The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme helps candidates obtain structured workplace training with participating establishments.
Through an apprenticeship, a candidate can learn a trade or occupation while working under an employer and receiving a stipend. Opportunities are published for candidates with different educational backgrounds, including school pass-outs, ITI certificate holders and graduates.
Candidates can create a profile and search for opportunities through the official Apprenticeship India portal. Eligibility, stipend, location, duration and selection process vary between vacancies.
An apprenticeship is paid training and not a guaranteed permanent job. Candidates should read the establishment’s advertisement and apprenticeship contract before accepting an offer.
NAPS Apprenticeship Overview
| Particular | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme | National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme |
| Current version | NAPS-2 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
| Main purpose | Promote apprenticeship training in establishments |
| Application portal | Apprenticeship India |
| Minimum age | Generally 14 years, subject to trade-specific conditions |
| Training mode | Basic training and workplace/on-the-job training, as applicable |
| Payment | Monthly stipend |
| Government support under NAPS-2 | 25% of stipend paid, up to ₹1,500 per month per eligible apprentice |
| Permanent-job guarantee | No |
| Official portal | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
What Is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement between a candidate and an establishment.
The apprentice learns the practical skills required for a trade or occupational role while training in an actual workplace. Depending on the category and course, it can also include basic theoretical or institutional training.
An apprentice is neither treated exactly like a regular classroom student nor automatically considered a permanent employee. The relationship is governed by an apprenticeship contract and the applicable provisions of the Apprentices Act and rules.
Apprenticeship training can help candidates:
- Gain workplace experience
- Learn practical job skills
- Understand industry processes
- Work with tools and equipment
- Develop discipline and communication skills
- Receive a monthly stipend
- Obtain certification after meeting the requirements
- Improve employability
What Is NAPS-2?
NAPS-2 is the current version of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme.
The scheme encourages establishments to engage apprentices by supporting part of the prescribed stipend and strengthening the apprenticeship ecosystem.
Under NAPS-2, the Government of India’s partial stipend support is limited to:
- 25% of the stipend paid
- Subject to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month
- Per eligible apprentice
- During the applicable training period
This does not mean that an apprentice’s total stipend is only ₹1,500.
The establishment is responsible for paying the stipend due under the apprenticeship arrangement, while the government-supported component is provided according to NAPS-2 rules.
The total stipend shown in a vacancy may therefore be higher than ₹1,500.
Is NAPS a Job Scheme?
NAPS promotes apprenticeship training rather than direct permanent recruitment.
An establishment may choose to offer employment after successful completion, but it is not generally obligated to appoint every apprentice as a permanent employee.
Candidates should treat an apprenticeship as an opportunity to receive:
- Practical training
- Industry exposure
- Stipend
- Experience
- Certification
Do not join solely because an agent claims that the apprenticeship will automatically become a permanent government or private job.
Who Can Apply for Apprenticeships?
Eligibility depends on the apprenticeship category, trade, establishment and vacancy.
According to the Directorate General of Training, a person who is 14 years of age or older and meets the prescribed educational and physical standards may be eligible for apprenticeship training.
Higher minimum-age conditions can apply to hazardous occupations or particular trades.
Opportunities may be available for:
- Class 5 or Class 8 pass candidates in certain trades
- Class 10 pass candidates
- Class 12 pass candidates
- ITI certificate holders
- Vocational-course candidates
- Diploma holders
- Graduates
- Engineering graduates
- Candidates with role-specific qualifications
The minimum qualification can vary significantly. One vacancy may accept Class 10 candidates, while another may require ITI, a diploma, graduation or a particular technical specialisation.
Categories of Apprentices
The apprenticeship system includes different candidate categories.
Trade Apprentice
Trade apprentices receive training in a designated or optional trade.
Examples may include:
- Electrician
- Fitter
- Welder
- Mechanic
- Computer operator
- Sewing machine operator
- Automotive technician
- Retail trainee
- Data-entry operator
Eligibility depends on the selected trade.
