National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2)

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) introduced the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) on 19th August 2016. Its successor, NAPS-2, carries forward the effort to expand apprenticeship training across India. The scheme provides partial stipend support to apprentices covered under the Apprentice Act, 1961, offers financial incentives to establishments, strengthens the apprenticeship ecosystem, and extends advocacy support to stakeholders. It also aims to streamline engagement procedures, making it easier for businesses to participate.

NAPS-2 functions as a Central Sector Scheme, with the Central Government bearing 100% of the funding. It operates under the broader "Skill India Programme," with MSDE overseeing its regulation, management, and monitoring. The scheme’s objectives include building a skilled workforce through hands-on training, encouraging establishments—especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and those in underserved regions such as aspirational districts and the North-East—to take on apprentices by sharing stipend costs, and offering up-skilling pathways for graduates of various Central and State Government training programmes.

The scheme targets training 46 lakh apprentices between FY2022-23 and FY2025-26. It seeks to improve employment outcomes by enabling quick registration on the National Career Service (NCS) portal and to increase apprenticeship uptake in the infrastructure sector through initiatives like Gati Shakti. NAPS-2 also incorporates models to modernise existing informal apprenticeship systems, with attention to craftsmen, artisans, and traditional skills.

To apply, begin by visiting the official Apprenticeship Portal at https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/.

• Use the "Login/Register" option and choose the role that applies to you, such as Candidate, Establishment, or Third Party Aggregator.
• Create an account by providing your mobile number and email address.
• If you are a candidate, finish the registration by entering your Aadhaar number and completing e-KYC, which is essential for receiving direct benefit transfers.
• Every candidate must also verify their identity through a mobile OTP to complete registration and ensure secure portal access.
• Once candidates have registered, establishments may issue apprenticeship contracts to those who are eligible.

Establishments are not subject to a formal selection procedure under the scheme guidelines; instead, their involvement is driven by the financial incentives on offer. Apprentices are taken on directly by establishments, with candidates required to register on the apprenticeship portal, finish e-KYC, and obtain a contract from the establishment. Following this, the government extends stipend support to eligible apprentices engaged through this channel.