National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) — How to Apply Online

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to promote apprenticeship training across industries. Launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), NAPS provides financial support to employers who engage apprentices, helping youth gain practical on-the-job skills while earning a stipend.

What is the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme?

NAPS incentivises establishments (factories, businesses, organisations) to hire apprentices by sharing part of the stipend cost. The scheme operates through the Apprenticeship India portal and is implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) along with the Directorate General of Training (DGT).

Under NAPS 2.0, the government shares 25% of the prescribed stipend, subject to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice, directly with the employer.

Who is Eligible?

For Apprentices

• Indian citizens aged 14 years and above (varies by trade)
• Minimum qualification: Class 5th pass for designated trades; Class 8th/10th/12th/ITI/Graduate depending on the trade
• Not currently employed in any regular full-time job
• Must have an Aadhaar card and a bank account

For Employers/Establishments

• Any establishment with 4 or more workers (including contractual)
• Must be registered on the Apprenticeship India portal
• Establishments in both manufacturing and services sectors are eligible
• Government departments, PSUs and private sector companies can all participate

Benefits of NAPS

Documents Required

For Apprentices

• Aadhaar card
• Educational certificates (marksheets of highest qualification)
• Passport-size photographs
• Bank account details (with IFSC code)
• Caste certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/OBC)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)

For Employers

• Establishment registration certificate
• PAN card of the organisation
• GST registration (if applicable)
• Authorised signatory details with Aadhaar
• Bank account details of the establishment

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Online Process (Apprentices)

1. Visit the Apprenticeship India portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
2. Click on "Candidate Registration" or "Apprentice" option
3. Enter your Aadhaar number for verification
4. Fill the registration form – personal details, educational qualifications, preferred trade and location
5. Upload required documents (marksheets, photograph)
6. Submit the form and note your registration ID
7. Search for apprenticeship opportunities on the portal
8. Apply to establishments offering apprenticeship in your preferred trade
9. Once accepted, the employer will generate the apprenticeship contract on the portal
10. Begin training as per the contract duration and terms

For Employers

1. Register on the Apprenticeship India portal as an establishment
2. Post apprenticeship opportunities with trade details and number of vacancies
3. Select candidates from applications received
4. Generate the apprenticeship contract online
5. Commence training and ensure monthly stipend payments
6. Claim reimbursement of government share of stipend through the portal

Stipend Structure

Note: The government reimburses 25% of the prescribed stipend up to ₹1,500/month to the employer.

Processing Time

• Registration: Instant (online)
• Contract approval: 7–15 working days
• Stipend reimbursement: Monthly, processed within 30 days of claim

Important Tips

1. Apprentices should actively search for opportunities on the portal rather than waiting — new postings are added regularly
2. Employers must engage apprentices as per the mandatory ratio (2.5%–15% of total workforce) under the Apprentices Act, 1961
3. Keep your bank account linked to Aadhaar for smooth DBT of stipend
4. Complete the full training duration to receive the nationally recognised certificate
5. ITI pass-outs get preference in designated trades — complete your ITI before applying for better opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of apprenticeship training under NAPS?

The duration varies from 6 months to 3 years depending on the trade. Designated trades have fixed durations specified by DGT, while optional trades can be 6–36 months as decided by the employer.

Is there any fee to register on the Apprenticeship India portal?

No. Registration on the Apprenticeship India portal is completely free for both apprentices and employers.

Can a person who already has a job apply for NAPS?

No. NAPS is meant for skill development of unemployed youth. A person currently in regular employment is not eligible to register as an apprentice.

Do apprentices get any certificate after completing training?

Yes. Apprentices who successfully complete their training period receive a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) or a certificate from the sector skill council, which is recognised across India.

What happens if an employer does not pay the stipend?

Employers are legally bound to pay the prescribed minimum stipend under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Complaints can be filed with the Apprenticeship Adviser of the respective state or through the portal's grievance mechanism.

Can ITI students directly join as apprentices?

Yes. ITI pass-outs can directly register on the Apprenticeship India portal and apply for apprenticeship in their respective trades. They are given priority for designated trade apprenticeships.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any government body. Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in for official details. Also see our PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana guide for more skill development options.