National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): Objectives and Benefits

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a major initiative by the Government of India, notified on 19 August 2016, under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). 

The scheme aims to increase the number of trained apprentices across the country by offering financial incentives to both employers and trainees. NAPS encourages companies to hire apprentices by providing apprenticeship stipend support while helping youth gain hands-on experience, industry exposure, and better employment opportunities. Overall, the scheme bridges the gap between classroom learning and workplace requirements, making apprenticeship training in India more accessible and effective.

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme Objectives

The major objectives of the NAPS Scheme are:

• To encourage apprenticeship training across India by increasing the engagement of apprentices in various sectors, both manufacturing and services.
• To provide financial support (stipend reimbursement and basic-training cost sharing) to employers and Basic Training Providers (BTPs), reducing cost barriers for companies to hire apprentices.
• To offer practical, on-the-job exposure to candidates who have done formal courses (like ITI, short-term skill courses) as well as “freshers” without formal trade training, expanding opportunities even to school-pass candidates.
• To widen the outreach, especially encouraging small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and underserved regions to take in apprentices, thereby fostering growth and inclusivity in skill development.

Eligibility for National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

The eligibility requirements for the NAPS Scheme are explained below:

For Apprentices

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria under NAPS:

• Minimum age is 14 years (for most trades). For trades in hazardous industries, the age requirement may be higher as per law.
• Must have the educational and physical qualifications prescribed for the trade. For optional trades, this could mean even a basic education (e.g. 5th class pass) depending on the employer’s design.
• Must register on the official apprenticeship portal of GOI and have a valid Aadhaar number.
• For “fresher apprentices” (those without prior formal trade training), there may be an upper-age limit (e.g. 21 years) as per scheme guidelines.

Apprentices eligible under NAPS include:

• ITI pass-outs, dual-mode ITI trainees, or graduates of other short-term skill courses.
• Fresher candidates who have basic qualifications required for the trade but no prior trade training.

For Employers / Establishments

To enrol apprentices under NAPS, establishments must meet certain conditions:

• Employer must be a registered entity (with valid identifiers such as EPFO / ESIC / LIN / Udyog Aadhaar or applicable registration as per law).
• The employer must register itself on the apprenticeship portal and declare available seats for apprentices.
• For larger establishments, apprenticeship engagement is mandatory. For smaller establishments, it remains optional (depending on the number of employees).
• The establishment must commit to providing structured training (basic training plus on-the-job training) and maintain apprenticeship contracts via the portal.

NAPS Benefits

The NAPS Benefits for Apprentices and Employers are outlined below:

For Apprentices / Candidates

• NAPS provides a chance to gain hands-on, industry-oriented training rather than just classroom education. This apprenticeship training in India gives real work exposure, making candidates more job-ready.
• Apprentices get to “earn while they learn" - they receive a stipend during On-the-Job training, which helps support themselves while acquiring skills.
• On successful completion, apprentices earn a government-recognized certification, improving employability and career prospects.
• Practical training in real work environments allows apprentices to understand workplace dynamics, develop professionalism, and build confidence — all valuable in long-term career growth.

For Employers / Establishments

• Under NAPS, the government offers apprenticeship stipend support: 25% of the prescribed stipend — up to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice — reimbursed to the employer.
• For freshers (without prior formal training), the basic training cost is also supported: reimbursement up to ₹7,500 per apprentice for up to 500 hours (3 months) of basic training.
• Employers can thus obtain industry-ready, trained manpower tailored to their needs, reducing recruitment costs, attrition and time spent on training from scratch.
• For smaller and medium enterprises (SMEs / MSMEs), NAPS provides a cost-effective way to build a skilled workforce without investing heavily in training infrastructure.

Application Process for NAPS

Here’s a typical process to apply under NAPS,  whether you are an apprentice or an employer:

Registration

• Apprentices or employers must register on the official apprenticeship portal (e.g., the Government-managed portal for apprenticeships). 
• While registering, employers must declare the number of apprenticeship seats/trades/vacancies.

For Apprentices - Documentation

• Aadhaar number is mandatory.
• Educational/physical qualifications as per the trade must be met. If fresher, the required minimum education (as prescribed) must be satisfied.

For Employers / Establishments - Documentation

• Valid registration: EPFO/ESIC/LIN or Udyog Aadhaar or applicable identifier.
• Aadhar-linked bank account (or other valid bank account as per scheme requirement) for benefit transfers.
• Declaration of the number of apprentices, trade(s), and submission of required data on the portal for contract registration.

Training Contract & Deployment

• After registration and selection, the employer and apprentice sign a contract under apprenticeship terms. This defines duration (basic + on-the-job training) as per trade or agreement.
• For freshers needing basic training: Basic Training (max 500 hours / approx 3 months) is imparted; after that on-the-job training starts.

Stipend & Government Reimbursement

• Employer pays a stipend to the apprentice as per prescribed rates. Government reimburses 25% of the stipend (max ₹1,500 per month) under NAPS.
• For freshers, basic training cost to BTP is reimbursed (up to ₹7,500 per apprentice) by the Government.