National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a flagship apprenticeship initiative launched on 19 August 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to promote apprenticeship training across India by providing partial stipend support to apprentices. Currently running as NAPS-2 from 2022-23, the scheme covers ITI pass-outs, freshers, diploma holders, graduates, and skill certificate holders across 49 sectors. Candidates register and apply through the official Apprenticeship India Portal.

Introduction of National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme: A Brief Insight

India produces millions of skilled and semi-skilled workers every year through ITIs, polytechnics, and vocational training centres. But completing a course is very different from being ready for a real workplace. Most employers want candidates who already understand how an actual factory floor, office, or retail environment operates. NAPS was built to bridge exactly this gap between course completion and job readiness.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme on 19 August 2016 under the Apprentices Act 1961. Currently running as NAPS-2 from 2022-23, the scheme promotes apprenticeship training across India by providing partial stipend support to apprentices and encouraging establishments to engage them. The Directorate General of Training (DGT) implements apprenticeship under Designated Trades and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) handles Optional Trades. Over 260 Designated Trade job roles and 550 Optional Trade job roles are approved under the scheme. Candidates register and apply through the official Apprenticeship India Portal.

The scheme covers a wide range of candidates, such as ITI pass-outs, Class 8th, 10th, and 12th pass candidates, diploma holders, graduates, and skill certificate holders with a minimum age of 14 years (18 years for hazardous industries). The government contributes 25% of the prescribed minimum stipend up to Rs. 1,500 per month directly to apprentice bank accounts through DBT. After the 36% stipend increase approved at the 38th Central Apprenticeship Council meeting on 26 May 2025, the stipend range was revised to Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 12,300 per month, with future revisions linked to the Consumer Price Index. On successful completion, candidates receive a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) for Designated Trades or a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) for Optional Trades, both recognized as valid work experience across India. The post-training employment rate stands at 72% as per the AJNIFM third-party evaluation. As of 19 May 2025, over 43.47 lakh apprentices have been engaged under PM-NAPS across 36 States and UTs, with female participation reaching 20%. Every month on the 2nd Monday, Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) is held in at least one-third of the districts of each State for direct candidate-establishment interaction.

One important clarification: NAPS apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment. The scheme provides practical training, a government-recognised certificate, and improved employability. Employment after completion depends entirely on the establishment and the candidate’s performance.

Candidates who hold engineering degrees or diplomas should also explore the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), which is specifically designed for graduates and diploma holders, provides a higher government stipend share of 50% up to Rs. 4,500 per month, and is implemented by the Ministry of Education through dedicated Boards of Apprenticeship Training. Candidates from SC, OBC, EWS, DNT, and Safai Karamchari communities looking for free skill training with a monthly stipend alongside apprenticeship can also explore the PM-DAKSH Yojana, which provides 100% free skill training in industry-oriented job roles.

Students, fresh graduates, ITI pass-outs, diploma holders, and anyone looking for more apprenticeship programmes, skill development schemes, employment support initiatives, and career development opportunities can also explore other available programmes under the Scheme List of the Central Government.

Benefits Provided Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme provides financial support, practical training, and career-building benefits to both apprentices and establishments across India.

Benefits for Apprentices

• Practical hands-on On-the-Job Training in real industry environments across 49 sectors nationwide
• Monthly stipend paid by the establishment during the complete training period
• Government contributes 25% of the prescribed minimum stipend up to Rs. 1,500 per month directly to the apprentice’s bank account through DBT
• Stipend range revised from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 9,000 per month to Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 12,300 per month after 36% increase approved at the 38th CAC meeting held on 26 May 2025
• Future stipend revisions are linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) biannually
• Opportunity to train in MSMEs, PSUs, Central Government establishments, State Government establishments, and large private organisations
• The training period is counted as valid work experience for future employment
• Nationally recognised National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued for Designated Trade apprentices on successful completion
• Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) issued for Optional Trade apprentices on successful completion
• NER candidates training outside their home state receive an additional incentive of up to Rs. 1,500 per month over and above the government stipend share under the NER pilot launched on 20 May 2025

Benefits for Establishments

• Government reimburses 25% of the prescribed minimum stipend up to Rs. 1,500 per apprentice per month, directly reducing the training cost burden on establishments
• Access to a skilled workforce pipeline trained specifically as per the establishment requirements
• Opportunity to build a trained talent pool from which to hire proven performers
• MSMEs in aspirational districts and the North-East region receive focused support for apprenticeship engagement
• Establishments can engage apprentices across 49 sectors, including emerging sectors like IT, Biotechnology, Telecommunications, and Renewable Energy under the NIC 2008 classification

Achievement Data

• Total apprentices engaged under NAPS from FY 2018-19 to July 2025: 41,95,703
• Apprentices who completed training: 21,47,122
• Apprentices under PM-NAPS as of 19 May 2025: 43.47 lakh across 36 States and UTs
• Apprentices engaged in 2025: 11,84,431
• Registered establishments as of March 2024: 2.21 lakh (up from 17,608 in March 2017)
• Female participation: 20% in 2025 (up from 7.74% in 2016-17)
• Rs. 320.88 crore disbursed through DBT across 22.46 lakh transactions as of March 2024
• Post-training employment rate: 72% as per AJNIFM third-party evaluation
• Target for 2025-26: 13 lakh apprentices

NAPS vs NATS: What is the Difference

Many candidates confuse NAPS and NATS as the same scheme. Both support apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act 1961 but differ significantly in target group, trade types, implementing structure, and stipend support.

