Apprenticeship Stipend 2026: ₹12,300 Rate – Best Easy Guide

The Apprenticeship Stipend is the monthly amount paid to apprentices during their training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. For lakhs of ITI holders, diploma holders, graduates and school pass-outs, an apprenticeship is the most practical bridge between education and a permanent job. It provides real workplace training, a recognised certificate and a regular stipend. The minimum stipend rates were revised through the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules notified in September 2025, increasing the range to about ₹6,800 to ₹12,300 per month depending on qualification.

This guide explains the current apprentice stipend rates, how the stipend increases in the second and third years, government support through NAPS and NATS, how to register on the official portals, your rights as an apprentice and how to choose a good apprenticeship in Kerala.

Apprenticeship Stipend – Quick Facts

Whether you are a fresh ITI pass-out or a graduate looking for your first industry experience, understanding the stipend rules will help you choose the right opportunity and make sure you are paid fairly.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured training programme in which a young person learns a trade or profession by working in a real establishment under a formal contract. The apprentice is a trainee, not an employee, and receives a stipend instead of a salary. Training includes on-the-job work and, where applicable, basic training in a classroom or workshop. At the end, apprentices receive a certificate that is recognised by employers and, in many cases, by government recruitment rules that give preference to apprenticeship-trained candidates.

Apprenticeships are offered by public sector companies such as railways, shipyards, refineries, defence establishments and power utilities, as well as private manufacturers, hospitals, hotels, IT firms, banks and retail chains.

Apprenticeship Opportunities in Kerala

Kerala has a wide range of establishments that engage apprentices. Public sector units such as Cochin Shipyard, BPCL Kochi Refinery, FACT, KMML, Hindustan Newsprint and KSEB, as well as the Southern Railway divisions in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad, regularly engage ITI, diploma and graduate apprentices. Central institutions such as ISRO centres in Thiruvananthapuram, defence establishments and ports also offer apprenticeships from time to time. Private hospitals, hotels, automobile dealerships, IT companies, banks and retail chains engage apprentices under NAPS in trades such as front office, retail sales, healthcare support, accounts and IT support.

Notifications for public sector apprenticeships are usually published on the organisation’s website and on the national portals. Private sector opportunities are mostly posted directly on the Apprenticeship India portal. Keep your profile updated on both portals so that you can apply quickly when new openings appear.

Designated and Optional Trades

Under the Apprentices Act, trades are classified as designated trades and optional trades. Designated trades are notified by the government, often engineering and technical trades linked to ITI courses, with prescribed syllabi and assessments. Optional trades are designed by employers to match their needs, such as retail sales associate, customer service executive, hospital assistant or data entry operator. Both types can be offered under NAPS. Graduates and diploma holders in engineering or non-engineering fields usually train through NATS under the categories notified by the Ministry of Education.

Revised Apprentice Stipend Rates

The table below shows the minimum monthly stipend categories under the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules notified in September 2025, as summarised from the notification. Employers can pay more than the minimum. Since stipend rates may be linked to price indices and revised from time to time, always check the latest rates on the official apprenticeship portal.

Before this revision, the minimum stipend ranged from ₹5,000 to ₹9,000 under the 2019 rules. The increase was recommended by the Central Apprenticeship Council to make apprenticeships more attractive to young people.

Stipend Increase in the Second and Third Years

For apprenticeships longer than one year, the rules provide for an increase in the stipend. Under the existing provisions, the stipend increases by 10 percent in the second year and by 15 percent in the third year over the prescribed minimum. Check your contract and the latest rules for the exact amounts applicable to your training period.

Basic Training Period

Freshers who join without prior training may undergo basic training of up to three months before on-the-job training. During basic training, a reduced stipend may be payable as per the rules, while full stipend applies when basic training and on-the-job training run together. Your contract should clearly mention the basic training period, if any.

If your employer offers a stipend below these minimums, politely point to the official rates and ask for correction, because paying below the prescribed minimum is not permitted under the rules.

