ITEC programmes cover a variety of activities but can be grouped into four broad components:

a) Training activities

b) Projects and project-related activities such as supply of equipment, feasibility studies and consultancy services

c) Deputation of experts to foreign countries and

d) Study visits by foreigners to India.

One of the most important components, on which half of the annual ITEC budget is spent, is training. Economic development and technological advancement require a skilled and educated population. Under ITEC, training is provided free of cost to foreign trainees in some of the best Indian institutes specializing in rural development, banking, mass communications, diplomacy, management, small scale industries etc. so that they can benefit from IndiaТs development experience. ITEC even offers training for defence personnel through various institutions in India of which the National Defence College in New Delhi and the Defence Services Staff College in Tamil Nadu are the most prestigious and well known. All training programmes are conducted in the English language only.

Training expenses are entirely borne by the Government of India. These include the cost of international or internal air travel, accommodation as well as training charges at the institute. A stipend, or living allowance, is also given to the trainees to meet part of their day-to-day needs. Nearly 2,000 candidates from around the world are trained each year in India under ITEC.

On their return to their home countries, the trainees are encouraged to remain in touch with the Indian Embassies in their country or directly with their training institutes. Periodically, an "ITEC Day" is organized at the Indian Embassy where former ITEC students can get together and renew their friendship with each other and with people from India. Most trainees nurture fond memories of India and regard their training as useful. For many, ITEC provides their first opportunity to visit India and experience for themselves the diversity of its culture and the friendliness of its people. ITEC is thus not merely a training programme but a vehicle for fostering bilateral contacts and friendship between India and her friends around the globe.