India’s youth are set to benefit from the newly launched National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) 2.0, announced in 2025, aimed at skilling 1 crore young individuals over five years. Offering hands-on training, financial incentives for employers, and industry-aligned skills, the scheme bridges the education-employment gap. With a focus on diverse sectors, it empowers youth for better employability and entrepreneurship.
New Apprenticeship Scheme to Empower India’s Youth in 2025
In a significant move to bolster skill development and employability, the Government of India unveiled the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) 2.0 in 2025, targeting to train and empower 1 crore youth over the next five years. This ambitious initiative, launched under the Skill India 2025 framework, aims to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements, equipping young Indians with practical, market-relevant skills.
The revamped NAPS 2.0 builds on the success of its predecessor, introduced in 2016, which saw a rise in apprenticeship engagements from 1.9 lakh in 2018-19 to 7.4 lakh in 2022-23. The updated scheme introduces enhanced financial incentives for employers, offering up to ₹1,500 per apprentice per month to encourage industries to onboard more trainees. This support extends to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of India’s economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce. By incentivizing MSMEs, the government aims to create millions of new apprenticeship opportunities, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and hospitality.
A key feature of NAPS 2.0 is its emphasis on inclusivity. The scheme targets youth aged 18–30, with a special focus on women and individuals from marginalized communities. It integrates work-based learning modules, combining classroom theory with on-the-job training. For instance, apprentices like Akash, a 19-year-old from Raichur, Karnataka, who recently completed a diploma in Electronics and Communication, can now access hands-on training at leading manufacturing units, earning a stipend of ₹15,000 per month while gaining invaluable industry experience.
The scheme also fosters partnerships between educational institutions and industries, ensuring that training aligns with current market demands. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program, a cornerstone of NAPS 2.0, allows individuals with informal skills to gain formal certification, boosting their employability. This is particularly beneficial for workers in unorganized sectors, such as agriculture and services, which employ a significant portion of India’s workforce.
To streamline access, the government has upgraded the Apprenticeship Training Portal (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in), enabling candidates to register, browse opportunities, and apply directly. Over 13,583 enterprises are currently registered, with plans to onboard more MSMEs through targeted awareness campaigns. The scheme also integrates with the PM Internship Scheme 2025, offering complementary opportunities for youth to gain practical exposure in top companies.
Despite its potential, challenges remain. Experts note that apprenticeship uptake among MSMEs is still low due to lack of awareness and complex enrollment processes. To address this, the government is collaborating with industry associations and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote apprenticeships as a viable career path. The goal is to make apprenticeships aspirational, akin to models in Germany and Switzerland, where 50–70% of youth enter such programs post-secondary education.
The economic impact of NAPS 2.0 is expected to be substantial. The 2024-25 Economic Survey projects a 6.5% growth rate for India, and expanding apprenticeships could further bolster this by creating a skilled, job-ready workforce. For youth, the scheme offers not just employment but also entrepreneurship opportunities, encouraging self-employment through skill-based training.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government announcements, official portals like www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, and reports from credible organizations such as the UNDP and the 2024-25 Economic Survey. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.