Fresher Apprentice
A fresher may enter apprenticeship training without having completed formal institutional training in the relevant trade.
The apprenticeship can include basic training followed by practical workplace training.
ITI Pass-Out
Candidates who have completed ITI in a relevant trade may be eligible for apprenticeship opportunities aligned with that qualification.
Their prior training may be considered when determining the apprenticeship structure and duration.
Diploma and Graduate Apprentice
Diploma holders and graduates may also find apprenticeship opportunities. Certain graduate and technician apprenticeships may be administered through the relevant national apprenticeship framework or portal specified by the establishment.
Candidates should follow the application portal mentioned in the official vacancy instead of assuming that every graduate apprenticeship is processed through the same website.
Documents Required for NAPS Registration
Candidates may need:
- Aadhaar card
- Active mobile number
- Email address
- Recent photograph
- Date-of-birth proof
- Address details
- Bank account information
- Educational certificates
- Class 10 or Class 12 marksheets
- ITI certificate and marksheets, if applicable
- Diploma or graduation certificate, if applicable
- Caste or category certificate, where requested
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Résumé
- Experience documents, if required
The bank account should generally belong to the candidate and should have accurate account and IFSC details.
Name, date of birth and other information should be consistent across Aadhaar, educational documents and the bank account wherever possible.
How to Register on Apprenticeship India
Candidates can follow these steps to create an account.
Step 1: Open the Official Portal
Visit the official Apprenticeship India portal.
Check that the website uses the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in domain.
Step 2: Register as a Candidate
Select the option to register as a candidate.
Do not accidentally select establishment or training-provider registration.
Step 3: Enter Your Contact Details
Provide your active mobile number and email address.
Complete the required verification process and create your login credentials.
Use a personal mobile number and email address because selection updates may be sent to them.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile
Enter accurate information about:
- Personal details
- Address
- Educational qualification
- Technical qualification
- Preferred trade
- Work location
- Bank details, where requested
- Category and other required information
An incomplete profile can reduce the number of suitable opportunities displayed or prevent an application from being submitted.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload clear copies in the required format and size.
Do not upload blurred, edited or unrelated documents.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Check spelling, qualification, marks, year of passing, contact information and bank details before final submission.
Save your registration information and login credentials securely.
How to Search and Apply for an Apprenticeship
After registration, candidates can search for current opportunities.
Step 1: Open Apprenticeship Opportunities
Go to the official Apprenticeship Opportunity List.
Step 2: Use Search Filters
Depending on the portal options, search by:
- Trade or job role
- State
- District
- Establishment
- Qualification
- Industry sector
- Stipend
- Training duration
Step 3: Read the Complete Vacancy
Check:
- Establishment name
- Trade or role
- Number of vacancies
- Minimum qualification
- Stipend range
- Training location
- Duration
- Gender criteria, if legally and specifically stated
- Disability suitability
- Application deadline
- NAPS-benefit status
- Basic and on-the-job training details
Step 4: Verify Eligibility
Apply only when your qualification and other details match the vacancy.
Do not enter a false qualification to make the Apply button available.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Use the official portal’s Apply option and save the application record.
Candidates may apply for suitable opportunities, but duplicate or indiscriminate applications should be avoided.
Step 6: Monitor the Dashboard
Check your candidate dashboard for:
- Application status
- Shortlisting
- Interview or document-verification details
- Offer information
- Contract status
- Joining instructions
The establishment may also contact shortlisted applicants using the mobile number or email provided.
How Are Apprentices Selected?
Registration does not guarantee selection.
An establishment may use one or more of the following methods:
- Merit based on qualification
- Marks obtained in ITI or school
- Written test
- Aptitude test
- Trade test
- Interview
- Document verification
- Medical fitness examination
The selection process should be mentioned in the opportunity or communicated by the establishment.
A candidate should never pay money to influence selection.
NAPS Apprenticeship Stipend
Every opportunity should be checked individually for its stipend.
