National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2)

Launched on 19th August 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2) is a central sector scheme under the “Skill India Programme.” The scheme aims to boost apprenticeship training across the country by providing partial stipend support to apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961. NAPS-2 also focuses on capacity building within the apprenticeship ecosystem, streamlining processes for apprenticeship engagement, and providing advocacy assistance to stakeholders. This initiative is 100% funded by the Central Government and plays a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce, particularly targeting small establishments, MSMEs, and regions in need, such as aspirational districts and the North-East.

Objectives

• Develop Skilled Workforce:
  Promote on-the-job experiential training to equip the rural and urban poor with industry-relevant skills.
• Encourage Apprentice Enrollment:
  Provide partial stipend support to incentivize establishments to enroll more apprentices.
• Up-Skilling Opportunities:
  Facilitate up-skilling for candidates from various skill development programs (e.g., DDUGKY, NULM, PMKVY) to enhance employability.
• Target MSMEs and Underserved Regions:
  Boost apprenticeship enrollment in small establishments and underserved areas, including aspirational districts and the North-East.
• Ease of Doing Business:
  Simplify processes for apprenticeship engagement and ensure smooth conversion of apprentices to employment through integration with platforms like the National Career Service (NCS) and infrastructure initiatives like Gati Shakti.

Key Features & Benefits

Training Categories

1. Designated Trades (DT):

   • Definition:
     Trades or vocational courses notified by the Central Government.
   • Training Duration:
     • For ITI pass-out candidates: Usually 1 year.
     • For fresher/non-ITI pass-outs: Usually 2 years.
     • Basic training duration is as per the approved course notified in the Gazette.

2. Optional Trades (OT):

   • Definition:
     Trades determined by the employer based on their needs.
   • Training Duration:
     Can be 6, 9, or 12 months.
     • Includes a minimum of 2 weeks of basic training (orientation/induction) before on-the-job training (OJT).

Stipend Support

• Partial Stipend:
  The scheme provides partial stipend support by the Government of India, covering 25% of the total stipend paid, up to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice.
• Fund Flow:
  • Establishments are responsible for paying at least 75% of the stipend to the apprentices.
  • The government transfers the remaining 25% directly into the apprentices’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).

Minimum Stipend Rates (as per Rule 11, Apprenticeship Rules, 1992)

• School Pass-outs (Class 5th–9th): ₹5,000 per month.
• School Pass-outs (Class 10th): ₹6,000 per month.
• School Pass-outs (Class 12th): ₹7,000 per month.
• National/State Certificate Holders: ₹7,000 per month.
• Technician (Vocational) Apprentices or Sandwich Course (Diploma Institutions): ₹7,000 per month.
• Technician Apprentices or Diploma Holders in any stream / Sandwich Course (Degree Institutions): ₹8,000 per month.
• Graduate Apprentices or Degree Holders: ₹9,000 per month.

Eligibility

• Age Requirement:
  • Minimum age: 14 years.
  • For designated trades in hazardous industries: 18 years.
• Upper Age Limit:
  At the time of registration, the upper age limit should be 35 years to avail of partial stipend support.
• Skill Development Candidates:
  Candidates from skill development programs (e.g., DDUGKY, NULM, PMKVY) are encouraged.
• Aadhaar and e-KYC:
  Candidates must update their Aadhaar numbers and complete the e-KYC process on the apprenticeship portal for eligibility.
• Employment Status:
  The candidate must be engaged by an establishment that issues apprenticeship contracts.

Application Process

Online

1. Visit the Apprenticeship Portal:
   Go to https://www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in/.
2. Registration:
   • Click on “Login/Register” and choose the appropriate option (Candidate, Establishment, Third Party Aggregator, Basic Training Providers, etc.).
   • Enter your mobile number and email ID to register.
   • Complete the registration by entering your Aadhaar number and finishing the e-KYC process. Mobile OTP-based authentication is mandatory.
3. Application Submission:
   • Log in to your account.
   • Navigate to the “Apply for Service” tab and select the appropriate scheme application form.
   • Fill in all the mandatory fields and upload the required documents as per your selected trade.
   • Submit the application.
4. Post-Submission:
   • Your application will be verified by the concerned officers.
   • Further processing will involve PFMS verification of bank details.
   • On successful verification, a Print Advice is generated and the approving authority disburses the partial stipend support via DBT.

Documents Required

• Mandatory Document:
  • Aadhaar Card.
• Additional Documents:
  • Documents required vary by the selected trade (e.g., educational certificates, skill certificates, etc.) as specified on the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does “Basic Training” mean?
   It refers to the foundational training provided as part of the apprenticeship, covering essential orientation and induction into the establishment.
2. What does “On the Job Training” (OJT) mean?
   OJT is the practical training provided while the apprentice works in the establishment.
3. I am an apprentice under NATS administered by MHRD; am I eligible?
   Eligibility under NAPS-2 is determined based on the rules of the Apprentices Act, 1961. Please refer to the official guidelines for specific overlaps with NATS.

Sources and References

• NAPS-2 Scheme Guidelines
• DBT Under NAPS-2 Aadhar Seeding