National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

India produces millions of graduates every year. Yet one of the biggest challenges they face is the gap between academic knowledge and real industry experience. The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) was created precisely to solve this problem.

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, commonly known as NATS, is a flagship Government of India programme run under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The scheme operates through four Regional Boards - at Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai, and Kolkata - that oversee its implementation across the country.

NATS 2.0 is the updated digital portal and implementation framework of the scheme that simplifies registration, application, contract management, and apprenticeship monitoring through an integrated online system.

The scheme provides structured, practical, on-the-job training to Graduate Engineers, Diploma Holders (Technicians), 10+2 Vocational pass-outs, and General Stream graduates (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., etc.) across nearly 10,000 industrial establishments and organizations in India. By combining practical industry training with a monthly stipend, NATS ensures that students do not just qualify - they are truly prepared for the demands of modern industry.

The primary objective of the scheme is to bridge the gap between classroom education and actual industry requirements by providing structured on-the-job training and professional workplace learning opportunities.

Students interested in apprenticeship training, skill development, and employment-oriented programmes may also explore other government initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), which aim to improve practical skills, industry readiness, and employment opportunities for youth across India.

Scheme Benefits

1. Professional Training

• Under the Apprentices Act, 1961, the standard duration of apprenticeship training is generally one year.
• For students pursuing sandwich pattern courses, the training duration is decided according to the curriculum structure of their course.
• Under NATS 2.0, certain apprenticeship programmes may range from 6 months to 1 year depending on the category, course, and establishment requirements.
   

2. Monthly Stipend During Training

Apprentices receive monthly stipend during the apprenticeship period. The stipend is paid by the employer, generally before the 10th day of every month.

The stipend amount is shared equally between the employer and the Central Government on a 50:50 basis. The employer initially pays the full amount and later receives reimbursement of 50% through the respective BOAT/BOPT.

Minimum Stipend Rates (Effective from 01/04/2021)

Note: Establishments may offer higher stipend amounts depending on their policies and available facilities.

3. Certificate of Proficiency (COP)

After successful completion of training, apprentices receive:

• Apprentices receive a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) along with a Skill Assessment Sheet.
• These documents serve as official proof of apprenticeship training and technical competency.
• The apprenticeship period is also officially recognized as valid work experience, which helps during future job applications and interviews.

These documents serve as official proof of technical training, practical exposure, and workplace skills.

4. Better Employment Opportunities

• Apprentices may get direct job opportunities based on their performance, skills, and workplace discipline.
• Even if not hired directly, apprenticeship experience improves employability and interview chances.

5. Professional Development Benefits

• Better understanding of industrial work culture and professional responsibilities
• Development of technical and professional skills
• Possibility of direct recruitment by establishments
• Opportunity to build confidence and career readiness
• Support for future entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities

Eligibility Requirements

• Graduate Engineer (B.E., B.Tech, B.Pharma, B.Arch, HMCT, B.Lib, B.E. Agri, B.E. Dairy, B.E. Biotech, B.Food, B.Fashion, etc.)
• Diploma Holder / Technician from a recognized institution or statutory university 10+2 Vocational pass-out
• General Stream Graduate such as:
  • B.A. B.Sc. B.Com. BBA, BBS, BEM, BPA BSW B.Sc Agriculture B.Sc Dairy B.Sc Biotechnology B.Sc Food Technology, etc.
  • Students pursuing Degree or Diploma courses under sandwich pattern

Additional Eligibility Conditions

• The candidate should not have prior work experience or apprenticeship training of one year or more.
• Apprenticeship opportunity under NATS is available only once.
• Minimum age is 14 years.
• For hazardous industries, minimum age is 18 years.
• Reservation is available for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates as per applicable norms.
• Students can undertake apprenticeship training in establishments located anywhere in India.
• Aadhaar number is mandatory except for candidates belonging to Assam and Meghalaya where Aadhaar is not compulsory.

Regional BOAT/BOPT Offices

The scheme is implemented through four Regional Boards of Apprenticeship Training / Practical Training:

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card
• Valid personal email ID (This becomes the username and generally cannot be changed later.)
• Active mobile number linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification
• Passport-size photograph
• Size: Less than 1 MB
• Aadhaar-seeded bank account details
• Qualifying Degree / Diploma / Provisional Certificate
• First page of bank passbook or bank account statement
• University / Polytechnic registration or enrollment number
• List of elective subjects studied
• Details of additional short-term or certificate courses completed

Steps to Apply

Applying under NATS involves registration, profile completion, apprenticeship application, contract approval, and training engagement. Follow the steps carefully.

Step 1 - Register on the NATS 2.0 Portal

• Visit the official NATS 2.0 portal and create your student account by entering basic personal, educational, and contact details.
• After creating a password and completing verification, submit the registration form.

Step 2 - Complete Your Profile

• After registration, log in to your account and complete your profile.
• Upload the required documents, photograph, address details, educational information, and bank account details carefully.

Step 3 - Apply for Apprenticeship Opportunities

• Once your profile is completed, apprenticeship opportunities will appear on your dashboard.
• You can check the details of available positions and apply online for the opportunities that match your qualification and interest.

Step 4 - Check Your Application Status

• After applying, you can regularly track your application status and updates directly from your dashboard.

Step 5 - Accept the Apprenticeship Contract

• If an establishment selects you, you will receive an apprenticeship contract request.
• You need to accept the contract online, after which it is sent to BOAT for approval.

Step 6 - Begin Your Training

• Once the contract is approved, you can download it and officially start your apprenticeship training with the establishment.

Step 7 - Follow Training Guidelines

• During the training period, apprentices are expected to maintain work records, follow workplace discipline, and participate in skill assessments whenever required.

Step 8 - Download Your Certificate

• After successfully completing the apprenticeship training, you can download the Certificate of Proficiency (COP) and Skill Assessment Sheet from the portal.

Step 9 - Use Your Experience for Future Jobs

• On completion of the apprenticeship, you can use your training experience and certificates while applying for jobs.
• In some cases, establishments may also hire apprentices directly based on their performance.

APAAR ID Creation

APAAR ID is generated through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) portal and may be required for academic verification and enrollment purposes. The basic process is given below:

• Visit the official portal of ABC
• Then you need to go on the Click Login / Register
• Select the "Student" option and click "Sign Up" option
• Now enter mobile number and verify OTP
• Complete DigiLocker KYC verification
• Enter enrollment number and institute details
• Select admission year
• Reviw all the details ones again before submit the form
• After successful verification, the APAAR ID is generated.

Important Instructions

• Use a permanent and active email ID during registration.
• Keep Aadhaar-linked mobile number active for OTP verification.
• Ensure bank account is Aadhaar-seeded for stipend payment.
• Upload documents only within prescribed file size limits.
• Ensure profile details exactly match official educational records.
• Apprenticeship opportunity under NATS is available only once.
• Regularly check dashboard notifications and application updates.
• Apprentices can discontinue training without penalty on valid medical grounds or upon securing employment / higher education admission.
• Grievances related to apprenticeship can be submitted through the official portal.

Relevant Links

• Official Website of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)
• Official Website of Academic bank credits (APAAR)
• Official APAAR ID Brochure
• Offical details about the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme
• Requaired document list on the offcial portal
• User Manual for National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) Pdf

Contact Information

• Contact page for each region(Southern, Western, Eastern and Northern)