Many young people in India finish school, ITI, a diploma or a degree and then hit the same wall: every employer wants experience, but nobody seems willing to give a first chance. An apprenticeship is one of the few routes designed exactly for that gap. You join a real workplace, learn on actual machines or in an actual office, and receive a monthly stipend while you train.
India runs apprenticeships under a law that has existed for decades, and the government has added schemes on top of it to encourage companies to take more trainees. The system can feel confusing at first because there are two main tracks, different portals and different rules for different qualifications. This guide breaks it down in plain language so you know what to expect, what you can realistically earn, and how to avoid common mistakes.
One thing to keep in mind from the start: an apprenticeship is training, not a permanent job. Some companies do absorb good apprentices afterwards, but nobody can promise that, and you should plan for both outcomes.
What an Apprenticeship Actually Means in India
An apprentice is a person who signs a contract of apprenticeship with an employer (called an “establishment”) to learn a trade or skill for a fixed period. The arrangement is governed by the Apprentices Act and the rules made under it. During the contract, you work under supervision, follow a training plan, and receive a stipend rather than a salary.
Legally, an apprentice is a trainee, not a regular employee. That has a few practical effects:
- You are paid a stipend, which is linked to minimum levels notified by the government, instead of a negotiated salary.
- The employer is not automatically required to give you a permanent post when the training ends.
- You are expected to complete both on-the-job training and, in many trades, some basic classroom training.
- At the end, you can receive a recognised certificate that improves your chances with other employers.
The Two Main Tracks: NAPS and NATS
Most people will come across two schemes. Knowing which one applies to you saves a lot of time.
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
NAPS is run under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It covers designated trades (such as Fitter, Electrician, Welder, Mechanic and many others) and optional trades created by employers or sector skill councils. It is open to people who have passed Class 5 to Class 12, ITI pass-outs, and in some optional trades, diploma holders and graduates as well. Under NAPS, the government has historically shared a part of the stipend with the employer, which makes it easier for smaller companies to hire apprentices.
National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)
NATS is run under the Ministry of Education through regional Boards of Apprenticeship Training. It is meant for graduate engineers, diploma holders, and in recent years general graduates (such as B.Com, B.Sc and BA) as well. Many public sector undertakings, manufacturing companies and banks offer graduate and technician apprenticeships through this route.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility depends on the trade, but these broad rules apply in most cases:
- Minimum age: Usually 14 years, and 18 years for trades classified as hazardous. In practice, most establishments prefer candidates who are 18 or older.
- Education: Each trade has a minimum qualification. Some need only Class 8 or 10, while technical trades often need ITI in a related trade, and NATS seats need a diploma or degree.
- Recency rules: Some NATS seats are limited to candidates who passed their course within the last few years. Check the conditions on each opening.
- Prior apprenticeship: If you already completed an apprenticeship in the same trade, you may not be eligible again in that trade.
- Medical fitness: Many establishments ask for a basic fitness certificate, especially for shop-floor trades.
Stipend: What You Can Expect to Earn
The stipend is fixed with reference to minimum levels set by the government, and many states and employers pay above that floor. The numbers below are only indicative. They change with revisions to the rules, the state, the company and the trade, so always check the amount mentioned on the specific opening.
| Apprentice category | Typical duration | Indicative monthly stipend (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| School pass (Class 8 to 12) in basic or optional trades | 6 months to 2 years | ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 |
| ITI pass-out in designated trades | 1 to 2 years | ₹7,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Diploma (technician) apprentice under NATS | About 1 year | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Graduate apprentice (engineering or general degree) | About 1 year | ₹9,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Apprentices in large PSUs or private manufacturers | 1 year | ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 |
These numbers for apprenticeship jobs in India are approximate and based on typically reported costs, not official rates. Prices change often, so confirm them before planning your budget, using the Directorate General of Training in Helpful Links as a starting point.
Some companies also provide canteen meals, transport, uniforms or a hostel, which can make a lower stipend more manageable. Others provide nothing extra. Ask about these points before you join, because they matter a lot when you calculate how much you can actually save.
How to Register and Apply Step by Step
Applications go through the official apprenticeship portals. The process differs slightly between the two tracks, but the logic is the same.
- Pick the right portal. School pass-outs and ITI candidates generally use the apprenticeship portal under the skill development ministry. Diploma holders and graduates generally use the NATS portal.
- Create your profile. Use your own mobile number and email. Fill in your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar and mark sheets.
