Government Schemes & Programs

Explore various apprenticeship programs, skill development initiatives, and official circulars that empower workforce and training opportunities.

National Apprentice Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

The National Apprentice Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a government initiative launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The scheme was designed to encourage industries to hire apprentices and train them with practical, on-the-job skills while reducing the cost burden on employers.

The mission of NAPS is to create a future-ready workforce aligned with industry needs, while the vision is to strengthen India’s skill ecosystem by promoting the “Earn While You Learn” model. With government-backed financial incentives and simplified processes, NAPS bridges the gap between education and employment.

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Benefits of NAPS for Employers (Companies)

Under NAPS, organizations gain multiple benefits while fulfilling their corporate social responsibility:

Financial Incentive: 25% of the prescribed stipend reimbursed (up to ₹1,500/month per apprentice) from GoI.

Compliance Simplification: Easy registration and reporting through the Apprenticeship Portal.

Reduced Liability: EPF, ESIC and other Gratuity bonus are exempted in NAPS.

Labor Law Flexibility: Apprenticeship programs are governed by the Apprentices Act, not labor laws.

CSR Contribution: Apprenticeship cost contributes towards CSR initiatives.

Talent Pipeline Creation: Access to trained and job-ready candidates with an option to absorb the best performers.

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Eligibility Criteria for NAPS

The Government of India has defined specific criteria for both employers and trainees to participate in the NAPS scheme. For complete details, refer to NAPS Eligibility and Guidelines.

Candidate Eligibility & Key Rules

Minimum age: 14 years (18 years for hazardous trades)

Education: 5th pass to graduate/postgraduate, depending on trade

Registration on Apprenticeship India Portal is mandatory

Training duration: 6 months to 3 years

Stipend provided during apprenticeship tenure

Apprenticeship is on-the-job training, not full employment

NCVT/NSQF-approved certification on completion

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Employer Eligibility & Key Rules

Any company/organization with 4 or more employees

Applicable across manufacturing, services, IT, retail, logistics, healthcare, BFSI, and more

Can engage apprentices up to 2.5% – 15% of workforce (including contract staff)

Must register on the Apprenticeship India portal

Must generate apprenticeship contracts digitally

Must provide industry-relevant training and pay prescribed stipend

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Our Services as a Third-Party Aggregator (TPA) under NAPS

Candidate sourcing, screening & recruitment as per employer requirements

Onboarding & registration of apprentices on the portal with full document management

Apprenticeship contract creation and approval

Training & monitoring support during apprenticeship period

Stipend processing and DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) reporting

Assessment & certification with NCVT/SSC bodies

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Why Partner with Us for NAPS?

Proven expertise in NAPS compliance and execution

End-to-end management – from recruitment to certification

Cost-effective & time-saving solutions for HR teams

Custom candidate sourcing aligned to your job roles

Dedicated support for portal registration and reporting

Helping employers build a skilled workforce while reducing cost burden

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Conclusion

The National Apprentice Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a win-win for both employers and candidates – empowering companies with a skilled workforce at reduced costs, while offering candidates valuable industry exposure and certification.

As your trusted TPA partner, we ensure smooth implementation, compliance management, and maximum benefit realization under NAPS. Together, let’s drive India’s skill development mission forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on National Apprentice Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

NAPS is a Government of India initiative launched in 2016 to encourage industries to hire apprentices and provide on-the-job training. It offers financial support to employers and skill development opportunities to candidates.

Employers receive a reimbursement of 25% of the prescribed stipend (up to ₹1,500 per apprentice per month). They also benefit from simplified compliance, reduced EPF/ESIC liability in most categories, labor law flexibility, CSR contribution, and a future-ready skilled workforce.

Any individual above the age of 14 (18 years for hazardous trades) with educational qualifications ranging from 5th pass to graduate/postgraduate, depending on trade, can apply. Registration on the Apprenticeship India portal is mandatory.

Any company or organization with 4 or more employees can participate. Employers can engage apprentices between 2.5% to 15% of their total workforce. They must register on the Apprenticeship India portal and provide a prescribed stipend and training.

No, apprenticeship is a training program and not regular employment. Apprentices are learners gaining industry-specific skills, though they are entitled to a monthly stipend and certification after completion.

Apprentices receive a monthly stipend not less than the minimum stipend prescribed for the Apprentices. Employers pay the stipend, of which 25% (up to ₹1,500 per apprentice per month) is reimbursed by the government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The duration of apprenticeship training ranges from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the trade or course selected.

On successful completion, apprentices receive a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) issued by NCVT or Sector Skill Councils, which is recognized across industries and improves employment opportunities.

TPAs assist employers with candidate sourcing, registration, documentation, apprenticeship contract management, stipend processing, DBT reporting, monitoring, and certification, ensuring smooth compliance and hassle-free execution.

Arnav Infosoft provides end-to-end TPA services – from sourcing the right apprentices to handling compliance, documentation, and government reimbursements. We ensure cost savings, skilled workforce development, and complete peace of mind for employers.

National Apprentice Training Scheme (NATS)

To encourage apprenticeship in India, the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) was launched by the Government of India in 2016. Organizations undertaking apprenticeships are provided with financial support by the government.

