Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), chaired by Union Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Jayant Chaudhary, has approved a significant hike in the minimum monthly stipend for apprentices under two key schemes—PM-National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS).
The revised stipend structure will increase payments from ₹5,000–₹9,000 across five bands to ₹6,800–₹12,300, ensuring better financial support for apprentices.
The hike is expected to be automatically adjusted biennially, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), aligning with the salary increment cycle in July.
Breakdown of Stipend Hike
The CAC’s decision affects apprentices enrolled under two schemes:
- PM-NAPS: The government contributes ₹1,500 or 25% of the stipend amount.
- NATS: The government covers 50% of the stipend amount.
The revised stipend bands are:
- Lowest band: Increased from ₹5,000 to ₹6,800.
- Highest band: Increased from ₹9,000 to ₹12,300.
This adjustment aims to reduce dropout rates and attract more apprentices, ensuring better financial stability for trainees.
Expanding Apprenticeship Training to Emerging Sectors
The CAC also proposed replacing the 1987 industry classification code with the NIC Code 2008, expanding these training to high-growth sectors such as:
- IT and software services
- Telecommunications
- Biotechnology
- Renewable energy
This update ensures that these programs remain aligned with industry demands, creating more employment opportunities for trainees.
Government’s Vision for Apprenticeship Growth
Minister Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that India is running the world’s largest apprenticeship program, and the stipend hike will benefit both industry and young professionals.
He stated: “Apprenticeship is not just a skilling mechanism; it is a bridge connecting education, industry, and employment, especially for rural youth.”
Additionally, the CAC discussed the promotion of apprenticeship-embedded education programs, including the introduction of new definitions such as:
- Degree Apprenticeship
- Institution-based training
- UGC-aligned apprenticeship models
Employers will also be allowed to deliver basic and practical training through online, virtual, or blended modes, ensuring flexibility in learning without compromising quality.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