NAPS Stipend Support

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, encourages establishments to engage apprentices by sharing part of the stipend cost. Under NAPS, the government reimburses a portion of the stipend, paid directly to the apprentice’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer, subject to a monthly cap per apprentice. The rest is paid by the employer. NAPS covers a wide range of trades and qualifications, from school pass-outs and ITI holders to diploma holders and graduates in optional trades.

To receive the NAPS stipend support, the apprenticeship contract must be registered on the official portal within the prescribed time after joining, and the apprentice’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account must be linked.

NATS Stipend for Graduates and Diploma Holders

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), run by the Ministry of Education through the Boards of Apprenticeship Training and Practical Training (BOAT/BOPT), focuses on engineering and non-engineering graduates, diploma holders and vocational certificate holders. Under NATS, the government shares a larger portion of the stipend with the employer, which is also paid through DBT. Apprentices in southern states, including Kerala, are supported through the Board of Apprenticeship Training (Southern Region), Chennai.

How to Register for an Apprenticeship

NAPS Registration (Apprenticeship India Portal)

1. Visit the apprenticeship portal and register as a candidate with your mobile number and email.
2. Complete your profile with Aadhaar, education details and bank account.
3. Search for apprenticeship opportunities by trade, location and establishment.
4. Apply and attend the selection process conducted by the establishment.
5. Once selected, sign the apprenticeship contract online, which the establishment registers on the portal.

NATS Registration

1. Visit the NATS portal and enrol as a student with your educational details.
2. Get your enrolment approved and note your enrolment number.
3. Apply to establishments that post vacancies for graduate, diploma or vocational apprentices.
4. After selection, the contract is generated and approved through the portal.

Read our earlier guides on Southern Railway apprentice and the railway apprentice merit list to see how large public sector apprenticeships work.

Examples: How Much Will You Earn?

Anu, B.Com graduate: Anu joins a one-year apprenticeship in the accounts department of a manufacturing company in Kochi under NATS. Her minimum stipend is ₹12,300 per month, part of which is supported by the government through DBT. Over the year she earns at least about ₹1.48 lakh in stipend while gaining practical accounting experience.

Rahul, ITI Fitter: Rahul joins a two-year apprenticeship in a public sector unit. In the first year, he receives at least the minimum stipend for national certificate holders. In the second year, his stipend rises by 10 percent over the minimum as per the rules.

Sneha, diploma in electronics: Sneha joins a technician apprenticeship in an electronics firm with a minimum stipend of ₹10,900 per month. Her employer pays above the minimum because of high demand for skilled technicians.

These examples show that the apprentice stipend rates, while not as high as full salaries, provide meaningful support during training and often lead to permanent jobs.

Common Problems and How to Handle Them

Rights and Responsibilities of Apprentices

• You must receive at least the prescribed minimum stipend on time every month.
• Your training should be related to your trade or qualification, not unrelated work.
• Working hours and leave should follow the rules and your contract.
• You should receive a certificate after successful completion and assessment.
• You must attend training regularly, follow workplace rules and complete assessments.
• Apprentices are trainees; the employer is not obliged to offer a job after training, though many do.

If your stipend is not paid or the training is unrelated to your trade, you can raise the issue with the establishment and then with the Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship or BOAT, as applicable.

Apprenticeship vs Internship

Both help you gain experience, but apprenticeships offer stronger legal protection, a guaranteed minimum stipend and a recognised certificate. Our guide on the PM Internship Scheme explains a different government programme for youth.

Documents Needed to Join

• Aadhaar card linked to mobile number
• Bank account seeded with Aadhaar for DBT
• Educational certificates: SSLC, Plus Two, ITI, diploma or degree as applicable
• Caste and disability certificates, if claiming reservation
• Passport-size photographs
• Medical fitness certificate if required by the establishment

How to Choose a Good Apprenticeship

• Prefer establishments that train apprentices in your actual trade or field.
• Ask current or former apprentices about training quality and stipend payment.
• Check whether the company has a record of absorbing apprentices after training.
• Make sure the contract is registered on the official portal within the required time.
• Avoid agents who ask for money to place you in an apprenticeship; registration on government portals is free.