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a Government of India initiative under the Ministry of Education (MoE), implemented through Boards of Apprenticeship/Practical Training (BOATs/BOPT). The scheme provides practical, hands-on training to graduates, diploma holders, and students from technical streams to make them industry-ready.

Launched to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace requirements, NATS ensures that fresh graduates and diploma holders gain valuable exposure in real working environments. Its mission is to equip youth with employable skills, and its vision is to create a self-reliant, skilled workforce that matches global industry standards.

The program is intended to proactively create and increase skilled manpower across India. Apprentices undergo basic, on-the-job training at workplaces, while employers benefit from structured engagement of trainees.

At Arnav Infosoft, we facilitate seamless apprenticeship registrations, training, and stipend management, ensuring both employers and trainees maximize value from the NATS scheme.

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Benefits of NATS for Employers (Companies)

Employers partnering under NATS enjoy multiple advantages while contributing to India’s skill development mission:

Financial Reimbursement: Government reimburses 50% of the prescribed stipend to employers.

Skilled Talent Pipeline: Access to graduate and diploma apprentices trained for specific roles.

Simplified Compliance: All registrations and contracts are managed digitally for convenience and transparency.

Reduced HR Burden: Apprentices are not regular employees, reducing liabilities of EPF, ESIC, and gratuity bonus.

CSR & Nation Building: Employers contribute to youth empowerment and India’s skill mission.

Future Hiring Advantage: Employers can absorb top-performing apprentices into permanent roles.

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Eligibility Criteria for NATS

The Government of India has defined specific criteria for both students (candidates) and employers to participate in the NATS scheme. For complete details, refer to NATS Eligibility and Guidelines.

Eligibility & Key Points for Students (Candidates)

	Eligibility: Should have completed a diploma/degree in engineering, technology, or a relevant stream.
	Eligibility: Must not have undergone apprenticeship earlier under NATS.
	Registration: Students must register on the NATS Portal.
	Duration: Apprenticeship duration is generally 12 months, depending on trade.
	Stipend: Monthly stipend is paid by the employer, with 50% reimbursed by the government.
	Certification: Apprentices receive a Certificate of Proficiency recognized by MoE/BOAT after completion.
	Program: Apprenticeship is not employment but a structured training program.

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Eligibility & Key Points for Employers (Companies)

	Eligibility: Any organization registered under Companies Act, Societies Act, or other applicable laws with 4 or more employees.
	Eligibility: Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), private companies, and government organizations are eligible.
	Rules: Must engage apprentices in line with NATS guidelines.
	Contracts: Required to sign apprenticeship contracts on the NATS portal.
	Training: Must provide industry-oriented training.
	Stipend: Paid monthly by employer, with 50% reimbursed by the government.

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Our Services as NATS TPA

	Student Sourcing: Shortlisting candidates as per employer requirements.
	Registration & Onboarding: Smooth onboarding of students on the NATS portal with complete document management.
	Contract Support: Assistance with apprenticeship contract creation and approval.
	Training Coordination: Monitoring and support during the apprenticeship tenure.
	Stipend Management: Processing stipends and reimbursement reporting for employers.
	Certification Management: Collaboration with BOAT/BOPT for issuing certificates upon completion.

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Why Partner with Arnav Infosoft for NATS?

Expert Guidance: Guidance on NATS rules, compliance, and procedures for smooth implementation.

End-to-End Support: From student recruitment to certification, we handle the complete process.

Time & Cost Savings: Benefit from government stipend reimbursements and efficient execution.

Custom Talent Sourcing: Students sourced to match specific company requirements and roles.

Single-Window Solution: All documentation, contracts, and monitoring handled seamlessly.

Proven Experience: Successfully executing apprenticeship schemes across industries.

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Conclusion

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a strategic initiative to strengthen India’s workforce by providing hands-on training to technical graduates and diploma holders. It benefits both employers, who gain skilled manpower at reduced costs, and students, who get valuable work experience and certification.

As your trusted TPA partner, we ensure seamless execution, compliance, and maximum benefits for all stakeholders under NATS. Together, we can empower the youth and build an industry-ready nation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)

NATS is a Government of India program under the Ministry of Education that provides apprenticeship training to graduates and diploma holders, helping them gain practical work experience.

Indian citizens who have completed a diploma or degree in engineering, technology, or relevant streams, and have not previously undergone NATS apprenticeship, are eligible.

Employers receive reimbursement of 50% of the stipend paid to apprentices, along with access to skilled manpower and reduced compliance burden.

The apprenticeship period under NATS is generally 12 months, though it may vary depending on trade and employer requirements.

Yes, upon successful completion, apprentices receive a Certificate of Proficiency from BOAT/BOPT, recognized nationwide.

• NAPS covers ITI, non-technical, and skill-based trades with 25% stipend support.
• NATS focuses on graduates and diploma holders in technical fields with 50% stipend support.

We act as a TPA, providing services like student sourcing, employer registration, apprenticeship contracts, stipend management, compliance handling, and certification support.

Government Notifications & Circulars

Stay up-to-date with the latest official documents and guidelines related to government skilling programs. We provide a curated list of important PDFs for your convenience.