Central Apprenticeship Council proposes 36% hike in stipends under NAPS and NATS

The Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), chaired by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, has recommended a 36% increase in stipends under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). The proposal aims to make apprenticeships more attractive for India’s youth and reduce dropout rates.

At its 38th meeting held in Vigyan Bhawan, the Council proposed revising the current stipend range of Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 6,800– Rs. 12,300. The revised rates are intended to reflect inflation-linked adjustments and are expected to be reviewed every two years based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The recommendation will be submitted to the Cabinet for final approval.

The revised stipend is part of broader reforms to improve the appeal and inclusivity of apprenticeships, especially for rural and underrepresented youth. It also aligns with India’s strategy to bridge the gap between education and industry by making skill-based learning more rewarding and sustainable.

The recommendations were made during the CAC’s 38th meeting on 26 May 2025, in New Delhi. The CAC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and advises the government on policy matters related to apprenticeship.

The Council includes representatives from central and state ministries, major corporations like BHEL, Indian Oil, Tata Group, Maruti Suzuki, and Reliance Industries, as well as academia, technical experts, and labour bodies.

The stipend adjustment will be implemented administratively by the MSDE and later notified under Rule 11 of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992. Additional reforms include:

• Biennial stipend revisions linked to CPI

• Online and blended training options for Basic and Practical Training

• Degree Apprenticeships and new definitions introduced into the Apprenticeship Rules

• Regional Boards to enhance administration under NATS

• Inclusivity measures, including reservations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities

• Sector updates to align with NIC Code 2008, bringing in emerging industries like IT, telecom, biotech, and renewable energy

India's apprenticeship system has grown significantly since the last CAC meeting in June 2021. Under PM-NAPS, over 43.47 lakh apprentices have been engaged across 36 States and UTs, involving 51,000+ establishments. Female participation has reached 20%, with targeted efforts to boost inclusion. The NATS scheme also saw strong growth, enrolling over 5.23 lakh graduate and diploma apprentices in FY 2024–25.

The Minister also released a KPMG report titled “Data Analysis Report: National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (Feb 2018 – April 2025)”, offering insights into program trends and outcomes.

With growing demand for skilled labour and rising interest in industry-linked education, the CAC’s recommendations are expected to drive the next wave of apprenticeship reform. The focus remains on building an inclusive, efficient, and future-ready workforce, aligning with the national vision of ‘Kushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat’.