Apprenticeship and Government Jobs

Many public sector organisations value apprenticeship training in their recruitment. Some give preference or reserve a portion of posts for candidates who have completed apprenticeship training in their establishment, and others consider the apprenticeship certificate as additional qualification for technical posts. Rules differ across organisations, so read each recruitment notification carefully. In any case, a completed apprenticeship strengthens your profile for technician, junior engineer and other technical posts.

Benefits of Doing an Apprenticeship

• Practical experience that employers value highly
• A monthly stipend while you learn
• A nationally recognised certificate
• Better chances of absorption in the same company
• Preference or weightage in some government recruitments for apprenticeship certificate holders
• Professional network and references

Why the Stipend Revision Matters

For many young people, especially from rural and low-income families, the stipend decides whether they can afford to take up an apprenticeship at all. Travel, food, accommodation and basic expenses can be significant, particularly if the establishment is in another district or state. The earlier minimum of ₹5,000 to ₹9,000 was often not enough to cover these costs, leading many trainees to drop out or choose low-skilled jobs instead. The revised Apprenticeship Stipend aims to improve participation, reduce dropouts and make skill-based careers more attractive.

Employers also benefit from a more motivated and stable pool of trainees, and government support through NAPS and NATS helps share the cost, especially for small and medium enterprises.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Apprenticeship

• Treat the apprenticeship like a job: be punctual, disciplined and eager to learn.
• Keep a training diary of tasks you perform and skills you learn.
• Ask questions and seek feedback from your supervisor regularly.
• Learn related skills such as safety practices, quality procedures and basic software used at the workplace.
• Build relationships with colleagues; they can recommend you for jobs later.
• Prepare for the final assessment early so that you receive your certificate on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum Apprenticeship Stipend for graduates?

As per the September 2025 revision, the minimum stipend for graduate and degree apprentices is ₹12,300 per month.

What is the stipend for diploma apprentices?

The minimum stipend for diploma holders and technician apprentices is ₹10,900 per month.

Is the apprentice stipend taxable?

Stipends paid for training are generally treated differently from salary, and many apprentices’ incomes are below taxable limits. Consult a tax adviser for your situation.

Can I do two apprenticeships?

The amended rules limit the number of apprenticeships and impose conditions, such as a different trade for the second apprenticeship and no central stipend support for the second. Check the current rules before applying.

Is an apprentice an employee?

No. An apprentice is a trainee under the Apprentices Act, not a worker or employee of the establishment.

Where can I find apprenticeship vacancies in Kerala?

On the Apprenticeship India and NATS portals, company websites, and through ITIs, polytechnics and engineering colleges.

How is the government share of the stipend paid?

Through Direct Benefit Transfer to the apprentice’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, after the contract and attendance are verified on the portal.

Can women apprentices take a break and rejoin?

The amended rules include special considerations for women, such as exemption from certain waiting periods after termination for personal reasons. Check the current rules or ask the apprenticeship adviser for details.

Do apprentices get paid leave?

Leave entitlements follow the Apprenticeship Rules and the establishment’s policy for apprentices. Your contract should mention leave details.

Who sets the stipend rates?

Minimum rates are prescribed by the Central Government through the Apprenticeship Rules, based on recommendations of the Central Apprenticeship Council.

Is there any fee to register on the apprenticeship portals?

No. Registration on the official portals is free for candidates.

Conclusion

The revised Apprenticeship Stipend makes apprenticeships a more attractive way to gain experience while earning. Register on the right portal, choose an establishment that offers training related to your field, sign a proper contract and make sure your stipend is paid as per the rules. For official information, visit the Apprenticeship India portal. Follow Kerala Job News for the latest apprenticeship and internship updates.