Apprenticeship · NATS
NATS apprenticeship for employers — engaging graduate and diploma apprentices
The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is the Ministry of Education's apprenticeship scheme for graduates, diploma holders and vocational-certificate holders. It is administered through the regional Boards of Apprenticeship / Practical Training; the establishment pays its share of the apprentice's stipend and the government pays its share directly to the apprentice.
Talk to our apprenticeship team · Compare with NAPS
NATS vs NAPS at a glance
| NATS | NAPS | |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Education | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |
| Typical apprentices | Engineering / non-engineering graduates, diploma holders, vocational certificate holders | ITI pass-outs, school-pass candidates, trade and optional-trade apprentices |
| Administered through | Regional Boards of Apprenticeship / Practical Training | Directorate General of Training and state apprenticeship advisers |
| Official portal | nats.education.gov.in | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
| Government stipend support | A share of the stipend paid to the apprentice by DBT | 25% of stipend, up to ₹1,500 per month, paid to the apprentice by DBT |
When NATS makes sense for an employer
- You need junior engineers, supervisors, lab or quality staff, or office trainees with a degree or diploma.
- You want a structured one-year training route to evaluate graduates before offering permanent roles.
- You already engage trade apprentices under NAPS and want graduate/diploma apprentices counted within the same apprenticeship band.
Stipend
NATS sets a minimum monthly stipend by category (graduate, diploma, vocational). A revision of these minimums in 2026 has been reported; because figures and effective dates differ between sources, take the current rates from the NATS portal or your regional Board before making offers. The establishment pays its share of the stipend and records it on the portal; the government's share is then paid directly to the apprentice through DBT.
The process
- Enrol the establishment on the NATS portal.
- Post apprenticeship openings; eligible students and pass-outs registered on the portal apply.
- Select apprentices and generate the contract through the portal for approval by the regional Board.
- Pay your share of the monthly stipend and record it on the portal so the government's share reaches the apprentice.
- At the end of training, the apprentice receives a certificate of proficiency; you may offer employment.
How JobMyIndia helps
JobMyIndia keeps NATS apprentices separate from employees, tracks contract dates and training status, produces a monthly stipend sheet from attendance, and converts an apprentice to a regular employee when you decide to hire. Our apprenticeship team can also source and manage apprentices for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can one establishment use both NATS and NAPS?
Yes. Many manufacturers engage ITI trade apprentices under NAPS and diploma or graduate apprentices under NATS at the same time.
How long is NATS training?
NATS apprenticeship training is typically one year. Confirm the duration for your category on the NATS portal.