NAPS NATS Registration Complete Guide 2026 — Everything You Need to Know

What Are NAPS and NATS — And Why Should Businesses Care?

If you run a business in India and haven't yet explored the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) or the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), you're potentially leaving government subsidies on the table while also missing access to a talented pool of trained, motivated young workers.

Both schemes are government initiatives designed to bridge the gap between educational institutions and industry — giving young Indians practical work experience while giving businesses access to skilled trainees at significantly subsidized costs. For businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large corporations, these schemes offer genuine financial and operational benefits.

This guide breaks down exactly what NAPS and NATS are, how they differ, who qualifies, and how to complete the registration process step by step in 2026.

NAPS vs NATS — Understanding the Difference

Why Businesses Should Register on NAPS and NATS

The benefits for employers are genuinely significant:

• Government stipend reimbursement: Under NAPS, employers receive 25% of the stipend paid to apprentices reimbursed by the government (capped at ₹1,500/month per apprentice). This effectively reduces your manpower cost significantly.
• Basic training cost reimbursement: For apprentices sent for basic training at government facilities, ₹7,500 per apprentice per six months is reimbursed.
• Pre-trained talent pipeline: Apprentices are trained in real business environments — they become familiar with your processes and culture, making them ideal candidates for full-time hiring after their apprenticeship.
• Reduced recruitment costs: Many businesses effectively use their apprenticeship program as a paid trial period for future full-time employees.
• Legal compliance: Under the Apprentices Act 1961, certain industries are required to engage apprentices. Registering ensures full legal compliance.
• CSR and brand value: Actively training India's youth builds brand reputation, especially for businesses seeking government contracts or institutional partnerships.

NAPS Registration — Step-by-Step Process for Employers

Step 1: Visit the Official NAPS Portal

Go to apprenticeshipindia.org — the official government portal for the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme. Do not register on any third-party website claiming to be the official portal.

Step 2: Create Your Employer Account

Click on "Register as Establishment" and fill in:

• Legal name of the organization
• Industry type and sector
• PAN and TAN details
• EPFO/ESI registration number (if applicable)
• Contact details of the authorized signatory
• Bank account details for reimbursement credit

Step 3: Verify Your Account

An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number and email. Complete verification to activate your employer account. Some registrations may require a video verification or document review by the relevant Regional Apprenticeship Training Institute (RATI).

Step 4: Post Your Apprenticeship Vacancy

Once your account is active, post apprenticeship vacancies specifying:

• Trade / skill area
• Number of seats available
• Stipend offered
• Duration
• Minimum qualification required
• Location of training

Step 5: Shortlist and Engage Apprentices

Candidates who match your vacancy will apply through the portal. Review applications, conduct interviews, and select apprentices. Once selected, an Apprenticeship Agreement must be created through the portal and signed by both the employer and the apprentice (or guardian if the candidate is a minor).

Step 6: Submit Attendance and Claim Reimbursements

Monthly attendance records must be maintained and submitted through the portal. Stipend reimbursement claims are filed quarterly. Ensure all records are accurate — discrepancies delay reimbursements.

NATS Registration — Step-by-Step Process for Employers

Step 1: Access the NATS Portal

Visit mhrdnats.gov.in — the official portal managed by the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) under the Ministry of Education.

Step 2: Industry/Establishment Registration

Click "Enroll" under the Industry section and provide:

• Company name, CIN / registration number
• Industry category
• Contact person details
• Training infrastructure details
• Number of apprentices your establishment can absorb

Step 3: Approval and Login Credentials

After submission, your application is reviewed by the relevant BOAT regional board. Approval typically takes 5–15 working days. Login credentials are issued after approval.

Step 4: Search and Engage Apprentices

Approved establishments can search the NATS candidate database, filter by discipline, qualification, location, and skills, and directly contact candidates. You can also post notifications that are visible to registered candidates.

Step 5: Issue Offer Letters and Track Training

Issue formal training offer letters through the portal. Track attendance and training progress through your dashboard. Stipend payments must be made through the portal's Payment Management System.

Documents Required for NAPS/NATS Registration

For employers, typically required documents include:

• Certificate of Incorporation / Shop & Establishment License
• PAN card of the company
• GSTIN (if registered)
• EPFO registration number
• Cancelled cheque or bank account details
• Authorized signatory's identity proof (Aadhaar or PAN)
• Digital signature certificate (for some registration categories)

Common Mistakes Businesses Make During Registration

1. Entering incorrect PAN details: This is the most common cause of registration rejection. Cross-check all tax-related details carefully.
2. Using personal email instead of official business email: The portal requires a business domain email for establishment registrations.
3. Incomplete trade/sector selection: Be specific about the trade categories relevant to your business to attract the right candidates.
4. Not submitting monthly attendance on time: Late attendance submission delays reimbursement processing and can flag your account for review.
5. Not creating a formal Apprenticeship Agreement: Verbal agreements have no validity under the Apprentices Act. Always formalize through the portal.

Stipend Reference — NAPS Minimum Stipend Requirements (2026)

How Clickiya Can Help With Your NAPS/NATS Business Setup

If you're a growing business looking to build the right digital foundation alongside your apprenticeship program, having a professional online presence is essential — for recruitment, credibility with government portals, and business growth.

From a professional business website to lead generation systems, brand identity, and social media presence, Clickiya supports businesses at every stage of their growth. Connect with the team to discuss how digital marketing can accelerate your business goals alongside your NAPS or NATS participation.

Also explore their comprehensive services page and review completed projects to understand the kind of results they deliver for Indian businesses.

Expert Tips for NAPS/NATS Success

Tip 1: Treat apprentices as future employees, not temporary labor. The businesses that get the most value from these schemes invest in genuinely training apprentices and convert the best ones to full-time roles.

Tip 2: Assign a dedicated mentor. Each apprentice should have a named supervisor responsible for their day-to-day learning. Apprentices without mentors learn less, perform less, and cause administrative headaches.

Tip 3: Keep documentation spotless from day one. Government reimbursement claims require clean records. Maintain daily logs, monthly attendance records, and signed agreements meticulously.

Conclusion

NAPS and NATS represent a genuine win-win for Indian businesses and young professionals. Employers get access to motivated, educated trainees at subsidized costs, along with potential full-time talent. Young Indians get paid practical experience in real businesses. The registration process, while bureaucratic, is straightforward once you understand the steps. If you're a business that qualifies, there's no good reason not to be participating.