The applicable amount can depend on:
- Candidate qualification
- Trade
- Year of training
- Prescribed statutory minimum
- Establishment policy
- Location
- Nature of the role
- Apprenticeship category
Current portal listings show that stipends vary widely. Some opportunities may show a stipend in the ₹6,000–₹10,000 range, while certain graduate, technical or employer-specific opportunities can offer more.
These examples do not create a universal stipend rate.
The amount displayed in the vacancy and recorded in the apprenticeship contract is more relevant to the candidate than a general social-media claim.
How Is the NAPS-2 Stipend Paid?
Under NAPS-2, the government-supported portion can be transferred according to the applicable Direct Benefit Transfer process.
The candidate should ensure that:
- The bank account belongs to the candidate.
- The account number is correct.
- The IFSC code is correct.
- The bank account is active.
- Aadhaar and bank details satisfy the required verification conditions.
- Attendance and apprenticeship records are properly updated.
The establishment remains responsible for the stipend obligations under the apprenticeship arrangement.
Candidates should preserve:
- Apprenticeship contract
- Joining letter
- Attendance records
- Bank statements
- Stipend slips or payment details
- Communication with the establishment
Is ₹1,500 the Total NAPS Stipend?
No.
The ₹1,500 amount is the maximum monthly Government of India support under NAPS-2, subject to 25% of the stipend paid and the applicable conditions.
For example, if an eligible stipend is ₹8,000 per month, the government-support calculation is not the candidate’s entire stipend. The establishment remains responsible for stipend payment according to the contract and scheme process.
Candidates should not accept a claim that they will receive only ₹1,500 merely because the opportunity is covered by NAPS-2.
Training Duration
Apprenticeship duration varies by trade and category.
It can include:
- Basic training
- Practical training
- On-the-job training
- Related theoretical instruction
Some opportunities may last six months or one year, while designated trades can have longer prescribed durations.
Always read the duration shown in the vacancy and contract.
Do not assume that every apprenticeship lasts exactly one year.
Basic Training and On-the-Job Training
Basic Training
Basic training introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge required before or alongside workplace training.
It can cover:
- Trade theory
- Workshop safety
- Basic practical skills
- Tools and equipment
- Workplace behaviour
- Technical fundamentals
ITI pass-outs in a relevant trade may already possess some of the required basic training.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training takes place at the establishment or another approved workplace.
The apprentice works under supervision and learns through practical tasks.
The apprentice should receive genuine training rather than being used only for unrelated casual work.
Apprenticeship Contract
An apprenticeship should be governed by a formal contract.
The contract may contain:
- Apprentice details
- Establishment details
- Trade or role
- Training duration
- Stipend
- Start and end dates
- Training conditions
- Working hours
- Leave and conduct provisions
- Responsibilities of both parties
Read the contract before accepting it.
Do not rely only on an oral promise about stipend, job absorption or working location.
Attendance, Leave and Working Conditions
Apprentices must follow the establishment’s lawful training schedule and applicable apprenticeship rules.
They may need to:
- Maintain regular attendance
- Follow safety instructions
- Attend basic training
- Complete practical assignments
- Maintain a training log
- Follow workplace discipline
- Appear for assessment or examination
Apprentices are trainees, but establishments must still follow applicable safety, welfare and apprenticeship provisions.
Report unsafe conditions through the appropriate official or organisational channel.
Apprenticeship Certificate
Certification depends on the trade, course and assessment system.
Candidates completing the prescribed training may need to appear for an examination or assessment. Successful candidates can receive the applicable apprenticeship certificate.
A certificate can support future employment by demonstrating:
- Completion of structured training
- Practical industry exposure
- Knowledge of a trade
- Assessment against prescribed requirements
It does not guarantee permanent employment.
NAPS vs PMKVY
NAPS and PMKVY are both skill-development initiatives but serve different purposes.
| NAPS | PMKVY |
|---|---|
| Workplace apprenticeship | Skill-training programme |
| Apprentice trains with an establishment | Candidate trains through an approved centre or project |
| Monthly stipend is paid | No universal monthly stipend |
| Apprenticeship contract is involved | Course enrolment is involved |
| Focus on practical workplace experience | Focus on skill training and certification |
| Permanent employment is not guaranteed | Placement is not guaranteed |
A candidate may choose between them based on qualification, career goals and available opportunities.
