National Scheme of Apprenticeship Training

The Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship under the legal framework of the Apprentices Act, 1961 and is designed to promote structured apprenticeship training in industry by making use of training facilities within establishments. The purpose is to strengthen industry-linked skill development and boost employment readiness. It runs on an ongoing basis and your business can benefit by engaging apprentices and availing associated incentives

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process for the Scheme

Key Features

Legal obligation & optional categories of apprentices: Under the Apprentices Act, establishments of certain sizes and sectors are obligated to engage apprentices in designated trades. At the same time, optional trades and newer categories (graduate, technician, vocational) are allowed.
On-the-job training supplemented by basic training: The scheme distinguishes between “basic training” (for those without prior institutional training) and “on-the-job” training in the enterprise. Basic training counts for 20–30% of overall duration.
Financial incentive support for establishments under NAPS: Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (which works alongside), the government shares part of the stipend and basic training cost for fresh apprentices.
Flexible trade categories including designated & optional trades: There are five categories of apprentices (trade apprentice, graduate apprentice, technician apprentice, technician-vocational apprentice, optional trade apprentice) allowing enterprises to engage across multiple levels.
Simplified online registration & monitoring through portals: Enterprises and apprentices must register on the apprenticeship portal; monitoring is digital and the government has announced reforms to increase ease of doing apprenticeships.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation (with example)
Basic Training Cost Share (NAPS)	Government shares basic training cost up to ₹7,500 per apprentice for fresh apprentices (for up to 500 hours)	Example: If your enterprise engages a fresh apprentice who takes 400 hours of basic training, the government may reimburse up to ₹7,500 (subject to limits) for that part.
Stipend Support for Apprentices (NAPS)	Government pays 25% of the prescribed stipend, subject to a maximum of ₹1,500 per apprentice per month during training under NAPS.	Example: Suppose your enterprise pays the apprentice a stipend of ₹6,000/month; under NAPS you might get ₹1,500/month directly transferred to the apprentice’s account, thus reducing burden on your business.
No direct “grant” for MSME but cost-benefit via apprenticeship	The scheme essentially reduces cost of training and recruiting by providing structured training and stipend subsidy.	Example: Your small business hires 10 apprentices under the scheme; you get stipend subsidy + training cost share, which lowers your cost of engaging trainees and building a skilled workforce.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply:

Graduates (Engineering/Technology) or diploma holders (Polytechnic/Engineering) and 10+2 vocational pass-outs who have passed their qualifying examination.
Candidates who are fresh and seek industrial exposure through apprenticeship training under the scheme.
Both technical and some non-technical (depending on availability of industry seats) may be eligible.

Who Cannot Apply:

Individuals who have already completed major industrial training under the scheme or equivalent (subject to specific institute rules).
Applicants who do not meet the minimum educational qualification (for example neither graduate nor diploma nor relevant vocational certificate) and have no industry placement under the scheme.
Applicants beyond the eligibility window issued by the scheme (for example too old or past the limit of time since passing could be a factor in some cases)

Documents Required

Proof of identity & address (Aadhaar, Passport, etc)
Educational qualification certificate (Degree, Diploma or 10+2 vocational pass-out)
Institute/College ID or proof of passing from recognised institution
Medical fitness certificate (if required by the industry)
Any other undertaking or bond (if applicable) as per the industrial training agreement

Application Process for the Scheme

Option 1: Apply with Bullit (Recommended)

Click here to start with guided support. Our team verifies eligibility, compiles documents, and handles application & follow-ups on your behalf. You can monitor progress while focusing on operations.

Recommended for: Graduates and diploma holders seeking to easily access industrial apprenticeship seats under NSAT.

Option 2: Direct Government/Agency Process

Visit the BOAT / NSAT portal or contact your affiliated institution for available apprenticeship seats.
Identify the industry / establishment offering NSAT seat(s) and register for the apprenticeship with necessary details: qualification, institute ID, trade, etc.
On selection, join the industrial unit for the training. Complete the prescribed duration and attainment criteria.
On successful completion, receive “Certificate of Proficiency” from BOAT under NSAT.

Option 3: Apply Through the Official Online Portal
Applicants can also submit their applications directly through the official NSAT portal.The process involves completing an online application form, attaching required documents and selecting available training industries. Once submitted, the concerned authority or establishment will coordinate selection and training offer. This option suits applicants comfortable managing the process independently via the web.