National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) — on-the-job training with stipend
Government of India (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship)
Overview
A Government of India scheme launched in 2016 to promote apprenticeship training and skill development among youth. It encourages industries to take on apprentices by giving them financial incentives.
Apprentices get on-the-job training in industry and are paid a stipend during training; the government reimburses employers part of the stipend (up to a prescribed limit) and helps with basic training costs. A certificate is awarded at the end, narrowing the gap between education and industry needs and improving employability.
Indian citizens aged 14 to 35 (depending on the trade), with at least Class V education, who have not done an apprenticeship in the same trade, can register and apply on the Apprenticeship Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in).
At a glance
- Administering authority
- Government of India (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship)
- Scheme type
- Employment & Skills
- Place of posting / area
- All India
- Application mode
- Online
- Important dates
- Applications accepted year-round
Benefits
- On-the-job training in industry
- Stipend during training (government reimburses employers up to a prescribed limit)
- Help with basic training costs
- Certificate on completion
- Better job readiness and employability
Eligibility
- Indian citizens aged 14 to 35 (depending on the trade)
- Minimum education: Class V
- Have not previously done an apprenticeship in the same trade
- The employer must be registered under the Apprentices Act
How to apply
- Register on the Apprenticeship Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in)
- Choose a trade and employer
- Apply for an apprenticeship opening
- The employer selects candidates
- Training begins with stipend support
Last updated: 1 Nov 2026
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