The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) 2026 is a Government of India initiative that helps young people gain practical work experience and develop industry-relevant skills. Through this scheme, candidates can join apprenticeship training programmes offered by participating companies and establishments while receiving a monthly stipend.
The scheme is currently being implemented under NAPS 2.0, which provides partial financial support towards apprentices’ stipends through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Students, ITI pass-outs, diploma holders and graduates can explore available apprenticeship opportunities through the official Apprenticeship India Portal.
If you are planning to start your career, NAPS can be an opportunity to gain workplace experience and understand how different industries operate. Here is a complete guide to its eligibility, stipend, benefits and registration process.
What Is the NAPS Scheme 2026?
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme was launched on 19 August 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Its main objective is to encourage companies to engage apprentices and help young people develop practical skills.
The scheme operates under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Since 2022–23, it has continued through its second phase, known as NAPS 2.0.
Under this programme, apprentices receive training in actual workplace environments. Participating establishments provide practical training, while the government offers partial stipend support to eligible apprentices.
NAPS covers opportunities across different sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, information technology, electronics, logistics, healthcare and renewable energy.
NAPS Scheme 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in NAPS apprenticeship opportunities must fulfil the eligibility conditions applicable to their selected trade or training programme.
The general eligibility requirements include:
- The minimum age for apprenticeship training is 14 years.
- The minimum age is 18 years for designated trades involving hazardous industries.
- Candidates must possess the educational qualifications required for their selected apprenticeship.
- ITI pass-outs, school pass-outs, diploma holders, vocational certificate holders and graduates can explore suitable opportunities.
- Candidates seeking government partial stipend support under NAPS 2.0 must generally be aged 35 years or below at the time of portal registration.
- Applicants must complete the required registration and apprenticeship contract formalities.
The educational qualification and other requirements may differ depending on the trade, establishment and advertised opportunity. Candidates should carefully read the vacancy details before applying.
NAPS Scheme Stipend 2026
The monthly stipend is one of the important benefits of apprenticeship training. Apprentices receive a stipend from their participating establishment during the training period.
Under NAPS 2.0, the Central Government provides partial stipend support equal to 25% of the stipend paid by the establishment, subject to a maximum of ₹1,500 per apprentice per month. Eligible government support is transferred directly to the apprentice’s bank account through DBT.
As per the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025, the revised minimum monthly stipend rates include:
| Educational Qualification | Minimum Stipend |
| Class 5th to 9th pass | ₹6,800 |
| Class 10th pass | ₹8,200 |
| Class 12th pass | ₹9,600 |
| National or State Certificate holder | ₹9,600 |
| Diploma holder | ₹10,900 |
| Graduate or Degree holder | ₹12,300 |
These are minimum prescribed stipend rates, not the amount of additional government assistance. The employer pays the stipend, and the eligible government contribution is subject to NAPS 2.0 conditions.
Benefits of the NAPS Scheme
NAPS is designed to connect education with practical workplace learning. It can help candidates develop skills that are useful when entering the job market.
- Practical Industry Experience
Apprentices get an opportunity to work in real business and industrial environments rather than depending only on classroom learning.
- Monthly Stipend
Candidates receive a monthly stipend during their apprenticeship training, as prescribed under the applicable rules.
- Technical Skill Development
Training helps apprentices improve their technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities and understanding of workplace processes.
- Better Career Exposure
Candidates can understand industry expectations, workplace responsibilities and professional communication.
- Opportunities Across Different Sectors
Apprenticeship opportunities are available across manufacturing, IT, engineering, electronics, logistics, healthcare and other sectors.
How to Apply Online for NAPS Scheme 2026?
Candidates can complete their registration through the official Apprenticeship India Portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/.
- Select the candidate registration option.
- Enter your personal information and educational details.
- Complete the required registration and verification process.
- Log in to your registered candidate account.
- Search for apprenticeship opportunities based on your qualification, trade and preferred location.
- Check the eligibility requirements, training duration and establishment details.
- Apply for a suitable apprenticeship opportunity.
- Follow the selection process and complete the apprenticeship contract formalities after selection.
Candidates should provide accurate details and check their application status through the official portal. They should also ensure that their bank account details meet the applicable DBT requirements.
NAPS Scheme 2026: Important Dates
NAPS 2.0 is an ongoing government scheme, and apprenticeship opportunities are published throughout the year.
- Scheme Launch: 19 August 2016
- NAPS 2.0 Implementation: 2022–23 onwards
- Revised Stipend Rules: Effective from 11 September 2025
- Online Registration: Available through the official portal
- Application Last Date: Depends on the individual apprenticeship vacancy.
There is no single application deadline for all NAPS opportunities. Candidates should regularly check the official portal for newly listed vacancies and their respective closing dates.
Official Website for NAPS Scheme 2026
The official Apprenticeship India Portal provides facilities for candidate registration, apprenticeship opportunity searches, contract processing and other scheme-related services.
Official Website: https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/
Candidates should use the government portal for authentic registration information and avoid paying unauthorised individuals who promise guaranteed apprenticeship selection.
Conclusion
The NAPS Scheme 2026 provides eligible candidates with an opportunity to gain practical industry experience, improve their professional skills and receive a stipend during apprenticeship training. Through NAPS 2.0, the government continues to support apprenticeship engagement through partial stipend assistance and a dedicated online registration system.
Candidates interested in starting their careers should register on the Apprenticeship India Portal, explore available opportunities and apply according to their educational qualifications and interests.
