NATS – The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme: A Complete Guide

Introduction

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) plays an important role by offering structured, government-backed apprenticeship programmes tailored to industry needs.
The blog will explore everything about NATS in India, including the NATS registration process, eligibility criteria, benefits, and many more. Whether the aim is to streamline recruitment, reduce hiring costs, or strengthen internal training systems, understanding NATS can significantly benefit workforce planning and talent development.

What is the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)?

The full form of NATS is the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NATS provides fresh graduates and diploma holders in engineering and non-engineering streams with practical, on-the-job training.

NATS means bridging the gap between academic learning and industrial requirements. It enables organisations to train youth as per specific industry needs, thereby fostering a ready-made talent pool.

What is the Objective of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme?

Building a Skilled Workforce for Future Challenges

NATS is designed to nurture employable skills and foster industry-ready professionals through practical exposure and mentorship in real working environments.

Creating Sustainable Job Opportunities for Marginalised Communities

NATS offers organised training that helps underprivileged young people and gives them job opportunities in different industries.

Promoting Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

Through NATS apprenticeship training, learners gain practical insights that can be translated into entrepreneurial ventures or independent consultancies.

How to Register on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) Portal?

For Employers

Registering your organisation on the NATS portal is the first step to hiring apprentices under the scheme. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official NATS Portal: Go to https://nats.education.gov.in/.
2. Click on ‘Establishment’: This will redirect you to the employer registration page.
3. Sign Up: Click on ‘Enroll’ and fill out your organisation’s details including:
a. Name of the organisation
b. Type of industry
c. PAN, GSTIN, and official contact details
4. Upload Required Documents: This includes:
a. Certificate of incorporation
b. PAN/TAN
c. MSME certificate (if applicable)
d. Contact person details
5. Training Programme Details: Provide information about your apprenticeship training modules and objectives.
6. BOAT/Zonal Approval: The relevant BOAT regional office will review and approve your application.
7. Start Hiring Apprentices: Once approved, you can begin posting apprenticeship opportunities and managing trainees via the portal.
Ensure your organisation is registered in the correct BOAT zone and maintain compliance by submitting periodic reports and stipend disbursement claims.

For Students

Students must click on “Student” and complete their NATS registration with basic educational and personal details.
1. Upload scanned documents like certificates, identification proof, and bank details.
2. Validate contact information via OTP.
3. Fill in academic qualifications, preferences, and training types.
4. Keep profiles updated to better match employer requirements.

Features of National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS)

1. One-Year Performance Monitoring Period

The scheme typically involves a 12-month training duration with structured assessment.

2. Government Financial Support for Recruiters

Organisations receive partial stipend reimbursement directly from the government.

3. Addressing Workforce Shortages

NATS allows companies to build a skilled pipeline in advance.

4. Meeting Human Resource Needs

Training modules can be customised to fit the organisation’s unique workforce requirements.

5. Diverse Training Curriculum

Programmes are adaptable across mechanical, civil, IT, electrical, and more departments.

6. National Reach for Multi-State Operations

NATS facilitates pan-India implementation via zonal BOAT (Board of Apprenticeship Training) offices.

What are the Benefits of NATS?

1. Bridging Skill Gaps

Graduates gain practical knowledge, helping them become more job-ready.

2. Exemption from EPF and ESI Contributions

No statutory deductions are applicable to apprentices under NATS.

3. Creation of a Proactive Workforce

NATS-trained candidates adapt faster and add value sooner.

4. Reduced Hiring Costs

Training under NATS leads to less dependency on high recruitment spending.

5. Flexibility in Employment Decisions

Post-apprenticeship, employers have the freedom to retain skilled candidates.

6. Loyalty and Low Attrition Rates

Trainees feel valued and often choose to continue employment post-training.

7. Enhancing Brand Image

Participation in government initiatives bolsters your corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Eligibility Criteria for NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme)

Knowing who can take part in the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is important for both employers and apprentices. Here’s an easy guide:

Eligibility Criteria for Employers

Organisations must meet specific requirements to enrol in NATS and hire apprentices:

• • Organisation Type: Any public or private sector company registered in India, including MSMEs, large enterprises, PSUs, and government departments.
  • Workforce Size:

a. Mandatory Participation: Companies with 30 or more employees must implement NATS by law.
b. Voluntary Participation: Companies with 4 to 29 employees can participate voluntarily.

• • Training Capacity:

Employers must engage apprentices equal to 2.5% to 15% of their workforce.

• • Training Infrastructure:

Organisations should be able to deliver structured, on-the-job training that is aligned with NATS standards.

• • BOAT Registration:

Employers must register under their region’s Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) and gain approval for their training programmes.

Note: Establishments with fewer than four employees are exempt from the scheme.

Eligibility Criteria for Candidates

To benefit from the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme, candidates must fulfil the following conditions:

• • • Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
    • Age Limit: Between 18 and 27 years at the time of application.
    • Educational Qualification:

Must hold a diploma or degree (engineering or non-engineering) from a recognised university or institution.
Candidates without prior apprenticeship training under any other government scheme are eligible.

