by The NAPS Apprenticeship Portal helps young people in India find paid, on-the-job training with real companies. Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, students who have passed Class 8, Class 10, Class 12, ITI or a skill course can join an employer as an apprentice and earn a monthly stipend while they learn. The Central Government also shares part of this stipend directly through DBT.
This guide explains who can apply, how the online registration works, which documents you need and how much stipend you can expect in 2026. Registration is completely free, and the whole process can be finished from a mobile phone in less than thirty minutes if your Aadhaar and bank account are already linked to the same mobile number. The steps work for new and existing Skill India users.
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What Is the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme?
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) was launched on 19 August 2016 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Its second phase, NAPS-2, runs from 2022-23. The scheme connects job seekers with registered establishments that offer practical training in trades such as electrician, fitter, retail, healthcare, IT support and many more. Thousands of companies across Kerala and other states now post openings on the NAPS Apprenticeship Portal.
Eligibility for NAPS Registration
Candidates must be at least 14 years old, and 18 years for hazardous industries. Students who have studied from Class 5 up to graduation, ITI pass-outs and holders of skill certificates can register. Engineering graduates and diploma holders usually apply through the separate NATS portal instead. There is no upper income limit, and both freshers and people looking to change careers can join an apprenticeship.
How to Register on the NAPS Apprenticeship Portal
Step 1: Open the Official Portal
Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in on your phone or computer and click the Register option. Choose Candidate as your user type. Avoid third-party websites or agents that ask for money, because NAPS registration does not have any fee. Keep your Aadhaar number, mobile number and email ID ready before you start, so the form can be completed in one sitting without errors. Bookmark the official link so that you can return to it easily.
Step 2: Verify Mobile Number and Complete Aadhaar e-KYC
Enter your mobile number and email address, then verify them with the OTP you receive. Next, complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC, which is mandatory to activate the account. Make sure the name in Aadhaar matches your school certificates. If there is a mismatch, correct it first through UIDAI, otherwise your apprenticeship contract and stipend payment may be delayed later. Keep your phone nearby, because the OTP is valid only for a few minutes.
Step 3: Complete Your Profile and Upload Documents
Log in to the NAPS Apprenticeship Portal and fill in your personal details, address, educational qualifications and preferred location. Upload a clear passport-size photo, your mark sheets or ITI certificate and the details of an Aadhaar-linked bank account. The bank account is important because the government share of the stipend is sent directly to it. Save the profile and check every field once before moving ahead. A complete profile also gets more responses from employers.
Step 4: Search and Apply for Apprenticeship Vacancies
Open the Apprenticeship Opportunities section of the NAPS Apprenticeship Portal and filter vacancies by state, district, trade and qualification. Read the training duration, stipend amount and location of each opening carefully. Apply to the establishments that suit you. When a company shortlists you, it may call you for an interview or test, and then send an offer letter through the portal. Applying to more than one company improves your chances of getting selected quickly.
Step 5: Accept the Offer and Start Training
Accept the offer letter online after reading the terms. The employer then registers your apprenticeship contract on the NAPS Apprenticeship Portal, and your training officially begins. Training usually lasts from six months to three years depending on the trade. After completing it and passing the assessment, you receive a nationally recognised apprenticeship certificate that improves your job chances. Keep the certificate safely, as employers often ask to see it during job interviews.
Register on the Official NAPS Portal
Apprenticeship India – Ministry of Skill Development
NAPS Monthly Stipend Benefits in 2026
After a revision approved in May 2025, the minimum apprenticeship stipend now ranges from about ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 per month, depending on the qualification of the apprentice. Under NAPS, the Central Government reimburses 25 percent of the stipend, up to ₹1,500 per month, through DBT. The employer pays the remaining amount. Some states follow their own minimum wage rules. Always check the stipend amount mentioned in your contract before accepting the offer.
Conclusion
The NAPS Apprenticeship Portal is one of the easiest ways for students in Kerala and across India to gain work experience and earn at the same time. With free registration, a revised stipend and government support through DBT, it gives freshers a practical start. Register early, keep your documents ready and apply to trades that match your interests. Registration is completely free.
If you want short-term training before applying for an apprenticeship, read our guide on PMKVY free skill training courses. Combining a PMKVY certificate with an apprenticeship can make your profile much stronger. Always use the official portal, keep a copy of your contract and check your bank account regularly for stipend credits. You can also attend the monthly apprenticeship mela in your district to meet employers directly.
