Central Government Scheme · Active – NAPS 2.0 · India

National Apprenticeship Promotion
Scheme (NAPS)

NAPS connects job seekers with employers for structured, paid apprenticeship training, with the government reimbursing 25% of the apprentice's stipend (up to ₹1,500/month) and sharing basic training costs up to ₹7,500 per apprentice. Apply now in India with expert guidance from Varahii Consultancy.

Minimum Age: 14 years (18 for hazardous industries)
Govt Stipend Share: 25% of stipend, up to ₹1,500/month per apprentice
Basic Training Reimbursement: Up to ₹7,500 per apprentice (500 hours/3 months)
Stipend Range: ₹6,800-12,300/month depending on education level
Status: Active – NAPS 2.0
City: India
₹1,500 /mo
Max Govt. Stipend Share
₹7,500
Max Training Cost Reimbursed
14 yrs
Minimum Age
50 L
Long-Term Engagement Target

What is National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)?

NAPS connects job seekers with employers for structured, paid apprenticeship training, with the government reimbursing 25% of the apprentice's stipend (up to ₹1,500/month) and sharing basic training costs up to ₹7,500 per apprentice.

Applying for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in India moves fastest when your documents are ready before you submit — our consultants in India help you avoid the back-and-forth that causes most application delays.

Objective: To promote a culture of apprenticeship in India by reducing the cost barrier for employers and helping youth gain real, paid, on-the-job work experience.

Who is this for in India?

ITI pass-outs, fresher youth, and short-term skill course (PMKVY) candidates
School/college students seeking practical industry exposure
Employers seeking subsidised, trained manpower

Eligibility Criteria – India

To apply for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) India, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Age: Minimum 14 years (18 years for designated hazardous trades), under Section 3(a) of the Apprentices Act, 1961
Education: Varies by trade — ranges from 5th grade pass for some trades to ITI/diploma/graduate level for others
Employer Eligibility: Establishments validated through TIN/TAN and EPFO/ESIC/LIN identifiers, with an Aadhaar-linked bank account
Mandatory Engagement: Companies with 30+ employees (including contract workers) must engage apprentices equal to 2.5%-15% of their total workforce under the Apprentices Act
Not Eligible: Individuals below 14 years of age, Individuals below 18 years for designated hazardous trades

Who is NOT Eligible

Individuals below 14 years of age
Individuals below 18 years for designated hazardous trades

Benefits for India Applicants

Eligible applicants India can receive the following benefits under National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS):

BenefitDetails
Stipend Reimbursement Government pays 25% of the prescribed stipend, capped at ₹1,500 per month per apprentice, via Direct Benefit Transfer
Basic Training Cost Support Up to ₹7,500 reimbursed per apprentice for up to 500 hours (about 3 months) of basic training, mainly for freshers
No Pf Esic Liability Apprentices are not counted as regular employees, so employers avoid PF and ESIC obligations for up to 3 years
Nationally Recognised Certificate Apprentices receive a certificate recognised as valid proof of work experience for future job applications
Stipend Rates 2026 ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 per month depending on the apprentice's educational qualification (school pass-out to graduate)

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before applying India. Having them prepared speeds up approval significantly.

Aadhaar card with Aadhaar-linked mobile number for OTP verification
Aadhaar-linked bank account details for stipend DBT
Educational qualification certificates
Employer establishment ID (for employers registering apprentices)

Pro tip: Register on Udyam Portal before applying. It strengthens your application and may unlock additional MSME benefits.

How to Apply in India

Follow these steps to apply for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) India:

If you've struggled to get clarity on National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) eligibility in India, our consultants can walk you through the current criteria, required documents, and realistic approval timelines based on recent applications we've handled.

1

Register on the Apprenticeship India portal

Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and register as an apprentice candidate.

2

Complete your profile

Fill in education, skill background, and Aadhaar-linked bank details for stipend DBT.

3

Browse and apply to apprenticeship vacancies

Search for designated, optional, or fresher trade vacancies posted by registered employers.

4

Sign the apprenticeship contract

Once selected, the employer and apprentice execute a digital contract on the portal, registered with the Apprenticeship Adviser.

