AI SummaryNational Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a skill training scheme of central government that gives students practical on-the-job training in government and private establishments. Under this scheme, the Ministry of Education provides apprenticeship training to graduates, diploma holders and vocational certificate holders so that they can gain real work experience and improve their chances of getting a good job. Apprenticeship is a dual training system in which a candidate gets on-the-job training (OJT) along with classroom-based instructions.
NATS is accepting online registrations for the 2026-27 financial year through the official NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in. The scheme is open to engineering graduates, diploma holders and students from humanities, science and commerce streams. Apprentices get a monthly stipend along with a Certificate of Proficiency at the end of the training.
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme Latest Update
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme has been running since 1973 under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Education through the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) and Board of Practical Training (BOPT). On 30 July 2024, the government launched the NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in as a single digital platform for student registration, vacancy browsing, contract creation and direct benefit transfer (DBT) of stipend.
In May 2025, the Central Apprenticeship Council recommended a 36% increase in the stipend under NATS and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). The stipend range was revised from the earlier ₹5,000 to ₹9,000 per month to ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 per month. Following this, the Board of Apprenticeship Training issued circulars implementing revised minimum stipend rates under NATS with effect from 1 April 2026. The new stipend range for apprentices is now ₹9,600 to ₹12,300 per month.
Stipend details under National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)
Under NATS, apprentices get a monthly stipend for the training period, which lasts from 6 months to 1 year. The stipend amount depends on the category of the apprentice. Graduate apprentices get a higher stipend than diploma holders and vocational certificate holders. The government reimburses 50% of the stipend amount to the employer, so both the government and the employer share the cost of training.
The revised minimum stipend rates from 1 April 2026 are ₹9,600 to ₹12,300 per month for different categories of apprentices. The exact amount depends on the apprentice category and the region where the training is done. The stipend is paid directly to the apprentice through the DBT system on the NATS 2.0 portal.
Official Notification on NATS Stipend Revision
According to the official circulars issued by the Board of Apprenticeship Training, the minimum prescribed stipend rates under the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 have been revised for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme with effect from 1 April 2026. The revision applies to all establishments hiring apprentices under NATS. The government share of the stipend is paid through the NATS 2.0 portal.
Under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, apprenticeship training is provided to students who have completed or are pursuing technical courses. Now students from non-technical subjects such as humanities, science and commerce can also get the benefit of this scheme. The scope of NATS has been expanded to include graduate, diploma and vocational students from these streams.
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme Portal at nats.education.gov.in
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a free skill development training scheme under which apprentices get 6 months to 1 year of skill training along with a stipend. If the candidate performs well in the company, they may also get a permanent job in the organization. The central government is making many efforts to make candidates skilled, and for this it runs schemes like National Apprenticeship Training Scheme and skill development schemes.
After the training is complete, the central government issues a Certificate of Proficiency to the apprentices. This certificate is registered at all employment exchanges across India as valid work experience. Before filling the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme online registration form, interested apprentices can register online on the official portal of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme NATS Online Application / Registration Form
Candidates can follow the steps given below to apply online for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme and fill the registration form:
STEP 1 - Go to the official NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in.
STEP 2 - On the homepage, click on the "Students" tab and then select the "Register" option, as shown in the image below.
STEP 3 - After clicking on the register button, the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme eligibility check page will appear, as shown below.
STEP 4 - Fill in all the details one by one correctly so that the system can check whether you are eligible for NATS. After this, click on the "I've Above Data" option.
STEP 5 - Here you will be asked to verify your email ID and mobile phone number, which is required. Then you can move to the next step of the application with your name and password.
STEP 6 - Read the questionnaire and guidelines carefully, then click on the checkbox below so that the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme registration form opens, as shown below.
STEP 7 - Fill in all the information asked in the form carefully and click the "Save and Continue" button.
STEP 8 - After this, the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme application process is complete, and you can easily log in to NATS.
STEP 9 - National Apprenticeship Training Scheme login direct link - nats.education.gov.in
STEP 10 - On the login page, enter your enrollment number as the user ID and your password, then click the "Login" button.
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme helps candidates become skilled and technically capable. Apprentices are given training at their workplace by the organization. The trainers decide whether the apprentice is fully ready for the job. During the training, half of the stipend amount is paid by the employer and the other half by the central government.
During the training, the apprentice also learns work culture, ethics and organizational behavior, which are useful in a company and in daily life. Any candidate who is at least 16 years old can apply for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme. Students who have completed an engineering degree or diploma can also get the benefit of the scheme.
Also Read - National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme Online Application Form
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) Required Documents
Before doing the online registration for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, the applicant must have the required documents as told by the Ministry of Education:
- Aadhaar card is required for e-KYC verification.
- A valid personal email ID is needed to activate the account and log in.
- A personal mobile number is required for OTP verification.
- A passport size photo is needed for the application.
- A savings bank account is required to receive the stipend through DBT.
- Qualifying degree or provisional certificate is required as proof of education.
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) Eligibility
Before applying online for NATS, candidates can check the required eligibility given below:
- The candidate must be at least 16 years old.
- The applicant must be a diploma, degree or vocational certificate holder.
- The candidate must be a permanent citizen of India.
- Students from engineering, humanities, science and commerce streams can apply.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi started this free skill development training scheme to deal with the problem of unemployment in the country, so that more and more people can get the benefit of the scheme and get a good job. For more information, you can see the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme guidelines or visit nats.education.gov.in. For help, you can contact the regional helpline numbers: Northern Region 9773895324 / 25 / 26, Southern Region 9773895327 / 28, Eastern Region 9773895329, Western Region 9773895330 / 31 / 32.