- APS-2 provides apprenticeship opportunities in Designated and Optional Trades, including a route for fresher apprentices.
- Eligible apprentices receive Government stipend support of 25% of the minimum stipend, up to ₹1,500 per month through DBT.
- The prescribed minimum stipend under the 2025 rules ranges from ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 per month.
- Candidates can register and apply for apprenticeship opportunities through the National Apprenticeship Portal.
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
- Phone: 011-23465800
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Summary of the Scheme
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|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS / NAPS-2) |
| Launch Year | 2016 |
| Benefits | Government stipend support of 25% of the minimum stipend, up to ₹1,500 per month per apprentice through DBT |
| Beneficiary | Eligible apprentices undergoing apprenticeship training |
| Nodal Agency | Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Online through the National Apprenticeship Portal |
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2): Earn a Stipend While You Learn on the Job
Practical experience can matter as much as a qualification. Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2), candidates train at a real workplace, get a stipend from the establishment, and receive Government support of up to ₹1,500 a month directly in their bank account. Everything is handled online on the National Apprenticeship Portal.
What is the scheme?
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched NAPS on 19 August 2016. It is now in its second phase, NAPS-2 (PM-NAPS). It promotes apprenticeship training, with a focus on MSMEs and establishments in underserved areas. The Directorate General of Training (DGT), Regional Directorates of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and State Apprenticeship Advisers implement it, and the National Apprenticeship Portal handles registration, opportunities and contracts.
Scheme at a glance
| Benefit | Stipend from the establishment, plus Government support of 25% of the minimum stipend, up to ₹1,500 a month, by DBT |
| Who can apply | Eligible candidates at least 14 years old, including school pass-outs, ITI candidates and freshers |
| Nodal agency | Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
| Mode of application | Online, via the National Apprenticeship Portal |
| MSDE phone | 011-23465800 |
How the stipend works
The establishment pays the prescribed stipend. The Government’s contribution is 25% of the applicable minimum stipend, capped at ₹1,500 a month, and goes straight to the apprentice’s bank account by DBT once the stipend-payment conditions are met. It is not paid to the establishment.
The minimum stipend rates were revised in September 2025:
| Apprentice category | Minimum stipend per month |
|---|---|
| School pass-out, Class 5 to 9 | ₹6,800 |
| School pass-out, Class 10 | ₹8,200 |
| School pass-out, Class 12 | ₹9,600 |
| National or State Certificate holder | ₹9,600 |
| Technician (Vocational) / eligible sandwich course | ₹9,600 |
| Technician apprentice / Diploma holder | ₹10,900 |
| Graduate / Degree apprentice | ₹12,300 |
An establishment may pay more than the minimum, but the Government share stays capped at ₹1,500. Example: for a minimum stipend of ₹8,200, 25% is ₹2,050, so the Government pays ₹1,500. Minimum rates rise further for apprentices in later years of training.
Other benefits
- Practical, industry-based training in sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, electronics, IT-ITeS, retail, logistics, healthcare, and tourism and hospitality
- Recognised certification after completing training and assessment
- North-Eastern Region candidates doing an apprenticeship outside their home State may get extra support of up to ₹1,500 a month
- Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAM), where establishments and prospective apprentices connect
Types of apprenticeship
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Designated Trades | Notified by the Central Government under the Apprentices Act, 1961, with fixed training and assessment rules (for example Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Electronics Mechanic) |
| Optional Trades | Offered by establishments based on their work, across engineering, non-engineering, technology and vocational areas |
| Fresher apprentices | A route for candidates with no formal trade training, usually starting with basic training before on-the-job training |
How long does training last?
There is no single duration. It depends on the trade, your qualification and the route.
| Category | General duration |
|---|---|
| Designated Trade, ITI pass-out | Ordinarily 1 year |
| Designated Trade, fresher or non-ITI candidate | Ordinarily 2 years |
| Optional Trade | Generally 6, 9 or 12 months |
The wider framework ranges from about 6 months to 3 years, so check the duration listed on the specific opportunity.
Who is eligible?
- At least 14 years old. For designated trades in hazardous industries, the minimum age is 18.
- At least Class 5 passed, plus any extra qualification the trade needs.
- You must meet the physical fitness requirements of the trade.
- You must register on the National Apprenticeship Portal.
- Aadhaar is required, along with an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive the DBT contribution.
- ITI and other skill-training candidates, and freshers, can apply for opportunities whose requirements they meet.
- For Government stipend support, you should generally be 35 or younger at registration.
- You must meet any extra conditions set by the establishment or trade.
Documents to keep ready
- Aadhaar or other permitted ID, for registration and e-KYC
- Aadhaar-linked bank account details
- Mobile number linked to your registration, for OTP
- Educational certificates and marksheets, as applicable
- ITI, National Certificate or State Certificate details, where applicable
- Diploma, vocational or other skill-training certificates, where required
- Passport-size photograph, if asked
- Any extra documents the establishment requests
Make sure the details on the portal match your documents, especially Aadhaar, education and bank details, to avoid delays in registration or DBT payments.
How to apply
- Register on the National Apprenticeship Portal as a candidate and complete the verification.
- Complete your profile with personal, Aadhaar, education and bank details.
- Search for opportunities by trade, establishment, location and other details.
- Apply for an apprenticeship whose requirements you meet. The establishment reviews applications and selects candidates.
- Accept the offer online if you are selected.
- Complete the contract. It is prepared online, signed by you and the establishment, and processed for approval or registration.
- Start training. Depending on the type, you may do basic training first, then on-the-job training.
- Receive your stipend from the establishment, with the Government share credited by DBT.
You can also attend a Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) to meet establishments in person. The source gives no application deadline.
Related schemes
- National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS): relevant for eligible graduates, diploma holders and other covered categories
- Goa Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Scheme: a state-specific option
Need help?
- Phone: 011-23465800
- Email: msde@gov.in
- Address: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Kaushal Bhawan, New Moti Bagh, New Delhi 110023
- Use the support and grievance options on the National Apprenticeship Portal, or contact your Regional Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship or State Apprenticeship Adviser.
Frequently asked questions
How much stipend do apprentices get?
At least ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 a month, depending on qualification, paid by the establishment.
How much does the Government contribute?
25% of the minimum stipend, up to ₹1,500 a month, by DBT to the apprentice.
What is the minimum qualification?
Class 5 passed, plus any additional requirement of the trade.
Where do I apply?
On the National Apprenticeship Portal.
How long is the apprenticeship?
It varies by trade and route, from about 6 months to 3 years.
Can I find apprenticeships at a Mela?
Yes, through the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas.