The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is set for significant reforms in its second phase (NAPS-2), focusing on broadening youth participation and strengthening India’s skilled workforce.
This was detailed in a statement by Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Stipend Hike and Direct Benefit Transfer
A key reform includes a proposed 36% stipend hike under NAPS-2, with the eligible monthly range moving from ₹5,000–9,000 to ₹6,800–12,300 per apprentice, linked to the Consumer Price Index and subject to biennial revision.
The government will continue to support 25% of the minimum prescribed stipend, with a cap of ₹1,500 per apprentice per month, processed directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Expansion of Sectors and Structural Reforms
NAPS-2, continuing since August 2016, is now offering apprenticeship training across 49 sectors including Automotive, IT-ITeS, Electronics, Retail, and Manufacturing. The latest reforms decided by the 38th Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) include:
- Linking degree programs with apprenticeships.
- Blended training modes, mixing physical and digital methods.
- Reserved slots for persons with benchmark disabilities.
- Expansion into new-age sectors such as IT, biotechnology, renewable energy, and telecommunications, with sectoral updates aligned to National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2008.
National Targets and Achievements
For the financial year 2025-26, the physical target under NAPS-2 is 13 lakh apprentices. Up to July 2025, 3.99 lakh candidates were engaged, with efforts ongoing to meet the full-year target.
Cumulatively, between FY 2018-19 and July 2025, 41.95 lakh apprentices have been engaged, and over 21.47 lakh have completed their training.
Application and Engagement Process
Eligible candidates (minimum age 14; 18 for hazardous trades; minimum education 5th pass) must register on the Apprenticeship Portal (https://apprenticeshipindia.org) using Aadhaar or a Unique Identification Number.
The portal facilitates the entire process from application submission to contract execution and commencement of training, guided by a detailed user manual.
Supporting ‘Skill India’ and Industry Collaboration
NAPS forms a cornerstone of India’s ‘Skill India’ initiative. Reforms in the Apprentices Act (2014) and related rules (2019), along with the launch of the dedicated portal, have enabled greater industry participation and transparency.
Establishments with 4 or more employees can engage apprentices (mandatory for those with 30 or more).
Outreach Events and Ongoing Awareness
Since June 2022, the “Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela” (PMNAM) has been organized monthly in at least one-third of each state’s districts.
It helps candidates and establishments connect and facilitates apprenticeship selection. Regular awareness workshops further promote participation in the scheme.
Central Apprenticeship Council’s Role
The CAC, constituted under the Apprentices Act, continues to shape apprenticeship policy, aligning vocational training requirements with evolving industry needs and driving apprenticeship opportunities across diverse sectors of the economy.
The expansion, stipend hike, and structural reforms underscore the Government’s commitment to skilling youth, bridging the skill gap, boosting employability, and driving growth in India’s industrial and knowledge sectors.
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