Central government scheme · Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

Also called NAPS-2

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2) is run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It is for people engaged as apprentices by an establishment under the Apprentices Act, 1961, in designated or optional trades. Beneficiaries get government stipend support paid directly into their bank account, a National Apprenticeship Certificate or Certificate of Proficiency upon completion, and work experience for ITI graduates. To apply, get an apprenticeship with an establishment that engages apprentices under the Apprentices Act to receive stipend support paid directly to your bank account.

Written by AI from the official details below.

Who can apply for NAPS-2

  • People engaged as apprentices by an establishment under the Apprentices Act, 1961, in designated or optional trades.

NAPS-2 benefits

  • The government pays 25% of the prescribed minimum stipend, up to ₹1,500 a month, directly to the apprentice by DBT; the employer pays the rest.
  • A National Apprenticeship Certificate (designated trades) or Certificate of Proficiency (optional trades) on completion.
  • For ITI graduates, the apprenticeship period counts as work experience.
  • The Central Apprenticeship Council approved a 36% increase in apprentice stipends in May 2025, with future revisions linked to inflation (CPI).

How to apply for NAPS-2

  1. Get an apprenticeship with an establishment that engages apprentices under the Apprentices Act; the stipend support is then paid to your bank account by DBT.

Where it applies

Every state and union territory. See what else applies near you

Checked

Checked against the sources below on 16 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you apply.

Something wrong or out of date? Tell us

Related schemes