The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, also known as NATS, helps students deal with this problem. It gives graduates and diploma holders an opportunity to work with an organisation, learn practical skills and receive a monthly stipend during the training period.
Completing a degree or diploma is a big achievement, but finding the first job is not always easy. Many companies prefer candidates who already have practical experience. This creates a common problem for fresh graduates: without a job, they cannot gain experience, and without experience, getting a job becomes difficult.
If you have recently completed your studies and want to gain real workplace experience, NATS may be worth considering.
Table of Contents
What is the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme?
The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme is a Government of India programme run under the Ministry of Education. It provides on-the-job training to students who have completed an eligible degree, diploma or vocational qualification.
The scheme works under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Students can find apprenticeship opportunities through the NATS 2.0 portal.
Selected apprentices receive training in government departments, public sector companies and private organisations. They work under experienced professionals and learn how their academic knowledge is used in real situations.
Why is the NATS scheme useful for students?
A college degree gives students theoretical knowledge, but companies also look for practical skills. Fresh graduates may know the subject but may not understand office systems, industry tools or professional responsibilities.
NATS tries to fill this gap.
For example, a mechanical engineering student may learn how machines work in college. During an apprenticeship, the same student may get practical experience in production, maintenance or quality control. Similarly, a commerce graduate may learn how billing, documentation or daily business operations are managed.
Apprentices also develop simple but important skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and workplace discipline.
Who is eligible to apply for NATS?
The scheme is mainly open to graduates, diploma holders and eligible vocational certificate holders. Both technical and non-technical opportunities may be available, depending on participating organisations.
NATS covers categories such as:
- Graduate apprentices
- Technician or diploma apprentices
- Technician vocational apprentices
- Graduate sandwich-course students
- Technician sandwich-course students
Candidates should have completed their qualification from a recognised institution in India. They must generally be Indian citizens and meet the conditions given in the apprenticeship advertisement.
Students who have already completed apprenticeship training under NATS may not be eligible to complete the same category again. Candidates with one year or more of work experience after completing their qualification may also be ineligible for certain vacancies.
There is no common passing-year rule for every apprenticeship. One company may accept only recent graduates, while another may allow students from earlier academic years. That is why candidates must read each recruitment notice before applying.
Which courses and fields are covered under NATS?
NATS is often linked with engineering and technical education, but its coverage is becoming wider.
Apprenticeship opportunities may be available in areas such as:
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Electronics
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Automobile engineering
- Manufacturing
- Telecommunications
- Pharmacy and healthcare
- Commerce
- Management
- Arts and humanities
How long does NATS apprenticeship training last?
NATS training normally lasts from six months to one year. In many graduate and diploma apprenticeship positions, the duration is one year.
The actual period depends on the course, apprentice category and organisation. Sandwich-course students may have a different duration based on their academic curriculum.
The starting date, ending date and other conditions are included in the apprenticeship contract. Candidates should check the complete duration before accepting an offer, particularly when the training location is far from home.
How much stipend is paid under NATS in 2026?
Every selected apprentice receives a monthly stipend. The amount depends on the candidate’s qualification, apprentice category and recruiting organisation.
| Apprentice category | Minimum monthly stipend |
| Graduate apprentice | ₹12,300 |
| Technician or diploma apprentice | ₹10,900 |
| Technician vocational apprentice | ₹9,600 |
An employer may offer more than the applicable minimum amount. Candidates should still confirm the final stipend in the official vacancy notice and apprenticeship contract because payment conditions can change or differ by category.
Under NATS, the government may reimburse eligible employers for 50% of the prescribed minimum stipend. This support is meant for employers; the apprentice receives the stipend according to the applicable arrangement.
Stipend payment may also depend on regular attendance and satisfactory performance.
What benefits do students get under NATS?
The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme offers more than a monthly payment. Its biggest value is the experience students gain while working in a professional environment.
Can apprentices gain practical experience?
Yes. Apprentices learn by performing real tasks under proper guidance. They understand the tools, methods and processes used in their industry.
Do students earn during training?
Yes. Apprentices receive a monthly stipend. Although it is not the same as a regular employee’s salary, it can help with travel, food and other expenses.
Does the scheme improve job skills?
Students improve both technical and soft skills. They learn how to follow instructions, communicate professionally, manage deadlines and work with a team.
Is a certificate given after training?
Candidates who successfully finish their apprenticeship receive a Certificate of Proficiency, commonly called COP. It confirms that the student has completed practical training under the scheme.
The certificate can be added to a resume and mentioned during interviews. However, whether a company or public sector organisation counts it as formal work experience depends on its own recruitment rules.
Does NATS guarantee a permanent job?
No, completing a NATS apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment.
The organisation is generally not required to offer a regular job after training. Some companies may hire apprentices who perform well, but this depends on available positions and the company’s recruitment policy.
Students should consider NATS a learning and experience programme, not a confirmed government job.
Even when an apprentice is not hired by the same organisation, the practical experience and Certificate of Proficiency can be helpful while applying for jobs elsewhere.
Which documents are required for NATS registration?
Keep the following details and documents ready before registering:
- Active personal email address
- Mobile number
- Aadhaar number
- APAAR ID
- Degree or provisional certificate
- Educational marksheets
- Passport-size photograph
- Bank account details
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Disability certificate, if applicable
- Updated resume
The current portal asks applicants to upload their qualifying degree or provisional certificate as a PDF of less than 1 MB. Aadhaar is required for e-KYC, while APAAR ID is also listed as a mandatory registration requirement.
Make sure your name, date of birth and other details match across your Aadhaar, certificates and bank account. A mismatch can delay verification or stipend payment.
How can students register on NATS 2.0?
The registration process is completed online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official NATS 2.0 portal.
- Open the Student section and select the registration option.
- Enter your active mobile number and personal email address.
- Verify both using the received OTPs.
- Provide your personal and educational information.
- Complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
- Enter or verify your APAAR ID.
- Upload the qualifying certificate and other required documents.
- Review all the information carefully.
- Submit the form and complete your student profile.
Use an email address and phone number that will remain active. Important updates related to applications, interviews and contracts may be sent through these details.
How can students apply for an National Apprenticeship Training Scheme?
Registration alone does not provide an apprenticeship. After creating a profile, students need to search for suitable opportunities and apply separately.
Before applying, check:
- Required qualification and branch
- Eligible passing year
- Minimum marks
- Training location
- Monthly stipend
- Number of vacancies
- Apprenticeship duration
- Selection process
- Last application date
Also read- SSP Pre Matric Scholarship 2026-27
Conclusion
The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme is a practical option for students who have completed their education but do not yet have workplace experience. It allows them to learn directly from professionals, receive a monthly stipend and earn a recognised Certificate of Proficiency.
NATS does not promise a permanent job, but it can make the journey from college to employment easier. Interested students should register on the official portal, fill in their details correctly and regularly check for opportunities matching their qualifications.
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