National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

What is National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)?

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a Government of India scheme to promote apprenticeship training by providing financial support to employers and ensuring youth get paid, on-the-job training in industry settings. Apprentices earn a monthly stipend while learning real work skills.

Key features:

• Government pays 25% of prescribed stipend (up to ₹1,500/month) to the employer
• Apprentices earn ₹5,000–₹9,000/month stipend (based on category)
• Duration: 1 to 3 years depending on trade
• National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) certificate on completion
• Covers 300+ trades across manufacturing, services, and IT

Types of Apprenticeship Under NAPS

Stipend Structure (Minimum per month)

Government reimburses 25% of stipend (up to ₹1,500) to the employer. The employer pays the full stipend to the apprentice.

How to Apply as an Apprentice (Student/Youth)

1. Go to apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
2. Click "Register as Apprentice"
3. Enter your details:
   • Name, Aadhaar, mobile
   • Educational qualification
   • Preferred sector / trade
   • Preferred location
4. Create a profile
5. Browse job postings from registered employers
6. Apply to openings in your preferred trade and area
7. If selected by employer: Sign an apprenticeship agreement
8. Training begins — stipend starts from Day 1

How Employers Register (for businesses)

1. Go to apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
2. Click "Register as Establishment"
3. Fill in GSTIN, company details, number of employees
4. Post apprenticeship vacancies with trade details and duration
5. Select apprentices from the portal's candidate pool
6. Government reimburses 25% of monthly stipend quarterly

Trades Available

Popular apprenticeship trades on NAPS:

• Electrician, Plumber, Welder, Fitter (manufacturing)
• IT technician, Computer operator (IT/ITES)
• Healthcare assistant, Lab technician
• Retail sales, Customer support (services)
• Two/four-wheeler mechanic (automotive)
• Baker, Cook, Steward (hospitality)
• Beauty therapist, Spa therapist

After Completing Apprenticeship

• Government certificate (NCVET-recognised) — accepted by employers nationally
• Many employers directly hire successful apprentices (it's essentially a 1-2 year working interview)
• Eligible for ITI-equivalent qualification in some trades
• Can appear for competitive exams requiring ITI / vocational certification

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NAPS only for engineering graduates?

No — NAPS covers everyone from Class 8 pass to engineering graduates. Trade apprentices (basic level) can be as young as 14–18 years with Class 8 qualification.

What is the difference between NAPS and ITI?

• ITI is classroom + workshop training in an institution (1–2 years)
• NAPS is on-the-job training in a real company with stipend (1–3 years)
• Both lead to NCVET/NCVT certificates. Many students do ITI first, then NAPS apprenticeship for practical experience.

Is the stipend guaranteed from the first day?

Yes — once the apprenticeship agreement is signed and registered on the portal, stipend starts from the first working day. Employers who don't pay stipend can be reported at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.

Can an employer force an apprentice to work overtime?

Apprentices are not employees — they cannot be made to work more than 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week. Overtime is not applicable. Report violations to the Regional Apprenticeship Advisor.

I did NAPS but the employer doesn't have a job for me after completion. What to do?

NAPS does not guarantee employment after training — it guarantees the training stipend. For job placement, register on the portal's job board, attend Rozgar Melas, or approach other employers in the same trade with your NAPS certificate.

Official Links

• Register as apprentice or employer: apprenticeshipindia.gov.in
• Ministry of Skill Development: msde.gov.in
• NCVET: ncvet.gov.in
• Helpline: 1800-123-9626 (Skill India helpline)