched in 2004 due to the desire of the Jammu & Kashmir government and the Indian Ministry of Textiles to have a local centre where they can assist the carpet industry. The point was not to abolish the tradition of the handmade Kashmiri carpets but to add some new science and some accessible methods of producing carpets. Since handmade carpets are significant to the region culture and economics, a center such as IICT was required, where old and new ideas can merge together.
It is a very crucial source as it helps the people in the area by providing employment, skills and ensuring Kashmiri carpets remain sellable in every corner of the globe. Moreover, most of the inhabitants of the villages and towns rely on carpets to earn their living, and thus IICT is the hope of so many families in Kashmir.
History and Foundation
In February 2004 the government ordered the establishment of ICT Srinagar, assisted by the Ministry of Textiles of India and the state Department of Industries and Commerce. IICT is an extension of the primary Institute of Carpet Technology in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, however IICT is exclusively devoted to the requirements of Jammu & Kashmir.
The primary motive behind the establishment of IICT Srinagar was to assist the carpet workers by providing technical assistance, carrying out research, and assisting them in providing improved methods of producing, designing, and marketing their products. Since its inception IICT had been run by an executive committee comprising senior officials with the industry and commerce departments of the state. Since inception, the institute has been on the vanguard of several key initiatives in a bid to take the local carpet industry up to date.
Location of IICT, Srinagar
IICT Srinagar is located in the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir-Srinagar. The location was selected as Srinagar is located in the core of the traditional Kashmiri carpet-making regions, with skilled weavers, traders, and students able to travel to the institute to train and be supported. This city is also closely connected with the other towns in the Kashmir valley, and this helped the institute to reach more people in the nearby villages as well.
Vision & Services
Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Srinagar, offers various services and assistance to the carpet fraternity:
- Skills upgrading training workshops in carpet weaving, and designing, quality checking.
- Creation and Development of Design, use of computer aided design (CAD) software to design carpets faster and in a better manner. The institute special carpet design software helps in changing the designs into the traditional talim scripts that are of greatest significance to the weavers.
- using scientific methods so that new and better carpet products can be developed through research and Product Development in the carpet manufacturing industry.
- Certification and Testing Labs to verify quality to ensure carpets are up to global standard.Assisting the registration of Kashmiri hand-knotted carpets as GI products, which have international fame and are legally protected as exclusive goods.
- Advisory and support to local entrepreneurs, exporters and carpet manufacturers to grow their business and address any technical issues.
Courses at IICT Srinagar
The institute operates short term and long term courses:
- Periodic certificate and diploma courses on carpet weaving and designing.
- Computer aided design courses on new styles in carpet designing.
- Training of old weavers and young trainees on new techniques, color combinations, product development, etc.
- Quality management training, export regulations and business management training to carpet traders.
| Service/Facility | Description | Available Since |
| Training Workshops | Sessions on weaving, designing, and finishing | From 2004 |
| Design Development | Use of modern design software | From 2005 |
| Product Testing & Certification | Laboratory testing and quality assurance | From 2005 |
| Research & Development | Projects for new carpet methods and tools | Ongoing since 2004 |
| GI Tag Support | Legal help for Geographical Indication status | Since 2010 |
| Consultancy | Advice for businesses and exporters | Since 2004 |
IICT Srinagar Currunt Status
IICT Srinagar is operational to the fullest extent by September 2025. The institute has been busy conducting training, design workshops, product testing and routine research. It is also involved in the marketing of Kashmiri carpets to the external world and in helping local weavers to cope with modern world demands. IICT Srinagar is regarded as a major component of the textile development in the region and is confided in by students, artisans, entrepreneurs and the government.
Performance and distinctive work
IICT Srinagar is the first to achieve the use of computer-generated designs in the conventional carpets in Kashmir, thus assisting to translate traditional art into digital. This saves much time and energy and also preserves old designs forever. Through assisting Kashmiri carpets to acquire the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, IICT has ensured that only original and local carpets of Kashmir can be sold in India and elsewhere as Kashmiri carpets. IICT Srinagar also conducts exhibitions, workshops, research seminars, and other events to keep everyone in the carpet industry informed.
Conclusion
The carpet industry in Jammu & Kashmir depends very heavily on the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Srinagar. It is the intercourse between ancient art and modern science. Through the introduction of new expertise, research, and technology to local weavers, artisans, and designers, IICT will mean that traditional Kashmiri carpets will never be undervalued at home or in other parts of the world. The institute is committed and works hard to offer hope and a brighter future to thousands of families on a regular basis. Today, IICT Srinagar is in full operation and still serving all the people connected to the carpet trade and therefore, a big asset to the region.
FAQs
1. What is IICT Srinagar all about?
Its core is to assist and develop the traditional carpet industry of Jammu and Kashmir through modern technology, training support and research support.
2. Is there any one who can attend IICT Srinagar to train?
Yes, the institute has special courses to new learners and experienced weavers as well. It also educates designers, entrepreneurs and anybody with an interest in the carpet industry.
3. So what does IICT Srinagar do to assist local weavers?
IICT provides technical assistance, new design equipment and assists local weavers to refresh their skills, enabling them to produce a higher quality of carpets and earn higher incomes.
4. Does IICT deal only in carpets?
Mostly, yes. The primary target of ICT Srinagar is carpets though some of the research and training could also be used to assist other crafts that are based on textiles in the area.
Disclaimer: This is Not the Official Website of Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar. The Official Poral of IICT Srinagar is iictsrinagarcarpet-gi.org. This is Informational Website Sharing News Insights on Education, Finance and Carpet & Textile Industry.