How to Apply for Apprenticeship in India — NAPS Portal Registration

Apprenticeship training is one of the most practical ways to gain industry-ready skills while earning a stipend. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), runs a structured apprenticeship framework backed by the Apprentices Act, 1961. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) further incentivises employers to hire apprentices by sharing stipend costs.

This guide covers everything — types of apprenticeships, how to register on the official portal, stipend details, certification, and benefits.

What Is Apprenticeship Under the Apprentices Act?

An apprenticeship is a dual-mode training programme where a candidate learns on the job inside an establishment while also receiving related theoretical instruction. It is governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961 (amended in 2014) and regulated by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under MSDE.

Key features:

• On-the-job training in real workplaces (factories, offices, workshops)
• Stipend paid by the employer (with partial reimbursement under NAPS)
• Certificate recognised nationally by NCVT or RDAT
• No bond or employment guarantee — but high employability after completion

Types of Apprenticeships in India

Optional Trade Apprentices are the most flexible category — employers can design their own training modules and hire candidates with minimal educational qualifications.

What Is NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme)?

NAPS is a Central Government scheme launched to promote apprenticeship training across India. It provides financial support to employers who engage apprentices.

NAPS Benefits for Employers

• 25% of prescribed stipend reimbursed by the government (up to ₹1,500 per month per apprentice)
• ₹7,500 one-time assistance for fresh candidates requiring basic training (shared cost of basic training)
• Simplified online compliance through the apprenticeship portal

NAPS Benefits for Candidates

• Guaranteed monthly stipend during training
• Nationally recognised certificate on completion
• Practical industry exposure and skill development
• No fees — apprenticeship training is free for the candidate

How to Register as a Candidate on the Apprenticeship Portal

The official portal is apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Portal

Go to https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and click on "Candidate" under the registration section.

Step 2: Enter Basic Details

• Full name, date of birth, gender
• Mobile number and email ID
• Aadhaar number (mandatory for identity verification)

Step 3: Choose Education and Trade

• Select your highest qualification (5th, 8th, 10th, 12th, ITI, Diploma, Degree)
• If you are an ITI pass-out, enter your ITI details and trade name
• Choose your preferred apprenticeship trade and location

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Passport-size photograph
• Educational certificates (marksheets)
• Aadhaar card
• ITI certificate (if applicable)
• Caste certificate (if applying under SC/ST/OBC category)

💡 Keep scanned copies ready in JPG/PDF format (under 500 KB each). You can use DigiLocker to access verified digital documents.

Step 5: Submit and Get Registration Number

After submission, you receive a unique registration number. Use this to:

• Search and apply for apprenticeship openings
• Track your application status
• Download your offer letter once selected

Step 6: Apply to Establishments

Browse available apprenticeship vacancies on the portal, filter by trade/location/sector, and apply directly. Employers will review your profile and issue a contract of apprenticeship if selected.

How Employers Register on the NAPS Portal

Employers (establishments) must also register to engage apprentices under NAPS:

1. Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in → click "Establishment"
2. Enter establishment details — name, address, type, sector, GSTIN/PAN
3. Specify apprentice seats — number of apprentices the establishment can train (based on workforce size)
4. Upload documents — registration certificate, PAN, bank details for NAPS reimbursement
5. Get approval from the Regional Directorate of Apprenticeship Training (RDAT) or State Apprenticeship Adviser (SAA)
6. Post vacancies and select candidates from the portal

Establishments with 30 or more workers (including contract workers) are mandated to engage apprentices — between 2.5% to 15% of their total workforce.

Stipend Structure for Apprentices

The government prescribes minimum stipend rates. Employers may pay more, but cannot pay less:

Stipend rates are revised periodically by the government. Under NAPS, the government reimburses 25% of the stipend (max ₹1,500/month) directly to the employer.

Duration of Apprenticeship Training

• Trade Apprentices: 6 months to 3 years (depends on the designated trade)
• Graduate / Technician Apprentices: 1 year
• Optional Trade Apprentices: 6 months to 1 year (employer-defined)

The training period includes both practical training at the workplace and related instruction (classroom or online modules).

Certification — NCVT and RDAT

On successful completion of apprenticeship training:

• Trade Apprentices receive a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) after passing the All India Trade Test (AITT)
• Graduate and Technician Apprentices receive a Proficiency Certificate issued by the respective RDAT/SAA
• Optional Trade Apprentices receive a certificate from the employer and DGT

These certificates are recognised across India for government jobs, PSU recruitment, and further skill development programmes. Many government job applications accept apprenticeship certificates as valid experience.

Top Sectors Hiring Apprentices

Apprenticeship opportunities span across industries:

• Manufacturing — automobile, steel, heavy engineering, textiles
• IT & ITeS — software, BPO, data management
• Retail — sales, store operations, logistics
• Banking & Financial Services — back-office, customer support
• Hospitality — hotels, food & beverage, housekeeping
• Healthcare — hospital operations, lab technician roles
• Power & Energy — electrician, lineman, technician roles
• Telecom — tower technician, fibre optic installer
• Construction — mason, plumber, welder, bar bender

Major companies like Tata, L&T, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, BHEL, Indian Railways, and numerous PSUs actively recruit apprentices through the portal.

Benefits of Doing an Apprenticeship

For candidates:

• Earn while you learn — monthly stipend with no fees
• Gain hands-on industry experience that classrooms cannot provide
• Nationally recognised certificate improves job prospects
• Preference in government recruitment for candidates with apprenticeship experience
• Build professional networks early in your career

For the economy:

• Bridges the gap between education and employment
• Reduces youth unemployment by creating structured pathways
• Supports the e-Shram registered workforce in gaining formal skills

Important Tips for Applicants

• Register on the portal early — popular trades and companies fill up fast
• Keep Aadhaar linked to your mobile for OTP-based verification
• Check portal regularly for new vacancies matching your trade and location
• Apply to multiple establishments to increase your chances
• Explore scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal if you need financial support during training

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any fee to register for apprenticeship on the NAPS portal?

No. Registration on apprenticeshipindia.gov.in is completely free for candidates. You do not need to pay any fee at any stage of the apprenticeship process.

Can I do an apprenticeship after completing ITI?

Yes. ITI pass-outs are highly preferred for Trade Apprenticeship positions. Your ITI trade and marks are considered during selection. Many government and private establishments specifically seek ITI-certified candidates.

What is the difference between NAPS and NATS?

NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) covers trade and optional trade apprentices and is managed by DGT under MSDE. NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) covers graduate, technician, and technician (vocational) apprentices and is managed by BOAT (Board of Apprenticeship Training) under the Ministry of Education. Both use the same portal for registration.

Will I get a job after completing apprenticeship?

There is no legal obligation on the employer to provide permanent employment after apprenticeship. However, many employers prefer to absorb trained apprentices. The NAC certificate and practical experience significantly boost your employability for both private and government jobs.

Can I apply for apprenticeship in a different state?

Yes. The apprenticeship portal allows you to search and apply for vacancies across India. You can filter by state, district, sector, and trade to find opportunities anywhere in the country.

What documents are needed for apprenticeship registration?

You need Aadhaar card, educational certificates (marksheets), passport-size photo, and category certificate (if applicable). ITI pass-outs should keep their ITI certificate ready. Use DigiLocker to access verified digital copies of your documents.

Is there an age limit for apprenticeship?

The minimum age is 14 years (for trades not involving hazardous work) and 18 years for trades involving hazardous processes. There is no upper age limit prescribed under the Apprentices Act, though individual establishments may set their own criteria.