National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2) 2026: ₹1,500 Monthly Stipend, Eligibility & How to Apply
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Quick answer
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2) provides 25% stipend support up to ₹1,500 per month directly to apprentices undertaking practical workplace training. Candidates aged between 14 and 35 years across various educational backgrounds can participate in designated and optional trades. Eligible applicants can register online through the official Apprenticeship India portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹1,500 per month stipend support |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 14–35 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2) is a 100% centrally funded scheme run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship under the Skill India Programme. It aims to develop a skilled workforce by encouraging establishments, especially MSMEs, to engage apprentices through shared stipend support. Apprentices receive experiential on-the-job training, and upon completion, gain access to quick registration on the National Career Service portal to boost formal employment prospects.
Benefits
- Partial stipend support by the Central Government of 25% of the stipend, up to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice via DBT into their bank account.
- Establishments provide at least 75% of the monthly stipend to the apprentice.
- Minimum monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for Class 5th to Class 9th pass-outs.
- Minimum monthly stipend of ₹6,000 for Class 10th pass-outs.
- Minimum monthly stipend of ₹7,000 for Class 12th pass-outs, National/State Certificate holders, or Technician (vocational) / Sandwich Course diploma students.
- Minimum monthly stipend of ₹8,000 for Technician apprentices or Diploma holders in any stream.
- Minimum monthly stipend of ₹9,000 for Graduate apprentices or Degree holders in any stream.
- Structured training in Designated Trades (1 year for ITI pass-outs, 2 years for non-ITI pass-outs) or Optional Trades (6, 9, or 12 months duration).
- Direct pathway to register on the National Career Service (NCS) portal after completing apprenticeship training.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- The minimum age for an apprentice is 14 years.
- The minimum age is 18 years for designated trades related to hazardous industries.
- The upper age limit must be 35 years at the time of registration to receive Government partial stipend support.
- Candidates must have an updated Aadhaar number and completed e-KYC on the portal.
- Candidates from skill schemes such as DDUGKY, NULM, and PMKVY are encouraged to enrol.
Who cannot apply
- No reimbursement of basic training costs is provided under NAPS-2 for Designated Trades or Optional Trades.
- No stipend support is available for Central and State Government Departments.
- No stipend support is available for Central and State Public Sector Undertakings/Enterprises, including Public Sector Banks.
- Apprentices registered under the NATS programme administered by the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD) are not eligible.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card (for Aadhaar number update and e-KYC)
- Active mobile number for OTP authentication
- Valid email ID
- Bank account details seeded for DBT payments via PFMS
- Educational or vocational certificates (as applicable for trade enrolment)
How to apply
- 1Visit the official Apprenticeship Portal at https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/.
- 2Click on the Login/Register button and select the Candidate option.
- 3Enter your active mobile number and valid email ID to start the registration.
- 4Verify your details through mandatory mobile OTP-based authentication.
- 5Enter your Aadhaar number and complete the online e-KYC verification process.
- 6Search for training opportunities matching your trade qualifications and submit your application online.
Frequently asked questions
How much stipend support does the Government provide under NAPS-2?+
The Government of India provides 25% of the stipend paid, up to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice directly into their bank account.
What is the age limit to get Government stipend under NAPS-2?+
The minimum age is 14 years (18 years for hazardous industries), and the upper age limit is 35 years at the time of registration.
Are candidates enrolled under NATS eligible for NAPS-2?+
No, apprentices undergoing training under NATS administered by MHRD are not eligible for NAPS-2.
What is the training duration for Designated Trades?+
The training duration is ordinarily 1 year for ITI pass-outs and 2 years for fresher or non-ITI pass-out candidates.
Can public sector bank apprentices receive stipend under this scheme?+
No, stipend support is not available to Central and State Public Sector Undertakings or Public Sector Banks under NAPS-2.
What is the minimum monthly stipend for a graduate apprentice?+
The minimum rate of stipend payable to a graduate apprentice is ₹9,000 per month.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)