MSDE Notifies Hike in Apprenticeship Stipends to Rs. 6,800–12,300 under Amended Apprenticeship Rules 1992.

In September 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced amendments to the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, revising the monthly stipend range for apprentices to Rs. 6,800–12,300, up from the earlier Rs. 5,000–9,000. The hike applies to both NAPS and NATS.

      - The revision follows the 38th Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) meeting chaired by Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MSDE, which approved key amendments to enhance youth participation and industry engagement.

      - The revised stipend will benefit apprentices enrolled under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), ensuring better financial support and encouraging wider adoption of apprenticeship programs.

Main Point :-   (i) Eligible establishments are mandated to engage 2.5%–15% of their workforce as apprentices, with a minimum of 5%. Vacant apprenticeship seats may be reallocated upon approval, and a one-year cooling-off period is now required between successive apprenticeship stints unless ended prematurely.

      (ii) The reforms also introduced new categories such as degree apprenticeships and remote apprenticeships, expanded coverage of industries under the National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2008, and mandated inclusivity for persons with benchmark disabilities to make the apprenticeship ecosystem more comprehensive.