NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to promote apprenticeship training in India. Under NAPS, ITI certificate holders and 10th/12th pass candidates can register as apprentices at companies listed on the apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal. Over 5.1 lakh apprentice positions are available across 30,000+ companies in manufacturing, services, and retail sectors. The government shares 50% of the prescribed stipend (up to Rs. 1,500 per month) with the employer. This incentivizes companies to hire more apprentices, creating employment opportunities for youth.

NAPS apprentices receive a mandatory minimum stipend as prescribed under the Apprentices Act 1961. For trade apprentices (ITI holders), the minimum stipend is typically Rs. 6,000–9,000 per month depending on the qualification level and trade. The government under NAPS reimburses 50% of the stipend up to Rs. 1,500 per month to the employer to encourage more apprentice hiring. Many large PSUs and reputed private companies pay stipends significantly higher than the minimum — ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month. The stipend is tax-free as it is considered a training allowance rather than employment income.

As of 2025–26, NAPS offers over 5.1 lakh (510,000) apprentice positions across various industries in India. The scheme has seen rapid growth with the government's push for skill development. PSUs like BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, Indian Oil, Railways, Defence PSUs, and banks collectively offer tens of thousands of positions. Large private companies like Tata, Mahindra, Reliance, Maruti Suzuki, and L&T also participate. The total number of apprentices engaged under all schemes (NAPS + Central Government schemes) exceeds 3 million. The government has set a target of engaging 50 lakh apprentices annually by 2026.

NAPS apprenticeship completion does not guarantee a permanent job but significantly improves employment prospects. Many companies who take apprentices under NAPS offer permanent positions to high-performing apprentices after the training period. The apprenticeship certificate (NCVT/SCVT or employer-issued) is recognized as proof of practical experience and is valued in job applications. For government jobs, apprenticeship experience counts as work experience and can give additional marks in selection processes. The National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) obtained after NAPS completion is equivalent to trade certificate for job eligibility purposes.

Registration for NAPS apprenticeship is done on the official portal apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. Candidates need to create a profile with their educational qualifications, trade/discipline, and location preference. After registration, the portal shows available apprenticeship vacancies from registered employers in the preferred location and trade. Candidates can apply directly to companies through the portal. District Employment Exchanges also facilitate NAPS registrations offline. ITI institutes often have tie-ups with local industries for NAPS apprenticeship placements. State Apprenticeship Advisers help resolve any issues during the registration or placement process.