• • Academic Status:

Must have completed their studies and should not be pursuing any full-time course during the apprenticeship period.

• • Registration:

Must register on the official NATS portal with valid academic and personal documentation.

Note: Final-year students or those awaiting final results are not eligible until they have received their diploma/degree certificates.
Registering and staying compliant with NATS can be tricky, but TankhaPay makes it easy. It takes care of all the rules quickly, saving HR teams time and making the process hassle-free.

Duration and Structure of NATS

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is made to be flexible and consistent, meeting different industry needs while helping people learn important skills.

• Training Duration: Apprenticeships under NATS usually last at least 1 year and can go up to 3 years, depending on the trade and training.
• Work Schedule: Apprentices need to work the regular hours set by their industry and training program. This helps them gain real work experience and understand the work culture.
• Checking Progress and Awarding Certificate: Apprentices are regularly reviewed by their employer or training authority. When they finish successfully, they receive a government certificate that helps them get jobs more easily.

Core Participating Sectors- NATS

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) encompasses various sectors, aiming to provide practical training for various disciplines. Key sectors include engineering, technology, architecture, pharmacy, hotel management, and vocational courses.
The program also extends to technical, engineering, commerce, arts, humanities, and management disciplines. NATS is also growing to cover new areas like IT, software, telecom, biotech, and renewable energy.

1. Technical and Engineering Disciplines

NATS offers training in many technical and engineering areas, helping learners get practical experience and useful skills for the industry.

2. Non-Engineering Disciplines

The scheme also supports students in commerce, arts, humanities, and management by providing practical training in these fields.

3. Emerging Sectors

NATS is growing to cover new industries like IT, software, telecom, biotech, and renewable energy to keep up with industry changes.

4. Specific Fields

The program focuses on training for graduates, diploma holders in engineering/technology/architecture/pharmacy/hotel management, and (10+2) level vocational course graduates, aiming to enhance their employability.

5. Industry-Specific Training

NATS offers training in various industries, including manufacturing, mining, power generation, and engineering services, with training opportunities in public and private establishments.

Difference Between NATS and NAPS

What is BOAT?

The Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) operates through four regional offices:

1. BOAT Kanpur (Northern Region)

Covers: Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir

2. BOAT Mumbai (Western Region)

Covers: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu

3. BOAT Chennai (Southern Region)

Covers: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep

4. BOAT Kolkata (Eastern Region)

Covers: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Sikkim.

Why is BOAT Important for Employers?

For employers, BOAT offers a streamlined and government-supported way to train and evaluate fresh talent. Here’s what employers need to know:

• • Training Fresh Talent for Future Roles
  • Compliance and Facilitation Support
  • Government Stipend Reimbursement
  • Skill Development and Workforce Productivity
  • Online Processes via the NATS Portal
  • Contribution to National Skill Development Goals

How does TankhaPay simplify Apprenticeship Compliance for employers?

Hiring and training young talent is important for business success. But bringing apprentices on board, checking their eligibility, and following rules can take a lot of time and be complicated.
That’s where TankhaPay steps in.
With its dedicated Apprenticeship Management solution, TankhaPay empowers organisations to connect with the right candidates and simplify every stage of the engagement. From sourcing qualified learners to managing documentation and ensuring regulatory adherence, TankhaPay handles it all with ease—so companies can focus on productivity while staying aligned with government norms.

What makes TankhaPay the Right Partner?

1. Easy Compliance, No Statutory Burden
No PF, ESI, or minimum wage complications. Stipends are linked to education level, not state wage laws. Apprentices are also exempt from labour laws and union activities—keeping your operations smooth and compliant.
2. Financial Benefits for Employers
Get government-backed stipend reimbursements and claim additional apprentices (beyond 2.5% of the workforce) under CSR spending—making training cost-effective and socially impactful.
3. Flexible Hiring & Scheduling
Hire from age 18+, including for night or extended shifts. Plus, no obligation to absorb apprentices post-training—giving you complete control.
4. Talent Beyond Engineering
TankhaPay enables hiring across multiple departments like finance, HR, ops, and customer service—not just engineering roles.
5. 360° Tech-Enabled Support
From onboarding and documentation to compliance tracking and performance monitoring—manage the entire apprentice lifecycle from one digital platform.

Conclusion

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) isn’t just a government program—it’s a smart chance for employers to plan their workforce while supporting national skill development. By joining NATS, companies help close the skill gap, improve job readiness, and build skilled teams that fit their needs.

For HR professionals, NATS offers a structured, compliant, and cost-effective approach to long-term talent acquisition. With TankhaPay, managing apprenticeship programmes becomes streamlined—from registration to performance tracking and stipend processing—allowing you to focus on nurturing the next generation of professionals.

Embrace the potential of Apprenticeship in India through NATS and position your organisation as a leader in sustainable workforce development.

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