Candidates with ITI, school-level, or vocational qualifications should apply under NAPS. Engineering graduates and diploma holders get higher government stipend support and a dedicated training structure under NATS.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The following eligibility conditions apply to candidates seeking apprenticeship training under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme as per the official guidelines of the Directorate General of Training, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.

Eligibility for Candidates

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen
• Minimum age: 14 years for non-hazardous industries and 18 years for hazardous industries
• Minimum educational qualification: 5th class pass as per the curriculum of the concerned trade
• Applicant must possess the requisite educational, technical, and physical qualifications as prescribed for the specific trade
• ITI pass-out candidates are eligible for Designated Trade apprenticeships
• Class 8th, 10th, and 12th pass candidates are eligible for trades requiring those qualifications
• Diploma holders and graduates are eligible for Optional Trade apprenticeships
• Skill certificate holders who have undergone short-term skill training are also eligible
• Applicant must register on the Apprenticeship India Portal using Aadhaar or Unique Identification Number

Eligibility for Establishments

• Establishments with 4 or more employees are eligible to engage apprentices voluntarily
• Establishments with 30 or more employees are mandatorily required to engage apprentices under the Apprentices Act 1961
• Establishment must be registered on the Apprenticeship India Portal
• The establishment must have the required infrastructure for apprenticeship training as per the prescribed trade curriculum

Who Is Not Eligible Under NAPS

• Candidates below the minimum prescribed age for the concerned trade
• Candidates who do not meet the minimum educational or technical qualification requirements for the specific trade
• Candidates who fail Aadhaar-based identity verification during registration
• Candidates who do not fulfil trade-specific physical qualification requirements, wherever prescribed

Documents Required to be Attached

Candidates registering on the official Apprenticeship India Portal must keep the following documents ready before starting the registration process.

• Aadhaar Card for identity verification and Aadhaar-based registration
• Educational certificates including Class 8th, 10th, or 12th marksheets wherever applicable
• ITI Certificate and marksheets for ITI pass-out candidates
• Diploma or Degree Certificate and marksheets for diploma and graduate candidates
• Passport-sized photograph
• Bank account details with IFSC code linked with Aadhaar for DBT stipend payment
• Mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification
• Email ID for portal correspondence and notifications
• Caste Certificate for SC/ST/OBC candidates wherever applicable
• Disability Certificate for persons with benchmark disabilities, wherever applicable

How Candidates Can Apply Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme accepts registrations online through the official Apprenticeship India portal. Candidates must register first and then apply for available apprenticeship vacancies posted by establishments.

Step 1: Visit the official Apprenticeship India portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and click on the Candidate option under the registration section.

Step 2: Register as a new candidate by entering your mobile number and email address. Verify your mobile number through OTP. Complete Aadhaar-based identity verification to activate your account.

Step 3: After registration, log in to the portal and fill in your complete profile details, including personal information, address details, and educational qualification details. Upload all required documents, including Aadhaar Card, educational certificates, marksheets, passport-size photograph, and bank account details linked with Aadhaar for DBT stipend payment.

Step 4: After profile completion, click on Get Started and follow the Candidate User Manual available on the portal. Browse available apprenticeship vacancies posted by establishments across sectors and states.

Step 5: Search for suitable apprenticeship opportunities using filters such as state, sector, trade, and qualification. Apply to preferred establishments by clicking on the Apply button against the relevant vacancy.

Step 6: After applying, the establishment reviews the application and sends an offer letter to shortlisted candidates. Participate in the selection process as notified by the establishment, which may include written tests, interviews, or direct selection.

Step 7: After selection, receive the offer letter on the portal. Accept the offer letter online through the Apprenticeship India portal.

Step 8: After accepting the offer, execute the contract of apprenticeship online through the portal. The contract is formally activated after mutual confirmation by the candidate and the establishment.

Step 9: After contract activation, join the establishment for the prescribed apprenticeship training period, which varies from 6 months to 36 months depending on the trade. The monthly stipend is credited directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT.

Step 10: On successful completion of the apprenticeship training period, the Government of India issues a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) for Designated Trade apprentices or a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) for Optional Trade apprentices. The certificate can be downloaded from the portal.

Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM): Candidates can also attend the monthly Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela held on the 2nd Monday of every month in at least one-third of the districts of each State. These melas facilitate direct interaction between candidates and establishments for apprenticeship selection. Candidates can check upcoming mela dates and locations on the Apprenticeship India Portal.

Important Links Available

• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme Official Portal.
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Official Portal.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

Candidates and establishments facing issues related to NAPS registration, apprenticeship applications, stipend payment, contract execution, or portal-related queries can contact the following official channels.

• Helpline Number:- 8800055555, 18001239626
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
  Shram Shakti Bhawan,
  Rafi Marg,
  New Delhi 110001
• For helpdesk and technical support queries: Visit the Contact section on the official Apprenticeship India portal for latest helpdesk details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme?

Ans. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a flagship apprenticeship initiative launched on 19 August 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to promote apprenticeship training across India by providing partial stipend support to apprentices and encouraging establishments to engage apprentices under the Apprentices Act 1961.

Q. What is NAPS-2?

Ans. NAPS-2 is the second phase of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, continuing from 2022-23. Under NAPS-2, the Government provides 25% of the prescribed minimum stipend up to Rs. 1,500 per month directly to apprentice bank accounts through DBT and has introduced several reforms, including expanded sectors, blended training modes, and provisions for persons with benchmark disabilities.

Q. What is the stipend under NAPS?

Ans. The stipend under NAPS varies based on qualification and trade. After the 36% increase approved at the 38th CAC meeting on 26 May 2025, the stipend range was revised from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 9,000 per month to Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 12,300 per month. Government contributes 25% of the prescribed minimum stipend up to Rs. 1,500 per month directly through DBT to the apprentice’s bank account.

Q. Who is eligible for the NAPS apprenticeship?

Ans. Indian citizens with a minimum age of 14 years (18 years for hazardous industries) and a minimum education of 5th class pass are eligible. ITI pass-outs, Class 8th, 10th, and 12th pass candidates, diploma holders, graduates, and skill certificate holders are all eligible, depending on the trade requirements.

Q. What is the duration of the NAPS apprenticeship?

Ans. The duration of the NAPS apprenticeship varies by trade and ranges from 6 months to 36 months, depending on the specific occupation and training requirements of the concerned trade.

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

Ans. Candidates completing a Designated Trade apprenticeship receive a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC). Candidates completing an Optional Trade apprenticeship receive a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP). Both certificates are recognised across India as valid work experience.

Q. Does NAPS guarantee permanent employment after completion?

Ans. No. NAPS apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment. The training provides practical work experience, a government-recognised certificate, and improved employability. Final employment depends on the establishment’s requirements and the candidate’s performance during training.

Q. Is registration on the Apprenticeship India portal free?

Ans. Yes. Registration on the official Apprenticeship India portal is completely free for candidates. No fee is charged at any stage of the registration or application process.

Q. Are establishments mandatorily required to engage apprentices?

Ans. Establishments with 30 or more employees are mandatorily required to engage apprentices under the Apprentices Act 1961. Establishments with 4 or more employees are eligible to engage apprentices voluntarily.

Q. How many sectors are covered under NAPS?

Ans. NAPS-2 offers apprenticeship training across 49 sectors nationwide. Major sectors include Automotive, IT-ITeS, Electronics, BFSI, Retail, Production and Manufacturing, Logistics, Tourism and Hospitality, Biotechnology, Renewable Energy, and Telecommunications.

Q. What is Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela?

Ans. Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) is a monthly event held on the 2nd Monday of every month in at least one-third of the districts of each State since June 2022. It facilitates direct interaction between candidates and establishments for apprenticeship selection and helps candidates find opportunities without going through the full online process.

Q. What is the difference between NAPS and NATS?

Ans. NAPS is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for ITI pass-outs, freshers, and a wider range of candidates. NATS is implemented by the Ministry of Education specifically for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and non-engineering degree holders. NAPS provides 25% stipend support up to Rs. 1,500 per month, while NATS provides 50% stipend support up to Rs. 4,500 per month.

Q. What is the NER pilot under NAPS?

Ans. The NER pilot launched on 20 May 2025 provides an additional incentive of up to Rs. 1,500 per month to candidates from the North-Eastern Region who undergo apprenticeship training in any state other than their home state. This is over and above the regular government stipend share of up to Rs. 1,500 per month.

Q. How many apprentices have been engaged under NAPS so far?

Ans. Under NAPS, a total of 41,95,703 apprentices were engaged from FY 2018-19 to July 2025, of which 21,47,122 completed their apprenticeship training. Under PM-NAPS, over 43.47 lakh apprentices were engaged across 36 States and UTs as of 19 May 2025.

Q. Where can candidates apply for the NAPS apprenticeship?

Ans. Candidates can register and apply online through the official Apprenticeship India Portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. Candidates can also attend the monthly Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela in their district for direct selection opportunities.

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.