The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) allows Indian employers to hire ITI-trained apprentices, fresher apprentices, and optional trade apprentices with 25% of their stipend reimbursed by the Government of India (up to ₹1,500/month per apprentice). Unlike NATS which covers graduates and diploma holders, NAPS specifically targets school leavers and vocationally trained workers — making it the primary apprenticeship route for manufacturing, construction, automotive, and trade-based businesses.
Who Administers NAPS and Where to Register?
NAPS is administered by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Employer registration is done on the Apprenticeship India portal: apprenticeshipindia.org.
This is distinct from NATS (managed by BOAT under the Ministry of Education on nats.education.gov.in). Employers running both NATS and NAPS need separate registrations on both portals.
Apprentice Categories Under NAPS
| Category | Eligibility | Minimum Stipend | Govt. Reimburses | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designated Trade Apprentice | ITI certificate holder in a designated trade (electrician, fitter, machinist, etc.) | ₹7,700–₹9,069/month (varies by trade and year of training) | 25% up to ₹1,500/month | 6 months to 3 years |
| Optional Trade Apprentice | Any qualification; trade is defined by employer | As per employer (minimum wage applicable) | 25% up to ₹1,500/month | As per trade definition (min 3 months) |
| Fresher Apprentice | Class 5 pass and above (including school dropouts); no prior vocational training needed | As per notification (varies by state) | 25% up to ₹1,500/month | Customisable by employer |
Step-by-Step NAPS Registration for Employers
Step 1 — Register on the Apprenticeship India Portal
Go to apprenticeshipindia.org → “Register as Establishment”. Provide: company name, address, CIN/LLPIN, industry sector, total workforce, authorised signatory details, PAN, TAN, and GSTIN. You receive an Establishment ID after verification by your regional Apprenticeship Adviser (from DGT).
Step 2 — Define Trades and Post Vacancies
Designated trade apprentices must match NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) approved trades. Optional trade apprentices can be defined by you — upload the trade definition and get it approved. Post vacancies specifying: trade, number of apprentices, stipend, location, and qualifying criteria.
Step 3 — Contract Execution
Once an apprentice is selected, the contract is executed digitally on the portal. The contract requires: apprentice details, trade details, stipend amount, training duration, and employer and apprentice digital signatures. This contract is submitted to the Apprenticeship Adviser for registration.
Step 4 — Monthly Training and Attendance Records
Maintain monthly training records and upload attendance data on the portal. Designated trade apprentices must complete both on-the-job training and related instruction (RI) — some trades require off-the-job classroom training at a recognised institute for RI components.
Step 5 — Quarterly Reimbursement Claim
After 3 months of attendance data, file a reimbursement claim on the portal. Provide bank transfer proof of stipend payment. Government reimburses 25% of stipend paid, up to ₹1,500/month per apprentice, quarterly. Processing time: 45–75 days from claim submission.
Step 6 — Certificate on Completion
On successful completion, the apprentice appears for the All India Trade Test (AITT) conducted by NCVT. Passing earns the National Trade Certificate (NTC) — the nationally recognised qualification for skilled workers in India.
NAPS Compliance: PF and ESIC Exemption
Just like NATS, apprentices under NAPS are exempt from the Employees Provident Fund Act and the Employees State Insurance Act for the duration of the apprenticeship. This saves the employer 15.25% of the stipend per apprentice per month in statutory contributions — a significant cost reduction particularly for manufacturing companies with large apprentice cohorts.
Industries That Use NAPS Most
- Manufacturing & Automotive — Fitters, Electricians, Machinists, Welders, CNC Operators
- Construction — Plumbers, Carpenters, Masons, Electricians
- Electronics & Electrical — Electronic Mechanic, Wireman, Instrument Mechanic
- Retail & Hospitality — Front Office, Food and Beverage, Retail Operations (under Optional Trade)
- Logistics & Warehousing — Material Handler, Warehouse Assistant (under Optional Trade)
- Healthcare — Health Sanitary Inspector, Lab Technician (where ITI equivalent courses exist)
How TMS Manages NAPS for Employers Across India
TMS manages NAPS registrations, contract execution, monthly compliance, reimbursement claims, and certification coordination for employers across 100+ cities. Our NAPS management service includes:
- Portal registration and Establishment ID acquisition from Apprenticeship Adviser
- Trade definition advisory — optimal trade structure for designated, optional, and fresher apprentices
- Apprentice sourcing — ITI-pass candidates across all major trades
- Monthly compliance — attendance upload, training record maintenance
- Quarterly reimbursement claims — preparation, submission, and follow-up
- NAPS + NATS dual management — single engagement for employers running both schemes