- Complete eKYC and upload documents. Keep scanned copies ready (see the next section).
- Search for openings. Filter by state, district, trade and qualification. Read the stipend, location and training details carefully.
- Apply and track. Apply to several suitable openings. The establishment may shortlist you, call you for a test or interview, and then send an offer through the portal.
- Accept and sign the contract. Once you accept, the contract of apprenticeship is generated and registered. Do not start training without a registered contract.
Before you apply, verify details such as eligibility, stipend norms and portal steps through the official portals or your nearest ITI or Regional Directorate of Apprenticeship Training, because rules are revised from time to time.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Aadhaar card linked to your current mobile number
- Class 10 mark sheet (also used as date-of-birth proof)
- Highest qualification certificate: Class 12, ITI, diploma or degree
- Bank account in your own name, preferably Aadhaar-seeded, for stipend payment
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Caste or disability certificate, if you are claiming a reservation benefit where it applies
- Medical fitness certificate if the establishment asks for it
What Daily Life Looks Like as an Apprentice
Expect regular working hours similar to other staff, with a supervisor or trainer assigned to you. In a factory, you might start by observing, then handle simple jobs such as deburring, assembly or measurement, and gradually move to machine operation under supervision. In an office trade, you could handle data entry, filing, billing support or customer service.
Many trades include a component of basic training, which may be done at a training centre before or during the on-the-job period. Attendance is recorded and matters. Long unexplained absences can lead to termination of the contract.
Take the training seriously. Ask questions, keep a notebook of what you learn, and volunteer for tasks. Supervisors often remember the apprentice who showed interest when an opening comes up later.
Certification After the Apprenticeship
For designated trades, apprentices can appear in the All India Trade Test, and those who pass receive the National Apprenticeship Certificate. For NATS, a certificate of proficiency is issued after successful completion. In optional trades, assessment is often done through the relevant sector skill council.
These certificates carry weight. Several government recruitment notifications, especially in railways and other technical departments, accept the National Apprenticeship Certificate as a qualification. Private employers also see it as proof that you have spent real time in a workplace.
Choosing a Good Apprenticeship Seat
Not every opening offers the same value. Before accepting, think about:
- Learning content: Will you actually work on the trade, or just do helper work unrelated to it?
- Company reputation: Larger, established firms usually have structured training and are recognised by future employers.
- Location and cost: A slightly higher stipend in a distant city can disappear in rent and travel.
- Absorption record: Ask former apprentices whether the company keeps any trainees afterwards. Treat this as a possibility, not a promise.
- Safety: For shop-floor trades, check that safety shoes, gloves and other protective equipment are provided.
Warning Signs and Scams to Avoid
Genuine apprenticeships are registered through official portals. Be careful if anyone asks for money to “confirm” a seat, promises a permanent government job after training, or collects your original certificates and refuses to return them. Registration on the government portals is free for candidates. Never pay an agent for a seat, and never hand over original documents except for brief verification in your presence.
Also watch for offers that call themselves apprenticeships but are not registered contracts. Without registration you may not receive a recognised certificate, and you have little protection if the stipend is not paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do an apprenticeship after graduation in commerce or arts?
Yes. In recent years the graduate apprenticeship route has been opened to general graduates as well as engineers, and many banks, insurers and companies list such seats. Eligibility depends on your year of passing and the conditions of each opening.
Is the stipend taxable?
Stipends paid to apprentices are generally modest and usually fall below the taxable limit for most trainees. If you have other income, consult a tax professional to understand your situation.
Will the company give me a permanent job after the apprenticeship?
There is no legal requirement for the employer to do so. Some companies prefer to hire from their own apprentices, so good performance helps, but you should not assume a job will follow.
Can I leave an apprenticeship midway?
The contract can be terminated in certain situations, but leaving without proper process can affect your certificate and may create obligations under the rules. Speak to the establishment and the apprenticeship adviser before quitting.
Do apprentices get EPF or ESIC?
Apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act are generally not treated as employees for these schemes. Some employers provide insurance or medical cover separately, so ask what is offered.
The Bottom Line
An apprenticeship is one of the most practical first steps for a fresher in India. You learn a real skill, receive a stipend, and finish with a recognised certificate. Register on the correct official portal, choose a seat where you will actually learn, keep your documents in order, and treat the year or two of training as an investment. Whether you stay with the same company or move on, the experience will make your next job search much easier.