New Delhi: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced that apprenticeship training continues to gain momentum under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2), with 21,47,122 apprentices successfully completing training up to July 2025.
Apprenticeship Training: Driving Skill Development and Industrial Growth
Initially launched in August 2016, NAPS aims to promote apprenticeship training nationwide. In its second phase, NAPS-2, the government provides partial stipend support equivalent to 25% of the minimum prescribed stipend, capped at ₹1,500 per apprentice per month.
The stipend is transferred directly to apprentices’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
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To strengthen the system, recent reforms include:
- A proposed 36% hike in stipends (₹6,800–₹12,300 compared to the earlier ₹5,000–₹9,000).
- Integration of degree programs with apprenticeships
- Introduction of blended training models.
- Reserved slots for persons with benchmark disabilities.
- Expansion of apprenticeship opportunities into emerging industries like IT, biotechnology, renewable energy, and telecommunications.
Targets and Engagement in 2025–26
For the current financial year (FY 2025–26), a target of 13 lakh apprentices has been set. As of July 2025, 3.99 lakh apprentices have been engaged, with the remaining numbers expected to be achieved in the coming months.
Training is being offered across 49 sectors, including automotive, electronics, IT-ITeS, retail, and manufacturing.
Apprenticeship Training Process and Access
Eligible candidates aged 14 years and above (18 years for hazardous industries) can apply for apprenticeship training opportunities via the Apprenticeship Portal (www.apprenticeshipindia.org). The process includes registration, applying to establishments, receiving offers, signing apprenticeship contracts online, and commencing training.
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Since FY 2018–19, a total of 41.95 lakh apprentices have been engaged, of which more than 21.47 lakh have completed training.
Institutional Support for Apprenticeship Training
Apprenticeship training is a cornerstone of Skill India, supported by key reforms in the Apprentices Act, 1961, and its subsequent amendments. Establishments with four or more employees are eligible to engage apprentices, and those with 30 or more employees are mandated to do so.
The Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) plays a pivotal role in policy development, aligning vocational education with industry requirements, and ensuring training opportunities across multiple sectors.
Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM), held monthly since June 2022, has provided a platform for candidates and establishments to connect and expand apprenticeship opportunities nationwide.
This update was shared by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
