The National Apprenticeship Scheme (NAPS) is a government initiative in India that encourages and supports organizations to hire apprentices. The scheme offers financial support to companies that undertake apprenticeship programs. The main aim of the scheme is to promote on-the-job training to individuals and bridge the gap between education and employment, and benefit both job seekers and employers. Launched by the Government of India, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in 2016, the NAPS program proactively creates and increases the skilled workforce in India.
Overview:-
Apprenticeship Training is imparted as per provisions made in Apprenticeship Act 1961 gazetted by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship GoI as per provisions such establishments where 30 or more employees working have to engage apprentices in the band of 2.5% – 15% mandatorily and both the stakeholders i.e. candidates and establishments have to register on Apprenticeship portal.
NAPS Scheme Introduced and What’s New?
The NAPS Scheme was introduced to promote apprenticeship training to develop the skills of individuals to equip them with suitable jobs, as well as address critical skills gaps in companies and help them build and hire a skilled workforce.
One of the main intentions of the program is to promote and support apprenticeship culture by maximizing apprentices’ engagement in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) segment to build productivity. The NAPS scheme helps build partnerships, connect industries and educational institutions, and support organizations that undertake NAPS programs.
One of the key changes that was proposed in 2026 was a 36% increase in stipend, linking of stipends to the Consumer Price Index, and increasing the apprenticeship options to include a mixed learning and modern technologies like AI. The scheme is also currently in its second phase, NAPS-2. Extra efforts are being made to increase the participation of female apprentices.
Objective of the Scheme:-

• The main objective of the scheme is to promote apprenticeship training to use the facilities /infrastructure available in the establishments and to increase the engagement of apprentices.
  Components of the Scheme:-
• Sharing of 25% of prescribed stipend subject to a maximum of Rs. 1500/- per month to the apprentice through DBT.
• “Give it up” campaign for large corporates/establishment.
• No stipend support for Central and State Government Departments and Central & State Public Sector Undertakings /Enterprises, including Public Sector Banks.