Is There A Difference Between NAPS and NATS?
Yes, there is a difference between NAPS and NATS. Both are government-led apprenticeship programs, yet they serve different purposes, target different candidates and are governed by different authorities. Understanding these differences will support employers in developing a skilled and compliant workforce.
Yashaswi Group was appointed as India’s first Third-Party Aggregator (TPA) by the Ministry of Skill Development in 2016. Since then, the organisation has implemented apprenticeship programmes across India, and has been associated with 900+ industries and has trained over 3 lakhs trainees. As a leading empanelled organisation for implementing both NAPS and NATS, Yashaswi Group supports employers with end-to-end apprenticeship solutions, including candidate sourcing, onboarding, compliance, documentation, and programme management.
What is NATS and NAPS?
NATS:
It stands for National Apprenticeship Training Scheme. It focuses on providing practical training to technically qualified fresh graduates and diploma holders in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Pharmacy, and other fields, assisting them in transitioning from students to job-ready professionals.
NAPS:
It stands for the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme. It is developed to encourage employers to hire apprentices across a wide range of industries and occupations. It focuses on cultivating vocational and industry-ready skills among candidates while supporting businesses in creating a future talent pipeline.
Here are the key differences between the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme:
Governance and Administration Body:
| Question | NATS | NAPS |
|---|---|---|
| Which is the ministry of governance? | Ministry of Education (MoE) | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) |
| Which portal manages it? | NATS 2.0 Portal | Apprenticeship India Portal |
| Is dual registration of establishments allowed? | Yes | Yes |
| Is dual registration of apprentices allowed? | No | No |
Eligibility Criteria:
| Question | NATS | NAPS |
|---|---|---|
| What’s the minimum qualification required? | Diploma or Graduate | ITI, 12th Pass, Graduates and Freshers from any stream |
| What’s the age limit? | 16–35 Years | 14–35 Years (18+ for hazardous work) |
| Who can be enrolled? | Technically trained candidates seeking industrial exposure. | Vocational and entry-level candidates seeking their first structured job. |
Cost and Duration of Programs:
| Question | NATS | NAPS |
|---|---|---|
| What’s the training duration? | 6 Months to 3 Years (Depends on the course and industry) |
6 Months to 1 Year |
| Is there any government support for a stipend? | The government pays 50% of the stipend directly to the apprentice through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). | The government pays 25% of the stipend or up to ₹1,500 per apprentice through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). |
| What’s the maximum percentage of apprentice intake in the workforce? | Up to 15% of the total workforce. | Up to 15% of the total workforce. |
Industry Applicability:
| Question | NATS | NAPS |
|---|---|---|
| Which industry does it provide maximum benefits to? | Engineering, Manufacturing, Research & Development (R&D), and other technical industries. | Manufacturing, Retail, Infrastructure, Construction, Logistics, BFSI, Hospitality, Beauty & Wellness, and many other industries. |
Why Should Employers Implement Apprenticeship Programs ?
Apprenticeship programs are a part of every organisation’s statutory compliance. As per the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, establishments with 4 or more employees are mandated to engage apprentices as part of the government framework obligation.
Apart from this, the program is useful for establishments to:
- Increase manpower headcount.
- Develop a niche and customised workforce.
- Reduce entry-level hiring costs.
- Build a reliable talent pipeline.
- Strengthen long-term retention plans.
- Deploy manpower in core areas.
Which is Better, NAPS or NATS?
You can choose NATS if your organisation requires:
- Skilled and technically sound professionals.
- Engineering graduates or Diploma holders.
- Candidates with academic knowledge who require industrial exposure.
Or, choose NAPS if your organisation requires:
- Entry-level workforce.
- Workforce to carry on shop-floor activities.
- A skilled and long-term pipeline of a steady workforce.
How Yashaswi Group Supports Employers?
As one of India’s leading Third-Party Aggregators (TPAs), Yashaswi Group assists organisations in implementing apprenticeship programs under NAPS and NATS. From candidate sourcing and registration to documentation, compliance, and ongoing program management, Yashaswi delivers end-to-end apprenticeship solutions that enable organisations to build a skilled workforce with ease.
Conclusion
Apprenticeships are not merely a statutory requirement; they are a powerful tool for your establishment’s growth and success. Through NAPS and NATS, you can build a workforce tailored to your industry’s demands.
Looking for an Apprenticeship Partner in Pune? Connect Now at :
- +91 7350014533
- sales@yashaswigroup.in
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
NAPS is a program favourable for multiple industries, while NATS solely focuses on individuals from technical backgrounds.
Yes. Employers can register for NAPS and NATS, provided they meet the guidelines for both programs.
Manufacturing companies can use both schemes. NAPS suits entry-level workforce requirements, while NATS is ideal for hiring technically qualified graduates and diploma holders.
Apprenticeship programs help employers reduce hiring costs, build a skilled talent pipeline, improve workforce productivity, strengthen compliance, and support long-term business growth.
Yashaswi Group provides seamless and end-to-end apprenticeship solutions, starting from candidate sourcing to onboarding across India.