What MSME TDC, Chennai does

MSME TDC, Chennai — officially the Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI) — is an autonomous training institution under India's Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, headquartered at 65/1 GST Road, Guindy, Chennai. Established in July 1957 with Ford Foundation assistance and later modernised with UNDP support under the National Leather Development Programme, it functions as India's premier footwear-skills institute, offering NSQF Level 3.5–6 certified diploma programs (3 months to 24 months), short-term CAD and craft courses, and government-scheme-sponsored training under PMKVY 4.0, TNSDC, SHG, ATI, KVIC, and related programs. Its infrastructure includes UNDP-assisted labs with state-of-the-art imported machinery and CAD/CAM systems such as OPTITEX PDS-21 (2D/3D leather goods CAD), ICAD, and Shoe CAD 2D/3D, and it maintains extension centres at Vaniyambadi, Ulundurpet, and Thavanur (Kerala) for decentralised delivery.

The institute serves individual students (10th-pass through postgraduate), working professionals seeking RPL certification, aspiring entrepreneurs in the footwear and leather goods MSMEs, women/SHG members, and SC/ST candidates eligible for fee exemptions. Revenue is generated primarily through tuition fees (Rs 6,000 to Rs 1,73,600 per program depending on duration and certification level), supplemented by fee reimbursements and government scheme sponsorship, with ancillary services including industry job works and technical support. Industry partnerships with placement employers such as Nike India, VKC Group, Tata International, Walkaroo, and KH Exports — alongside technology collaborations with Italian firms (MACAP, EUROMACHE, NEW LAST, IEXI) and CSIR-CLRI — provide a structured employer-recognition funnel for the 2,03,757+ alumni trained since 1957, including 154+ international students.

Commercially, CFTI is not a private enterprise but a government autonomous body with no private shareholders or venture capital backing; funding flows through Ministry of MSME allocations and training-related receipts. Marketing and outreach operate via the institutional website (cftichennai.in), social media channels (X, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube), institutional outreach to schools and colleges, participation in the India International Leather Fair, and an active seminar series covering 3D printing, Industry 4.0, smart footwear, and sustainable materials. Day-to-day operations are led by Director Shri. K. Murali.

Name

MSME TDC, Chennai

Legal name

Central Footwear Training Institute, Chennai

Website

https://cftichennai.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

MSME TDC, Chennai (Central Footwear Training Institute) is an autonomous government training institute under India's Ministry of MSME, delivering NSQF-certified footwear design, manufacturing, and CAD/CAM diploma and short-term programs to students, industry workforce, and MSMEs across India.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical & Digital Skills Training (BPACANAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Project, Quality & Operations (PMP PDUs, Six Sigma, Quality CE) (EDAAALAM), Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.) (BPAEANAA)

Keywords

• Footwear training programs
• Footwear design education
• Leather goods CAD
• Skill development courses
• Footwear manufacturing training

Headquarters

HQ city

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Course Tuition Fees: CFTI Chennai charges tuition fees for long-term and short-term footwear training programs. Fees vary by course and category (General vs SC/ST). Example: Advance Diploma in Footwear Manufacture & Design at Rs 1,73,600 for General students; Technician - Footwear Manufacturing at Rs 88,000 for General students.
2. Short-term Workshop Fees: Short-term specialized training programs charged at per-program rates. Examples include Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) at Rs 14,160, Data Recovery Training at Rs 9,000, Gold Appraisal at Rs 15,000.
3. Self-financing Training Programs: On-demand self-financing mode training programs including Export Startup, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Solar Power Installation, CCTV & Biometric Installation, GST Practitioner, and others, where participants pay for training on a per-program basis.
4. SC/ST Fee Reimbursement: Tuition fees are exempted for SC/ST candidates subject to production of caste certificates. The institute operates a SC/ST Tuition Fee Reimbursement Scheme with quarterly beneficiary lists.
5. Government Scheme Sponsored Training: Training conducted under government schemes including PMKVY 4.0, TNSDC, SHG, ATI, KVIC where costs are sponsored by respective government bodies for candidate training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

MSME TDC, Chennai (also known as Central Footwear Training Institute / CFTI Chennai) is a government autonomous training institute offering NSQF-certified long-term diplomas (12-24 months), short-term certificate courses, and government-sponsored skill development programs in footwear design, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, and leather goods technology. The institute operates with state-of-the-art imported machinery in UNDP-assisted modern labs and provides placement support to leading footwear brands.

