Arnav Infosoft

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.