What is the main objective of NAPS-2?

The primary objective of NAPS-2 is to promote apprenticeship training across India by providing financial incentives to establishments, offering partial stipend support to apprentices, and enhancing the overall apprenticeship ecosystem. It aims to develop a skilled workforce and simplify business processes.

Who receives the stipend support from the Government?

The Government of India's partial stipend support, up to ₹1,500 per month per apprentice, is transferred directly to the apprentice's bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) via PFMS. This mechanism reduces the financial burden on the engaging establishment.

What is the minimum and maximum age limit for an apprentice under NAPS-2?

The minimum age for an apprentice is 14 years (18 years for designated trades in hazardous industries). The upper age limit for an apprentice to avail government stipend support is 35 years at the time of registration.

Which types of establishments are encouraged to participate?

NAPS-2 particularly encourages the enrollment of apprentices in small establishments, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and those located in underserved areas such as aspirational districts and the North-East Region. The scheme is broadly open to all types of establishments.

What are the application requirements for candidates?

Candidates must register on the Apprenticeship Portal, update their Aadhaar number, and complete e-KYC. Mobile OTP based authentication is mandatory for all registrations to ensure identity verification and secure access.

What kind of trades are covered under NAPS-2?

The scheme covers both Designated Trades (DT), which are notified by the Central Government in various fields like engineering and vocational courses, and Optional Trades (OT), which are determined by the employer based on their specific needs. Apprenticeship durations vary for each.

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2) (2026)

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) on 19th August 2016. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2) is a continuation of this initiative, aiming to promote apprenticeship training throughout India. This is achieved by providing partial stipend support to apprentices engaged under the Apprentice Act, 1961, offering financial incentives to establishments, building capacity within the apprenticeship ecosystem, and providing advocacy assistance to stakeholders. The scheme seeks to improve the ease of doing business by simplifying the processes involved in apprenticeship engagement.

NAPS-2 is a Central Sector Scheme, meaning it is 100% funded by the Central Government, and operates as a sub-component under the broader "Skill India Programme." MSDE is responsible for its overall regulation, management, and monitoring. Key objectives include developing a skilled workforce through on-the-job experiential training, encouraging establishments (particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and those in underserved areas like aspirational districts and the North-East Region) to enroll apprentices by sharing stipend costs, and providing up-skilling opportunities for candidates who have completed various Central and State Government skill training initiatives. The scheme anticipates training 46 lakh apprentices from FY2022-23 to FY2025-26, enhancing their conversion to employment through quick registration on the National Career Service (NCS) portal, and boosting apprenticeship engagement in the infrastructure sector via platforms like Gati Shakti. Innovative models to upgrade existing informal economy apprenticeship systems, focusing on craftsmen, artisans, and traditional skills, are also integral to NAPS-2.

Under NAPS-2, establishments receive partial stipend support from the Government of India, covering 25% of the stipend paid to apprentices, up to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice. This support is directly transferred to the apprentice's bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) via PFMS, effectively reducing the operational cost for establishments engaging apprentices. The scheme also promotes capacity building within the apprenticeship ecosystem and provides advocacy assistance to stakeholders, simplifying apprenticeship engagement processes. This allows businesses, especially MSMEs, to access a skilled workforce and provide on-the-job experiential training with a reduced financial burden. The scheme also provides avenues for up-skilling candidates from various government skill development programs.

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2)

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2)

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