National Scheme of Apprenticeship Training

National Scheme of Apprenticeship Training (NATS) helps fresh graduate engineers, diploma holders, and 10+2 vocational pass-outs learn practical skills in real companies while earning a monthly stipend. Registrations for the current year are open on the official NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in, and stipend rates have been revised upward from 1 April 2026.

The scheme connects students with more than 16,000 industrial establishments across the country for on-the-job training of 6 months to 1 year. Ministry of Education manages NATS under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and four Regional Boards of Apprenticeship/Practical Training (BOATs/BOPT) in Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai, and Kolkata handle the day-to-day work.

National Scheme of Apprenticeship Training - Introduction

NATS started in 1973 as one of the main schemes of the Government of India for skilling young people in trade disciplines. It gives graduate, diploma, and vocational certificate holders hands-on On-the-Job Training (OJT) in some of the best organisations in central, state, and private sectors. Students registered on the NATS 2.0 portal are paid a stipend for the training period, and at the end they receive a Certificate of Proficiency issued by the Government of India. This certificate is accepted at all employment exchanges as valid work experience.

The program is managed through four regional boards: Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) at Mumbai, Kanpur, and Chennai, and Board of Practical Training (BOPT) at Kolkata. Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), a statutory body under the Apprentices Act, 1961, sets the rules for the training. After its 38th meeting in May 2025, the Council recommended setting up new regional apprenticeship boards beyond the existing four, so the scheme can cover more institutes and establishments.

Training under NATS is not limited to engineering only. The scheme covers graduate, graduate sandwich, technician, technician sandwich, and technician vocational categories, and the scope is being extended to commerce, arts, humanities, and management fields. On the portal, more than 36.5 lakh students have registered so far, and over 16,000 establishments are taking part in the scheme.

Benefits

NATS gives the double benefit of earning while learning. During the apprenticeship, you get practical training in your own field, pick up soft skills, work culture, and professional behaviour, and receive a stipend for the full training period. As per the third-party evaluation by NILERD, around 74% of apprentices who complete the training get full-time employment afterwards.

Stipend rates were revised with effect from 1 April 2026 as per the latest circulars issued by the regional boards. The revised monthly stipend now ranges from ₹9,600 to ₹12,300 depending on the apprentice category. The earlier rates of ₹4,984 for graduates, ₹3,542 for technicians, and ₹2,758 for vocational pass-outs are no longer applicable.

Eligibility

NATS is open to students and pass-outs in these categories:

• Graduate Engineers: fresh graduates with an engineering or technology degree can join as graduate apprentices.
• Diploma Holders (Technicians): candidates with a technical diploma can join as technician apprentices.
• 10+2 Vocational Pass-outs: students who completed 10+2 vocational education can join as technician vocational apprentices.

Fresh graduates and diploma holders can enroll within 5 years of completing their course. UGC and AICTE have also released guidelines for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree/Diploma Programmes (AEDP), so students can take up apprenticeship as part of their degree course itself.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Go to the official portal at nats.education.gov.in. Click on the Students section and select Student Register to start your enrollment.

STEP 2 - Enroll with your mobile number and a valid personal email ID. The email ID works as your username for login. An OTP is sent to both your mobile and email for verification.

STEP 3 - Complete your profile with your name, father's name, Aadhaar number, educational details, and address. Enter correct bank account details linked to Aadhaar so your stipend reaches on time.

STEP 4 - Create your APAAR ID from the ABC portal at abc.gov.in if you do not already have one. APAAR ID is now a required document for enrollment on the portal.

STEP 5 - Select your preferred field of training and desired location, then review all details and submit the application.

STEP 6 - After registration, browse the dashboard for apprenticeship advertisements from establishments. Check the requirements and apply for the seats that match your qualifications.

STEP 7 - Once an establishment selects you, accept the contract request. It then goes to the BOAT/BOPT authority for final approval, after which your training starts.

STEP 8 - Track your application status anytime from the application management section in your dashboard.

Documents Required

Before enrolling on the portal, keep these documents ready:

• Aadhaar card: needed for e-KYC verification during registration.
• Valid personal email ID: used to activate the account and as username for login.
• Mobile number: used for OTP verification and updates.
• APAAR ID: required for enrollment; if you do not have one, create it from the ABC portal at abc.gov.in.
• Qualifying degree or provisional certificate: in PDF format, less than 1 MB.
• Passport size photograph: in JPEG format, under 1 MB.
• Aadhaar seeded bank account: to receive the stipend without delay.

References

• PIB Release on National Apprenticeship and Training Schemes
• About National Apprenticeship Training Scheme
• Required Documents and Student Registration
• Student User Manual (PDF)
• Help and Support

FAQ's

Is NATS open for registration in 2026?

Yes, registration is open on the official NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in for the current year. New students can enroll and apply for apprenticeship seats from the dashboard.

What is the new stipend under NATS?

As per the BOAT circulars, revised minimum stipend rates apply from 1 April 2026. The monthly stipend now ranges from ₹9,600 to ₹12,300 depending on the apprentice category.

How many Regional Boards manage NATS?

Four regional boards (BOATs/BOPT) located in Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai, and Kolkata manage the scheme. Central Apprenticeship Council has recommended adding more regional boards beyond these four.

Who funds the stipend?

The apprentice is paid a stipend for the training period, and 50% of it is met by the Government of India. This support is sent through DBT, so it reaches the apprentice's bank account directly.

What is the duration of apprenticeship training?

Training duration ranges from 6 months to 1 year depending on the trade and category of the apprentice.

What certificate do apprentices get after training?

Apprentices receive a Certificate of Proficiency issued by the Government of India at the end of training. It is accepted at employment exchanges across India as valid work experience.

What are the eligibility categories for NATS?

Graduate engineers, diploma holders (technicians), and 10+2 vocational pass-outs can apply. Apprentices can enroll within 5 years of completing their qualification.

Can you change profile details after the contract is created?

Once the contract is finalised, the profile is locked. Contact the concerned BOAT/BOPT regional office if there is an urgent change needed.