Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), under National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Stipend during training, with a government share of 25% of the stipend up to Rs 1,500 a month |
| Who can apply | Youth above 16 years with a degree or diploma certificate |
| How it is paid | Stipend and government share transferred by DBT to the apprentice's bank account |
| Apply at | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in (NATS portal) |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- Training lasts about one year, with a stipend paid during the period.
- The government share is 25% of the stipend, up to Rs 1,500 a month, paid by DBT.
- Youth already trained under another government skill programme are not eligible.
- You get a Certificate of Proficiency at the end, which can be registered at employment exchanges.
So what exactly do apprentices get?
Apprentices get a one-year placement with a central, state or private organisation that has good training facilities.
During training, the employer pays a stipend. The government contributes a share of that stipend, which is 25% up to Rs 1,500 a month.
That government share now goes directly to the apprentice's bank account through DBT, through the National Skill Development Corporation.
At the end, you receive a Certificate of Proficiency from the Government of India. You can register it at employment exchanges as valid work experience.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
You must be above 16 years of age.
You must have a degree or diploma certificate in a technical field.
Youth who have already been trained under any other government skill development programme are not eligible for this scheme.
Apprenticeship fairs are held from time to time to select students, so watch for announcements.
A short background: why was this scheme started?
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme was launched on August 19, 2016.
Its aim is to encourage employers to hire apprentices and give them financial support during training.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship now runs it, and it is part of the Skill India mission.
Recent reforms moved apprenticeship payments to direct transfer, so the government share reaches apprentices directly. Amounts can change, so please confirm on the official site.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your degree or diploma certificate ready.
Keep your Aadhaar card, a valid mobile number and an email address.
Keep a bank account in your own name, since the stipend share is paid into it.
Keep passport-size photographs and your educational mark sheets handy.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Go to apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and open the NATS web portal.
Open the Eligibility Check section. In the drop-down, click on I am a Student.
Answer the questions. If you qualify, you will see the message: Congrats! You are eligible to enrol now.
Fill in the Enrolment Form, check the details in Preview and Confirm, and submit.
- 1Open the NATS portalGo to apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and open the NATS web portal.
- 2Run the eligibility checkOpen Eligibility Check, choose I am a Student in the drop-down, and answer the questions.
- 3Confirm you qualifyIf you qualify, you will see: Congrats! You are eligible to enrol now.
- 4Fill in and submit the formComplete the Enrolment Form, check the details in Preview, then Confirm and submit.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
How do you apply offline, and what if you need help?
If you do not have internet access, visit a nearby training institute or an apprenticeship fair in your area.
Ask the institute's placement or training office to help you enrol on the NATS portal.
Do not pay any agent or person who promises a job or a seat. Enrolment is free.
What should you check if the stipend does not come?
First, check that your bank account is in your own name and is linked with Aadhaar.
Log in to the NATS portal and check your apprenticeship status and payment record.
If the money is stuck, contact the NATS helpline or write to the email given on the portal.
Helpline and important tips
NATS toll free number: 1800-222-060. Other numbers: +91-22-24055635 or 24053682.
Email: natscounselling.boatwr@gmail.com.
Never share your OTP or bank password with anyone who calls claiming to offer an apprenticeship.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Enrolment on the NATS portal is free. Never pay anyone who promises a seat.
How long is the apprenticeship?
The training period is about one year.
Do I get a certificate at the end?
Yes. You get a Certificate of Proficiency from the Government of India, which you can register at employment exchanges.
Who pays the stipend?
The employer pays the stipend. The government contributes 25% of it, up to Rs 1,500 a month, paid directly to your bank account.
Can I apply if I already did a government skill course?
No. Youth already trained under another government skill development programme are not eligible for this scheme.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
