National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship runs National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 to promote apprenticeship training across India by offering partial stipend support to apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The scheme has been granted interim extension up to 30 September 2026, ensuring continuity of support while the next phase is being appraised.

As a central sector scheme fully funded by the government, it serves as a key pillar of the Skill India Programme. The ministry plans to engage 13 lakh apprentices in FY 2025-26, building on the 41.95 lakh apprentices engaged cumulatively between FY 2018-19 and July 2025.

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 - Introduction

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 helps promote apprenticeship training by offering partial stipend support to apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The initiative focuses on building the capacity of the apprenticeship ecosystem and providing advocacy assistance to all participants. By simplifying the engagement process, it improves the ease of doing business significantly.

Core objectives of the scheme:

• To develop a skilled workforce by encouraging on-the-job experiential training.
• To motivate establishments to hire apprentices by providing partial stipend support.
• To provide up-skilling opportunities for candidates who have completed short-term training programs from government initiatives.
• To boost the enrollment of apprentices in small businesses, specifically MSMEs and those located in aspirational districts or the North-East Region.

Anticipated outcomes:

• The ministry targets 13 lakh apprentices in FY 2025-26.
• Cumulatively, 41.95 lakh apprentices have been engaged between FY 2018-19 and July 2025, with over 21.47 lakh completing their training.
• The scheme fosters a better environment for apprenticeship in India, assisting stakeholders in accelerating the performance of approved apprenticeship programs.

Additional key facts:

• Upon successful completion of training, you will receive support for quick registration on the National Career Service (NCS) portal to help you find employment.
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 aligns with infrastructure programs like Gati Shakti to boost engagement in the growing infrastructure sector.
• The scheme introduces innovative models to preserve traditional skills, artisans, and craftspeople within the informal economy.

Benefits

You can receive training in either Designated Trades (DT) or Optional Trades (OT). The government provides partial stipend support of 25% of the total stipend paid, capped at a maximum of ₹1,500 per month, per apprentice. This amount is sent directly to your bank account via DBT.

Revised stipend structure (proposed 36% hike, linked to CPI, biennial revision):

Designated Trades (DT) & Optional Trades (OT) Overview:

North-Eastern Region bonus: An additional ₹1,500 per month for candidates from NER undergoing training in a different state — over and above the regular government stipend share.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you should meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 14 years old. For hazardous industries, the minimum age is 18 years.
• You should be no older than 35 years at the time of registration to avail the government stipend support.
• Individuals who have completed programs like DDUGKY, NULM, or PMKVY are encouraged to apply to further enhance their skills.
• You must have an updated Aadhaar number and completed e-KYC on the apprenticeship portal to sign a contract.
• Minimum education: Class 5 pass for most trades.
• Reserved slots available for persons with benchmark disabilities.

Exclusions

Please note that basic training costs are not reimbursed under this scheme. Additionally, stipends are not provided under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 to central or state government departments, public sector undertakings, or public sector banks.

New Portal Features (April 2026)

The Ministry has enabled new portal features on apprenticeshipindia.gov.in vide order dated 23 April 2026:

• Engagement Cap: Establishments may engage apprentices up to a maximum of 18% of total workforce strength. Minimum engagement remains 2%, subject to fulfilment of apprentice-months corresponding to the annual obligation of 2.5%.
• Minimum Gap Between Trainings: Introduced via Rule 7D (Gazette Notification G.S.R. 610(E) dated 03.09.2025). Portal functionality updated to process cases involving termination and re-engagement in line with these provisions.
• Termination Guidelines: Issued under Section 7 of the Apprentices Act, 1961. Termination may occur upon expiry of training, mutual consent, or valid grounds such as misconduct, absenteeism, or employer default. Termination requests must be raised in advance through the portal, with timelines between T+14 and T+28 days. Adviser has 15–30 days to process termination requests.
• Mandatory Email Verification: Email verification and validation measures are now mandatory on the portal.
• Optional Trade Duration: Approval for optional trades with duration exceeding one year.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Go to the official website at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and click on the 'Register' option on the homepage. STEP 2 - Choose your profile as a 'Candidate' and enter your mobile number and email ID to create your account. STEP 3 - Complete your profile by entering your Aadhaar number and finishing the e-KYC process. STEP 4 - Verify your email address as mandatory email validation is now enabled on the portal. STEP 5 - Use your mobile OTP for verification to finalize your registration and begin your search for apprenticeship roles.

Documents

You should keep your Aadhaar Card handy during registration. You may also need specific educational and trade-related certificates depending on the position you choose.

Sector Expansion & Structural Reforms (2026)

NAPS-2 now covers 49 sectors including Automotive, IT-ITeS, Electronics, Retail, Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Renewable Energy, and Telecommunications. The 38th Central Apprenticeship Council has recommended linking degree programs with apprenticeships, introducing blended training modes (mixing physical and digital methods), and aligning sectoral updates with National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2008.

Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM)

Since June 2022, the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela has been organized monthly in at least one-third of each state's districts. These melas help candidates and establishments connect and facilitate apprenticeship selection. Regular awareness workshops further promote participation in the scheme.

Definitions

Apprentice

An apprentice is an individual who enters into a formal training contract with an employer to gain professional skills under the Act.

References

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 Guidelines (August 2023)

DBT and Aadhaar Seeding Details

PIB Release on NAPS-2 Features and Stipend Support

PIB Release on Central Apprenticeship Council Reforms

MSDE Gazette Notifications (including Common Norms Sixth Amendment 2026)

FAQ's

What does Basic Training mean?

Basic training refers to the foundational knowledge provided to those who have not received prior practical experience before starting their on-the-job training.

What does On-the-job Training mean?

This is practical training provided directly at your workplace. For example, if you are a mechanical apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience by working with machinery under professional supervision to learn your craft effectively.

I am an apprentice under NATS administered by Ministry of Education. Am I eligible?

No, you are not eligible for this scheme if you are already covered under NATS.

What is the current status of NAPS-2 in 2026?

The scheme has been granted interim extension up to 30 September 2026 or until approval of PM-NAPS 3.0, whichever is earlier, vide Office Memorandum dated 23 April 2026.

What is the apprenticeship engagement cap for establishments?

Establishments may engage apprentices up to a maximum of 18% of total workforce strength, with a minimum of 2%, as per the portal features enabled in April 2026.

Has the stipend amount been revised recently?

A 36% stipend hike has been proposed, moving the eligible monthly range from ₹5,000-9,000 to ₹6,800-12,300 per apprentice, linked to CPI with biennial revision. The government share remains 25% capped at ₹1,500 per month.

Are there any special provisions for North-Eastern Region candidates?

Yes, candidates from NER undergoing training in a different state receive an additional ₹1,500 per month over and above the regular government stipend share.

What is the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela?

PMNAM is a monthly event organized in at least one-third of each state's districts since June 2022, connecting candidates with establishments for apprenticeship opportunities.

Is email verification mandatory on the portal now?

Yes, mandatory email verification and validation measures have been implemented on the apprenticeship portal as of April 2026.