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ActiveCentral Sector SchemeLaunched 2016-08-19Verified: 2026-09-16

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS / NAPS-2)

Apprenticeship training program providing 25% stipend subsidy (up to ₹1,500/month) directly to apprentices and financial support to engaging establishments.

Government Levelcentral Government
Administering BodyMinistry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Beneficiary Sector
Applicable Jurisdiction

Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown

On-the-job training in formal industrial establishments. Government provides Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of 25% of the prescribed monthly stipend, up to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice, directly into the apprentice Aadhaar-seeded bank account. Establishments pay the remaining 75% share. Basic training cost support up to ₹7,500 per candidate for apprentices without prior formal vocational training. Apprentices earn a recognized National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC).

📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach

Fiscal Budget Allocation

₹1,200 Crore (Under MSDE Apprenticeship Training budget)

Official Budget Document ↗
Verified Beneficiary Reach

30+ Lakh apprentices engaged under NAPS

As of: 2024-03-31PIB / Official Citation ↗

Verified Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement:Minimum 14 years
Annual Family Income Ceiling:No gross income ceiling specified
Target Occupations:apprentice, iti_graduate, diploma_holder, graduate, jobseeker
Eligible Gender:all
Social Category / Reservation:all
Specific Operational Conditions & Exclusions:

Completed minimum educational qualifications required for the chosen designated or optional trade (Class 5/8/10/12 pass, ITI, Diploma, or Degree). Minimum age 14 years (18 years for hazardous occupations). Must not have undergone apprenticeship training in the same trade earlier. Must possess valid Aadhaar and bank account.

Required Documents Checklist

  • Aadhaar CardMandatory

    Mandatory KYC identification.

  • Educational Qualification Marksheets (10th/12th/ITI/Diploma/Degree)Mandatory

    Proof of meeting trade entry requirements.

  • Aadhaar-seeded Bank Account Passbook with IFSCMandatory

    For receiving monthly 25% stipend subsidy via DBT.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Apprenticeship portal (https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in). 2. Click on "Candidate Registration" and complete basic profile details. 3. Enter Aadhaar number and complete OTP e-KYC. 4. Upload educational marksheets and bank account details for DBT. 5. Search for open apprenticeship opportunities by industry sector, trade, and state/district. 6. Apply directly to establishments. Establishments review applications, conduct interviews, and issue online Apprenticeship Contracts. 7. Upon candidate acceptance, the apprenticeship commences with monthly DBT stipend credit.

Official Government Application Portal

You will be redirected to the secure official portal: www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in

Apply on official government website

Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)

Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.

How is the government stipend share paid under NAPS-2?

Under NAPS-2, the Government 25% share of the stipend (up to ₹1,500 per month) is paid directly into the apprentice Aadhaar-seeded bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

What is the difference between designated and optional trades?

Designated trades are formalized vocational trades notified by the Central Apprenticeship Council, while optional trades are employer-designed courses tailored to specific enterprise needs.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Does an apprentice receive a certificate after training?

Yes. Upon completion of training and passing the All India Trade Test (AITT), candidates receive the National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) recognized across India.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings

Candidate under 14 years; candidate has already completed apprenticeship in the same trade; establishment not registered under the Apprentices Act 1961.

Editorial Verification & Change Log

DateFieldDescription / UpdateSource Citation
2026-09-16initial_verificationBaseline verification of NAPS-2 guidelines, DBT direct stipend transfer to candidates, and apprenticeship contract protocols.Official Source ↗

Application Window & Deadlines

Open throughout the year (Continuous employer contracting)

Related Welfare Programs

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Comprehensive central support program for traditional artisans and craftspeople offering PM Vishwakarma certification, modern toolkits, and subsidized credit up to ₹3 lakh at 5% interest.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY / Skill India)

Skill certification and vocational training scheme under MSDE offering free industry-relevant job-role training, NSQF certification, and placement support.

Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

Credit-linked capital subsidy scheme providing up to 35% margin money subsidy on bank loans up to ₹50 lakh for setting up micro-enterprises.

Official Helpline & Nodal Offices

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme Cell, MSDE

Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi - 110001

Helpline: 011-23710255 / 1800-123-9626 (National Apprenticeship Helpdesk)

Jurisdiction: National (All-India)

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Verification Metadata

Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-09-16 against official government documentation.

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