Product overview

MSME TDC, Chennai (Central Footwear Training Institute) offers a comprehensive portfolio of footwear and leather goods training programs spanning long-term diploma courses (6 months to 2 years), short-term certificate programs, and specialized skill development courses. The core long-term programs include Advance Diploma in Footwear Manufacture & Design (ADFMD), Technical Manager - Footwear Technology (NSQF Level 6), Technical Supervisor - Advanced Footwear Technology (NSQF Level 5), Master Technician - Footwear Design & Product Development (NSQF Level 4), and Technician - Footwear Manufacturing (NSQF Level 3.5). Short-term offerings cover CAD tools (Shoe CAD 2D/3D, OptiTex PDS-21), traditional crafts (Pattern Cutting, Shoe Upper Clicking), and modern manufacturing (Die-Less Cutting). The institute also delivers government-sponsored programs under PMKVY 4.0, TNSDC, SHG, and other schemes. Supporting services include industry job works, technical support, and placement assistance for graduates.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Advance Diploma in Footwear Manufacture & Design (ADFMD)

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,03,757+ candidates trained including 154+ international students
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Walkaroo International Pvt. Ltd.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Walkaroo International Pvt. Ltd. conducted campus interviews at CFTI Chennai for student placements, representing a direct industry-recruitment partnership.
• KH Exports India Pvt. Ltd., RanipetminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026KH Exports India Pvt. Ltd. partnered with CFTI Chennai for conducting RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) programs to reskill, assess, and certify footwear sector workforce.
• High Glory Footwear India Pvt. Ltd. (Pouchen Group)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Representatives from High Glory Footwear India (Pouchen Group) visited CFTI Chennai extension centres to engage with trainees and witness practical footwear production sessions.
• Quality Council of India (QCI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Shri.Murali K, Director attended 2-day National Quality Conclave conducted by QCI for Leather, Footwear, Textiles & Pharma sectors to develop quality manufacturing roadmap.
• Pidilite Industries LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Pidilite Industries conducted a technical seminar on Advanced Adhesive Solutions for Footwear at CFTI Chennai, covering upper adhesives, full shoe adhesives, primers, and harmful solvents.
• Directorate of Technical Education (DOTE), Government of Tamil NaduminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Shri.Murali K, Director met Dr.S.Vishakan IAS (Commissioner, DOTE) to discuss conducting Footwear courses in Government of Tamil Nadu Polytechnics and ITIs in prospective footwear clusters.
• Sri Vidhya Mandir CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026CFTI Chennai's Director distributed certificates at Sri Vidhya Mandir college and conducted institutional outreach for footwear training awareness.
• Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) - Vetri Nichayam SchemecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026TNSDC's Vetri Nichayam Scheme sponsors footwear manufacturing training at CFTI Chennai, delivering hands-on training from cutting to assembly to finishing for youth.
• Office of DC MSME - SHG SchemecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026SHG Scheme sponsored by the Office of DC MSME provides footwear training for SC/ST candidates at CFTI Chennai and its Ulundurpet extension centre.
• National AI (Artificial Intelligence) Summit & Expo 2026minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Heads of Tool Rooms/Technology Centres from various states, along with Office of Development Commissioner officials, attended National AI Summit at New Delhi with CFTI Chennai participation.
• CSIR-CLRI (Central Leather Research Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026CSIR-CLRI collaborative programs offered at CFTI Chennai for footwear and leather technology training and research.
• 39th India International Leather Fair (IILF)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026CFTI Chennai actively participated in the 39th India International Leather Fair at Chennai Trade Centre, showcasing footwear innovation, craftsmanship, and training pathways.
• AMANN GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024AMANN Group participated in CFTI Chennai's 23rd Seminar Series covering thread manufacturing, quality certification, and supply chain topics for footwear industry.
• Vardhman A&E ThreadsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Vardhman A&E Threads conducted a seminar at CFTI Chennai on thread categories, sustainability, and testing for footwear manufacturing students and industry professionals.
• TAAVIEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024TAAVIE participated in CFTI Chennai's 22nd Seminar Series covering Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Digital Transformation, and Lean Manufacturing for footwear sector.
• ATI (American Microsystems)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024ATI Scheme provides NSQF-approved footwear training (Stitching Operator) at CFTI Chennai's Vaniyambadi extension centre under ATI-sponsored external assessments.
• CMI Machines Pvt LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023CMI Machines presented at CFTI Chennai's 15th Seminar on Industry 4.0 applications, 3D printing, ICAD Tex Materials Scanner, and ERP integration for footwear industry digitalization.
• Ministry of MSME, Government of IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFTI Chennai operates as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India - its parent ministry providing institutional mandate, funding, and governance.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Skill Training Institute (NSTI): NSTIs are government-run skill training institutes under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, offering advanced vocational training across multiple trades including leather and footwear. Comparable as a government-funded vocational skilling institution with similar NSQF framework alignment, but broader in scope and not footwear-specialized.
• National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT): NIFT is India's premier government-backed fashion and design education institution with multiple campuses offering design programs including accessory and footwear design. Comparable as a government-supported, design-focused skilling institution that overlaps with CFTI's design curriculum (MTFDPD, JTFDP) but operates at a broader fashion scale with stronger placement brands.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK): PMKK is a network of government-affiliated skill training centers delivering PMKVY-aligned short-term skilling across India. Comparable as a PMKVY-scheme-aligned skilling delivery institution; competes for scheme-driven footwear training candidates in similar clusters but lacks CFTI's footwear specialization and 69-year brand.