5

Complete basic training (if needed)

Freshers without prior formal training undergo Basic Training (up to 500 hours) before starting on-the-job training.

6

Receive stipend and certificate

Earn your monthly stipend (partly government-funded) during training, and receive a recognised certificate on completion.

Online Portal: You can apply directly at https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. Varahii's consultants can guide you through every step.

Coverage & Limits

ParameterDetails
Trade Types Designated trades (NCVT-approved list) and Optional/Fresher trades (employer-defined, DGT-approved)
Duration Basic training up to 500 hours/3 months, followed by on-the-job training of varying duration by trade
Reimbursement Timeline Quarterly claims processed by the government within 45-75 days of submission

Applying for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in India

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is available to entrepreneurs and individuals across India. Whether you are based in the urban core or surrounding areas of India, you can approach any participating bank, NBFC, or Microfinance Institution to begin your application.

Varahii Consultancy has helped hundreds of applicants India successfully complete their National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) applications — from document preparation to follow-up with the sanctioning authority.

Varahii in India: Our local advisors understand the specific requirements of India branches and can help you choose the right lender or government office for faster processing.

Industry & Entrepreneurship Landscape in India

India's small-business economy is shaped in large part by trading, agro-processing, and small-scale manufacturing, sectors that account for a significant share of local MSME and entrepreneurial activity. Udyam registrations have grown steadily as more entrepreneurs formalise their businesses to access government schemes, priority-sector loans, and tender eligibility.

Among individual entrepreneurs in India, current trends show a growing share of women-led and first-generation entrepreneurs registering new micro-enterprises. This shift is directly relevant to National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) applicants, since lenders and sanctioning authorities increasingly favour Udyam-registered, formally documented businesses when reviewing applications.

Banking & credit access in India: Applicants typically work with SBI, regional rural banks, and a network of cooperative banks when applying for government-linked schemes, alongside NBFCs and microfinance institutions for smaller ticket sizes.

Why Varahii Is Among the Best National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) Consultants in India

Choosing the right consultant for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in India can be the difference between a smooth approval and months of avoidable delay. Varahii Consultancy has built a reputation in India and across India for handling government scheme and MSME loan applications end-to-end — not just advising, but actively preparing documentation, tracking application status, and following up with the relevant department or bank until a decision is reached.

Specialised, up-to-date knowledge of National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) eligibility and documentation requirements in India
End-to-end application support — not just advice — from document prep to final follow-up
Familiarity with local banks, NBFCs, and government offices in India
Transparent process with no hidden fees and a free initial eligibility check

Varahii in India: If you're evaluating National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) options in India, our consultants can give you a realistic eligibility assessment before you commit any paperwork — most consultations start with a free review of your specific situation.

Important Dates

MilestoneDate / Status
Scheme Notified 19 August 2016
Naps 2.0 Phase Current ongoing phase, with a proposed 36% stipend increase under review
Target Scaling apprenticeship engagement from 2.3 lakh at inception toward a long-term target of 50 lakh

Contact & Support

ChannelDetails
Implementing Body Directorate General of Training (DGT), via State Apprenticeship Advisers and Regional Directorates
Portal apprenticeshipindia.gov.in

Frequently Asked Questions

Stipend rates range from about ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 per month depending on educational qualification; the government reimburses 25% of this to the employer, up to ₹1,500 per month.
14 years for most trades, but 18 years for designated hazardous trades, as per the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Yes, companies with 30 or more employees (including contract workers) must engage apprentices equal to 2.5% to 15% of their total workforce, or face penalties under the Apprentices Act.
Yes, for freshers without prior formal training, the government reimburses up to ₹7,500 per apprentice for up to 500 hours (about 3 months) of basic training.
No, apprentices are not treated as regular employees, so employers don't need to make PF or ESIC contributions for them during the apprenticeship period (up to 3 years).

Related topics: apprenticeship NAPS stipend support on-the-job training Apprentices Act India

Ready to Apply for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in India?

Varahii's verified consultants handle everything — eligibility check, document preparation, application filing, and follow-up with India authorities. 100% free initial consultation.