Institute of Printing Technology-Chennai

The Institute of Printing Technology in Chennai holds the distinction of being the oldest institution in India dedicated to training printing technologists. Throughout its history, the institute has achieved several milestones in the realm of printing education, reflecting the evolution of graphic arts education in the country.

The pivotal year of 1926 marked a significant milestone for graphic arts education in India. During this year, the foundation was laid for training printing craftsmen and technicians. Initially, a printing section with types and equipment was established in the Madras Trades School, where evening classes in printing were initiated.

In 1927, a groundbreaking development occurred with the introduction of a regular training program—a four-year part-time certificate course. This program aimed to provide theoretical and practical training in Composing, Machine-minding, and Binding for employees and apprentices in printing presses. Notably, these classes were conducted in the evenings. This initiative marked the inception of the first organized course for the printing trades in the country.

The Madras Trades School, established by the Government of Madras in 1916 as the first technical training institute, originally focused on engineering trades such as civil, electrical, and mechanical. However, in 1926, printing was introduced as an additional course, becoming one of the sections of the Government Trades School.

The collaboration with the Madras Government Press at Mint and the Railway Printing Press at Royapuram, both overseen by British Superintendents at the time, was instrumental. These institutions not only provided their services but also dispatched experienced officers as Visiting Lecturers, significantly contributing to the effective conduct of classes at the Institute of Printing Technology. Thus, the institute's journey reflects its continuous growth and pioneering contributions to the field of graphic arts education in India.