National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS): Stipend, Eligibility & Registration

National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a flagship apprenticeship programme launched in 1973 by the Ministry of Education under the Apprentices Act 1961 to provide one year of practical On-the-Job Training to engineering graduates, diploma holders, and non-engineering degree holders with a monthly stipend of Rs. 9,000 for graduates and Rs. 8,000 for diploma holders. Students register and apply through the official NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in.

Introduction of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme: A Brief Insight

Every year, lakhs of engineering graduates and diploma holders complete their degrees but struggle to find jobs because employers want candidates with real work experience. A degree alone no longer guarantees employment in a competitive market. The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) was designed specifically to bridge this gap by giving fresh graduates a structured one-year opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience while earning a monthly stipend.

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, launched NATS in 1973 under the Apprentices Act 1961 and implemented it through Boards of Apprenticeship Training and Boards of Practical Training located at Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur, and Kolkata. The scheme covers Engineering graduates (BE/B.Tech), Diploma holders in Engineering, and non-engineering degree holders in Humanities, Science, and Commerce. On 30 July 2024, Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launched the NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in as a one-stop digital platform for student registration, vacancy browsing, contract creation, and DBT stipend disbursal. The total outlay approved for the scheme is Rs. 3,054 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26, targeting approximately 9 lakh apprentices.

Graduate apprentices receive Rs. 9,000 per month and Diploma apprentices receive Rs. 8,000 per month as a stipend. The Government contributes 50% of up to Rs. 4,500 per month directly to the apprentice’s bank account through DBT. Stipends received a 36% increase, approved at the 38th Central Apprenticeship Council meeting held on 26 May 2025, with future revisions linked to the Consumer Price Index. On successful completion, the Government of India issues a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP), which is recognised at all employment exchanges across India as valid work experience. As per the third-party NILERD evaluation, 74% of NATS-trained apprentices secured full-time employment after training. In 2025, 5,23,024 apprentices were engaged under NATS across all States and UTs.

One important clarification: The NATS apprenticeship does not guarantee a permanent government job. It provides practical training, a government-recognised certificate, and improved employability. Candidates must be fresh pass-outs with less than one year of work experience and must not have undergone NATS training earlier.

Students looking for skill development opportunities alongside NATS can also explore the PM-DAKSH Yojana, which provides completely free skill training with a monthly stipend to SC, OBC, EWS, DNT, and Safai Karamchari candidates in industry-oriented job roles. Graduates and diploma holders who want entrepreneurship support after completing their NATS training can check the Stand Up India Scheme, which provides composite bank loans from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore to SC, ST, and women entrepreneurs for setting up greenfield enterprises.

Students, fresh graduates, diploma holders, and anyone looking for more skill development schemes, apprenticeship programmes, employment support initiatives, and career development opportunities can also explore other available programmes under our Central Government Welfare Schemes List section.

Benefits Provided Under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme

National Apprenticeship Training Scheme provides practical training, financial support, and career-building benefits to eligible graduates and diploma holders across India.

Financial Benefits

• Graduate apprentices (Engineering/Non-Engineering) receive a stipend of Rs. 9,000 per month
• Diploma apprentices receive a stipend of Rs. 8,000 per month
• The government contributes 50% of the prescribed minimum stipend up to Rs. 4,500 per month per apprentice directly through DBT to the apprentice’s bank account
• Stipend rates increased by 36% as approved at the 38th Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) meeting held on 26 May 2025
• Future stipend revisions linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

Training and Career Benefits

• One year of practical hands-on On-the-Job Training in real industry environments
• Opportunity to train at Central Government establishments, State Government establishments, PSUs, and private organisations across India
• Exposure to top sectors including Automotive, IT/ITeS, Electronics, Manufacturing, BFSI, Life Sciences, Logistics, Tourism and Hospitality, and Biotechnology
• The training period is counted as valid work experience for future employment
• Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) is now approved, allowing a degree-linked apprenticeship for eligible candidates
• Flexible delivery modes, including online and blended learning, are now available
• Apprentices can train at client locations within India and even abroad

Certificate BenefitsThe

• Government of India issues a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) on successful completion of an apprenticeship
• A certificate is recognised across all employment exchanges in India as valid work experience
• A certificate holds significant value in PSU recruitments and private sector job applications
• CoP can be downloaded directly from the NATS 2.0 portal after completion

Achievement Data

• 5,23,024 apprentices engaged under NATS during 2025 across all States and UTs
• 16,400 establishments, including MSMEs, engaged apprentices under NATS in 2025
• 74% of NATS-trained apprentices secured full-time employment after training, as per NILERD’s third-party evaluation
• Rs. 3,054 crore total outlay approved for the scheme for 2021-22 to 2025-26

NATS vs NAPS: What is the Difference

Many students confuse NATS and NAPS as the same scheme. Both support apprenticeship training in India under the Apprentices Act 1961, but serve different target groups and are implemented by different ministries.

