Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) Sonipat: A New Era in Indo-Japanese Skill Development

EXPERIENCE JAPAN
Sep 19
2 min read

The India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) in Sonipat, Haryana, inaugurated in July 2025, marks a significant milestone in the Indo-Japanese collaboration for vocational education and industrial skill development. Established by Maruti Suzuki India Limited in partnership with the Government of Haryana, this institute is the fourth JIM in India and the second in Haryana, following the successful model at Uncha Majra.

Vision and Strategic Importance

JIM Sonipat is part of the Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Program, a bilateral initiative launched in 2016 by the Governments of India and Japan. The program aims to train 30,000 Indian youth over a decade in advanced manufacturing skills. The Sonipat facility is strategically located near Kharkhoda, an emerging automobile hub, aligning with the Skill India Mission and the Make in India campaign.

Infrastructure and Investment

The institute is housed within the Master Atul Government ITI campus and has received an investment of ₹10 crore from Maruti Suzuki. The Haryana government provided the land and building, while Maruti Suzuki upgraded the infrastructure, installed modern equipment, and set up real-life simulation assembly lines.

Key infrastructure highlights include:

Mini-vehicle assembly lines
Engine assembly stations
Virtual welding labs
Safety and quality control labs

Courses and Curriculum

JIM Sonipat offers training in four core trades:

Mechanic Motor Vehicle (MMV)
Machinist
Welder
Fitter

The curriculum is affiliated with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and accredited by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). It follows a dual training system, blending classroom instruction with hands-on industrial experience.

Students are also trained in:

Kaizen (continuous improvement)
Japanese work ethics
Safety and discipline
Quality assurance practices

Dynamic Collaboration with Japan

The institute embodies the spirit of Indo-Japanese cooperation, integrating Japanese manufacturing philosophies into Indian vocational training. This collaboration ensures that students are not only industry-ready but also aligned with global standards of excellence.

Impact and Future Outlook

Since the inception of the JIM initiative, over 2,100 students have graduated from Maruti Suzuki’s existing institutes. JIM Sonipat is expected to train over 100 students annually, significantly contributing to regional employment, industrial growth, and economic development in Haryana.

The institute also complements Maruti Suzuki’s broader CSR efforts, which include:

Supporting 23 ITIs across India
Establishing Automobile Skill Enhancement Centres in 31 locations
Equipping 130 ITIs with tools for electric and hybrid vehicle training

Why JIM Sonipat Matters

In an era where EVs, automation, and smart manufacturing are reshaping industries, JIM Sonipat stands as a beacon of future-ready education. It empowers youth with technical proficiency, global exposure, and discipline, making them valuable assets to India’s growing manufacturing sector.