NAPS vs Regular Employment
| Apprenticeship | Regular employment |
|---|---|
| Main purpose is training | Main purpose is performing a job |
| Candidate receives a stipend | Employee receives wages or salary |
| Fixed training duration | Employment may continue according to contract |
| Governed by apprenticeship arrangement | Governed by applicable employment terms |
| Permanent absorption is not guaranteed | Employee already holds an employment position |
Read offer documents carefully. An apprenticeship advertisement should not be presented as a permanent job vacancy.
Can the Employer Offer a Permanent Job?
Yes, an employer may offer a job after training, but it is not guaranteed under every apprenticeship.
The decision can depend on:
- Candidate performance
- Attendance and conduct
- Assessment result
- Available vacancies
- Business requirements
- Employer recruitment policy
Candidates should value the practical experience even when permanent absorption is not offered.
How to Avoid Apprenticeship Fraud
Use these safety checks:
- Apply through the official portal or employer website.
- Never pay a selection fee.
- Verify the establishment name and location.
- Read the stipend and duration.
- Check whether the opportunity is current.
- Do not share an OTP or password.
- Do not send money for a guaranteed offer letter.
- Obtain a formal apprenticeship contract.
- Keep copies of uploaded documents.
- Do not hand over original certificates permanently.
- Avoid offers made only through personal messaging accounts.
- Verify unexpected communication with the establishment.
A genuine apprenticeship may require document verification, but it should not require a bribe or payment for selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for apprenticeship registration?
The general minimum age is 14 years, subject to trade-specific rules and higher age requirements for hazardous occupations.
Can Class 10 pass candidates apply?
Yes. Many apprenticeship opportunities accept Class 10 candidates, while others require ITI, Class 12, a diploma or graduation.
Is NAPS registration free?
Candidates should not pay a private agent merely to register or apply through the official Apprenticeship India portal.
How much stipend does an apprentice receive?
It varies by opportunity, qualification, trade and establishment. Check the stipend displayed in the vacancy and apprenticeship contract.
Does the government pay only ₹1,500?
Under NAPS-2, government support is limited to 25% of the stipend paid, up to ₹1,500 per month per eligible apprentice. This is not necessarily the apprentice’s complete stipend.
Is an apprentice a permanent employee?
No. An apprentice is engaged primarily for training under an apprenticeship contract.
Will I receive a job after completing the apprenticeship?
A company may offer employment, but permanent absorption is not guaranteed.
Can ITI students apply?
ITI pass-outs can apply for relevant trade-apprenticeship opportunities when they meet the vacancy conditions.
Can graduates apply?
Yes. Graduate-level opportunities are available, but candidates should follow the portal and procedure specified in the official advertisement.
Can I apply in another State?
Candidates can apply for opportunities in another State if they meet the eligibility requirements and are willing to train at the specified location.
Where can I check my application status?
Log in to the Apprenticeship India candidate dashboard and review your submitted applications and contract status.
Official Links
- Apprenticeship India portal
- Current apprenticeship opportunities
- Candidate login
- NAPS information from MSDE
- Directorate General of Training
- DGT apprenticeship FAQs
Final Words
NAPS apprenticeship opportunities can help candidates gain practical work experience, earn a monthly stipend and receive training in an industry environment.
Create an accurate candidate profile, search for opportunities matching your qualification and read the complete vacancy before applying. Pay particular attention to the trade, stipend, duration, location and selection process.
Remember that an apprenticeship is a training opportunity rather than a guaranteed permanent appointment. Its greatest value comes from the practical skills, experience and certification gained during the training period.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only. Legal Rights Online is not associated with MSDE, DGT, NSDC, NAPS, Apprenticeship India or any participating establishment. Eligibility, stipend, vacancies, rules and procedures may change. Verify every opportunity and condition through the official portal before applying.