Graduates and diploma holders looking for industry training with government stipend support should apply under NATS. ITI pass-outs and candidates from other categories should explore NAPS through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The following eligibility conditions apply to students seeking apprenticeship training under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme as per the official guidelines of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Eligible Candidates

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen
• Applicant must hold a degree in Engineering or Technology (BE/B.Tech) from a recognised institution
• Applicant must hold a Diploma in Engineering or Technology from a recognised institution
• Applicant must hold a non-engineering degree in Humanities, Science, or Commerce from a recognised institution
• Applicant must hold a Vocational Certificate from a recognised institution under the 10+2 vocational stream
• Applicant must be a fresh pass-out, candidate should not possess one year or more of work experience in the relevant field
• Applicant must not have undergone apprenticeship training earlier under NATS
• Applicant must not be currently pursuing any regular academic course

Who Is Not Eligible Under NATS

• Candidates who have already completed apprenticeship training under NATS
• Candidates possessing one year or more of work experience in the relevant field
• Candidates currently pursuing a regular academic course
• Candidates who do not hold the required educational qualification
• Candidates whose educational qualification is not from a recognised institution

Documents Required to be Attached

Students registering on the official NATS 2.0 portal for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme must keep the following documents ready before starting the registration process.

• Aadhaar Card
• Degree or Diploma Certificate from a recognised institution
• All semester or year-wise marksheets
• Passport-sized photograph
• Bank account details with IFSC code linked with Aadhaar for DBT stipend payment
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar
• Email ID for correspondence and portal notifications
• Caste Certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates wherever applicable
• Disability Certificate for persons with benchmark disabilities, wherever applicable

How Students Can Apply to the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme

National Apprenticeship Training Scheme accepts registrations online through the official NATS 2.0 portal. Students must register first and then apply for available apprenticeship vacancies posted by establishments.

Step 1: Visit the official NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in and click on Student Register to begin the registration process.

Step 2: Complete registration at nats.education.gov.in/student_register.php by entering your Aadhaar number, name, father’s or mother’s name, and other basic personal details. Verify your mobile number through OTP.

Step 3: After basic registration, log in to the portal and fill in complete profile details, including personal information, address details, and educational qualification details such as course name, college name, year of passing, and marksheet details.

Step 4: Upload all required documents, including degree or diploma certificate, all semester marksheets, Aadhaar Card, passport-size photograph, and bank account details linked with Aadhaar for DBT stipend payment.

Step 5: After profile completion, browse available apprenticeship vacancies posted by establishments on the portal. Students can search vacancies by state, sector, qualification, or company name to find the most suitable opportunity.

Step 6: Apply for suitable apprenticeship positions by clicking on the Apply button against the preferred vacancy. Students can apply to multiple vacancies simultaneously. New vacancies are added regularly, so checking the portal every few days is advisable.

Step 7: After applying, participate in the selection process as notified by the establishment. Selection may involve written tests, interviews, or direct selection based on academic performance, depending on the establishment’s process.

Step 8: After selection, the establishment initiates a contract request on the portal. The student must accept the contract request from the establishment on the NATS 2.0 portal. After student acceptance, the request goes to the concerned Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) or Board of Practical Training (BoPT) for final confirmation.

Step 9: After BOAT or BoPT confirmation, the apprenticeship contract is officially activated. The student joins the establishment for one year of practical On-the-Job Training. The monthly stipend is credited directly into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.

Step 10: On successful completion of one year of apprenticeship training, the Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) is issued by the Government of India and can be downloaded directly from the NATS 2.0 portal dashboard.

Important: Completion of the NATS apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment or a government job. The training provides practical work experience, a government-recognised Certificate of Proficiency, and improved employability. For any technical issues during registration, contact the NATS Helpline at Toll Free 1800-425-3770 or visit the official NATS portal for support.

Important Links Available

• National Apprenticeship Training Scheme Official Portal, NATS 2.0.
• NATS Student Registration Portal, Register Online for Apprenticeship.
• Ministry of Education, Government of India Official Portal.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Students facing issues related to NATS registration, apprenticeship applications, stipend payment, or portal-related queries can contact the following official channels.

• Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-425-3770
• Official Portal: nats.education.gov.in
• Board of Apprenticeship Training, Western Region (Mumbai)
  WR, NATS, Mumbai
• Board of Apprenticeship Training, Southern Region (Chennai)
  SR, NATS, Chennai
• Board of Apprenticeship Training, Northern Region (Kanpur)
  NR, NATS, Kanpur
• Board of Apprenticeship Training, Eastern Region (Kolkata)
  ER, NATS, Kolkata
• For address and email details of each regional BOAT/ BoPT office: Visit the official NATS portal contact section

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme?

Ans. National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a flagship apprenticeship programme of the Government of India launched in 1973 under the Apprentices Act 1961, implemented by the Ministry of Education through the Department of Higher Education. The scheme provides practical hands-on On-the-Job Training to engineering graduates, diploma holders, and non-engineering degree holders in industries and organisations across India.

Q. Does NATS guarantee a government job after completion?

Ans. No. Completion of the NATS apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment or a government job. The scheme provides one year of practical work experience, a Government of India Certificate of Proficiency, and improved employability. Employment after completion depends entirely on the establishment and the candidate’s performance.

Q. What is the stipend under NATS?

Ans. Graduate apprentices, including Engineering and Non-Engineering degree holders, receive Rs. 9,000 per month and Diploma apprentices receive Rs. 8,000 per month. Government contributes 50% of the prescribed minimum stipend up to Rs. 4,500 per month directly to the apprentice’s bank account through DBT. Stipends were increased by 36% at the 38th CAC meeting held on 26 May 2025 and future revisions are linked to the Consumer Price Index.

Q. Who is eligible for NATS?

Ans. Indian citizens who hold a degree in Engineering or Technology, a Diploma in Engineering or Technology, a non-engineering degree in Humanities, Science or Commerce, or a Vocational Certificate from a recognised institution are eligible. Candidates must be fresh pass-outs with less than one year of work experience and must not have undergone NATS apprenticeship training earlier.

Q. Can students with work experience apply for NATS?

Ans. No. Candidates possessing one year or more of work experience in the relevant field are not eligible for NATS apprenticeship training.

Q. What is the duration of the NATS apprenticeship?

Ans. The duration of NATS apprenticeship training is from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the establishment and the trade or sector.

Q. What certificate does a candidate receive after completing NATS?

Ans. On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the Government of India issues a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP). This certificate is recognised across all employment exchanges in India as valid work experience and holds significant value in PSU recruitments and private sector job applications.

Q. What is the difference between NATS and NAPS?

Ans. NATS is implemented by the Ministry of Education for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and non-engineering degree holders. NAPS is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for a wider range of apprentice categories. Both schemes are governed under the Apprentices Act 1961 and support apprenticeship engagement across India.

Q. Which sectors are covered under NATS?

Ans. NATS covers top sectors including Automotive, IT/ITeS, Electronics, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, Electrical, including Renewable Energy, Life Sciences, Logistics and Supply Chain, Production and Manufacturing, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality, Biotechnology, and Service sectors including Education and Healthcare.

Q. Can NATS apprentices train abroad?

Ans. Yes. As per the decisions taken at the 38th CAC meeting held on 26 May 2025, apprentices can now train at client locations within India and even abroad under the revised framework.

Q. What is the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme under NATS?

Ans. The Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) was approved at the 38th CAC meeting in May 2025. It encourages degree-linked apprenticeships where students can combine their degree programme with apprenticeship training. UGC and AICTE have issued draft guidelines for this programme in alignment with NEP 2020.

Q. How many apprentices were trained under NATS in 2025?

Ans. As per the official Lok Sabha reply dated 23 March 2026, 5,23,024 apprentices were engaged under NATS during 2025 across all States and UTs. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal had the highest number of NATS apprentices.

Q. What is the post-training employment rate under NATS?

Ans. As per a third-party evaluation by NILERD, 74% of NATS-trained apprentices secured full-time employment after completing their apprenticeship training.

Q. What is the NATS 2.0 portal?

Ans. NATS 2.0 is the upgraded official portal launched on 30 July 2024 by Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan at nats.education.gov.in. The portal was developed in-house by the Ministry of Education with the support of AICTE and BoATs/BoPT. It is a one-stop solution for student registration, vacancy advertisement, application, contract creation, certification, and DBT stipend disbursal.

Q. Where can students apply for the NATS apprenticeship?

Ans. Students can register and apply online through the official NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in. For any technical issues, students can contact the Toll-Free Helpline at 1800-425-3770.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.