Direct peers

• Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI): FDDI is India's largest premier footwear and leather goods training institute, operating multiple campuses nationwide under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Directly comparable to CFTI Chennai as a government-supported footwear design, manufacturing, and technology training institution with similar NSQF-aligned curriculum and global brand placements.

Others

• Apparel, Made-ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC): AMHSSC is the designated Sector Skill Council for the apparel and allied sectors including footwear, setting NSQF standards and certifying trainers and assessors. Comparable as an industry-aligned skilling standards body that influences CFTI's curriculum and assessment frameworks, though not a direct training delivery competitor.
• Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC): LSSC is the designated Sector Skill Council for the Indian leather industry, setting occupational standards and certifying trainers for footwear and leather goods. Comparable as a footwear/leather skilling standards and certification body that directly influences CFTI's NSQF curriculum and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments.
• Footwear Manufacturers Association of India (FMAI): FMAI is the apex industry body representing Indian footwear manufacturers, coordinating industry standards, training initiatives, and policy advocacy. Comparable as an industry counterpart that interfaces with CFTI on placement, curriculum, and policy matters; participates in CFTI's seminars and India International Leather Fair activities.

Regional players

• Politecnico Calzaturiero (Italian Footwear Polytechnic): Politecnico Calzaturiero is Italy's premier footwear industry training and research institution based in the Riviera del Brenta footwear cluster. Comparable as a sector-specialized footwear technology training institution with strong industry placement partnerships; serves as an international reference point for CFTI's CAD, design, and manufacturing curriculum.
• CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI): CSIR-CLRI is India's premier R&D institution for leather and footwear science, headquartered in Chennai with collaborative training programs at CFTI. Comparable in its leather/footwear specialization and government backing, but more research-oriented than training-focused; serves as an academic partner rather than direct competitor.
• Confindustria Moda / Assocalzaturifici Training Programs: Assocalzaturifici is the Italian National Association of Footwear Manufacturers, which coordinates industry-led training and certification for Italian footwear brands. Comparable as an industry-association-driven footwear skills training system in Italy; relevant international benchmark for CFTI's industry-partnership-driven placement model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CFTI_Chennai
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@centralfootweartrainingins11
• Facebookfacebook.com/Cftichennaiinfo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/msme-tdc-chennai

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about MSME TDC, Chennai