The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), launched in August 2016 and continuing as NAPS-2 since 2022-23, has engaged 4,750,432 apprentices across more than 45 sectors from 2022-23 to June 30, 2026. The scheme provides partial stipend support limited to 25% of stipend paid, up to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the apprentice's bank account during the training period.
Implementation and Funding
Pan-India DBT rollout began in July 2023, with total government stipend support reaching ₹1,609.19 crore distributed to 50,178 establishments. MSMEs constitute the majority of participating establishments with 33,319 units receiving ₹758.45 crore in support, while other establishments numbered 16,859 with ₹850.74 crore in stipend support. In Andhra Pradesh specifically, 1,270 establishments engaged apprentices receiving ₹54.68 crore in stipend support, comprising 825 MSMEs (₹21.88 crore) and 445 other establishments (₹32.80 crore).
State-wise Apprentice Engagement
Apprentice engagement shows significant variation across states/UTs. Maharashtra leads with 3,01,910 apprentices in 2025-26, followed by Gujarat (1,09,027), Karnataka (1,16,343), and Uttar Pradesh (1,06,269). Andhra Pradesh engaged 26,446 apprentices in 2025-26 and 6,448 in the current year up to June 30, 2026. The scheme shows consistent growth in most states, with smaller states/UTs like Ladakh (19 apprentices in 2025-26) and Lakshadweep (14 apprentices in 2025-26) having minimal participation.
Sector-wise Distribution
The Automotive sector engaged the highest number of apprentices at 976,046, followed by IT-ITeS (464,993), Electronics (411,693), Retail (361,363), and Production & Manufacturing (283,183). Other significant sectors include Electrical including New and Renewable Energy (284,095), Logistics (142,945), Rubber (141,712), Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (132,298), and Life Sciences (112,567). Coastal economy-relevant trades are covered through sectors including Agriculture, Food Processing, Logistics and Marine, with specific trades such as Aquaculture Worker, Fish and Seafood Processing Technician, and various marine-related technical roles.
Regulatory Framework and Implementation
The scheme operates under the Apprentices Act, 1961, which provides a framework for establishments to utilize their training infrastructure. Establishments employing four or more workers are eligible to engage apprentices, while those having thirty or more workers have mandatory engagement requirements subject to the Act's provisions. The government organizes Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs) across the country since June 2022 to promote apprenticeship opportunities and expand outreach, with states/UTs advised to conduct these melas regularly with flexibility in district selection and scheduling.