The Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Yojana (MAY) is a Gujarat government scheme that pays you a monthly stipend while you train on the job with a real employer. It is aimed at freshers who have finished ITI, a diploma, or a degree and want paid, hands-on experience that improves their chances of a full-time job. This guide explains the exact stipend amounts by qualification, who is eligible, how long training lasts, and how to register step by step.
Under the Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Yojana, a Gujarat apprentice earns a combined monthly stipend of about ₹3,000 (ITI), ₹3,500 (diploma), or ₹4,500 (graduate), made up of a Gujarat government share plus a central government share. You register free on the national apprenticeship portal, get matched with an employer, and train for 6 months to 3 years depending on the trade.
Quick summary
- What it is: a Gujarat government paid-apprenticeship scheme (launched 2018-19 by the Labour and Employment Department) that gives on-the-job training with a stipend.
- Stipend: roughly ₹3,000/month for ITI, ₹3,500 for diploma, ₹4,500 for graduate apprentices (state share + central share combined).
- Who can apply: Gujarat residents, 14+ years (18+ for hazardous trades), who meet the education requirement of the trade. Freshers are welcome.
- Duration: about 6 to 24 months for optional trades, up to 36 months for designated trades.
- Cost: free to register. It is an apprenticeship, not a permanent job.
- Where: register on the national apprenticeship portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
What is the Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Yojana?
MAY is a state skill-development scheme run by the Labour and Employment Department, Government of Gujarat. It encourages companies to take on apprentices by sharing the cost of the stipend, and it works alongside the central National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). For a young job seeker, the value is simple: you get real workplace experience and a monthly stipend at the same time, which makes your resume far stronger than a certificate alone.
Be clear about what it is and is not. An apprenticeship is structured paid training for a fixed period, not a guaranteed permanent job. Many apprentices are hired permanently by the same employer afterwards, but that is not automatic. Treat it as a paid foot-in-the-door.
How much stipend do you get? (by qualification)
The stipend combines a Gujarat government share and a central government share. Approximate monthly amounts are:
| Qualification | State share | Central share | Total per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITI / Trade | about ₹1,500 | about ₹1,500 | about ₹3,000 |
| Diploma | about ₹2,000 | about ₹1,500 | about ₹3,500 |
| Graduate | about ₹3,000 | about ₹1,500 | about ₹4,500 |
These amounts are revised from time to time by the government, so confirm the current stipend for your trade on the official portal before you rely on a figure.
Who is eligible?
- Residency: you should be a resident of Gujarat.
- Age: minimum 14 years, and at least 18 years for hazardous trades.
- Education: you must meet the minimum qualification set for the trade you choose, whether ITI, diploma, or degree.
- Experience: freshers with no prior apprenticeship are welcome; this scheme is designed for people starting out.
How long does the training last?
Training length depends on the trade:
- Optional trades: roughly 6 to 24 months.
- Designated trades: up to 36 months.
The exact duration is set by the employer and the trade norms, and is stated in your apprenticeship contract.
Documents and details to keep ready
- Aadhaar card (used for registration and identity)
- Your education certificates and marksheets (ITI, diploma, or degree)
- A passport-size photograph and your signature in digital form
- Bank account details (the stipend is paid to your bank account)
- An active mobile number and email for the portal and OTP
How to register step by step
- Go to the apprenticeship portal. Open the national apprenticeship portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, which is where Gujarat apprentices register.
- Register as a candidate. Create your candidate profile with your personal details, Aadhaar, and contact information.
- Add your education and trade. Enter your qualification and choose the trades that match it. Note that non-technical qualifications (BA, BCom, BSc and similar) and technical ones (BE, diploma and similar) may route through different registration flows, so follow the option shown for your qualification.
- Upload documents. Add your certificates, photo, and signature.
- Search and apply to employers. Browse apprenticeship openings from companies and apply to ones that match your trade and location.
- Get selected and sign the contract. When an employer selects you, an apprenticeship contract is created that sets your trade, duration, and stipend.
- Start training and receive the stipend. Once training begins, the stipend is credited to your bank account for the contract period.
The exact screens and portal names can change, so always follow the current steps shown on the official portal while you register.
How to actually get selected
- Complete your profile fully and choose trades that genuinely match your qualification, so employers find you.
- Apply to several employers, not just one, and prefer companies near your city to make daily travel realistic.
- Keep your phone reachable, because employers contact selected candidates directly.
- Treat the apprenticeship like a job interview, since many companies keep good apprentices on permanently afterwards.
Common questions and problems
Is the stipend paid by the company or the government?
The stipend is shared: the Gujarat government and the central government reimburse a prescribed amount through the apprenticeship scheme, and it reaches you via your employer to your bank account. This is why correct bank details matter.
Do I need experience to apply?
No. The scheme is meant for freshers starting their careers, so no prior apprenticeship experience is required.
Will I get a permanent job after the apprenticeship?
Not automatically. It is fixed-term paid training. However, performing well greatly improves your chance of being hired permanently by the same or another employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stipend under the Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Yojana?
Approximately ₹3,000 per month for ITI, ₹3,500 for diploma, and ₹4,500 for graduate apprentices, combining the Gujarat and central government shares. Confirm the current amount on the official portal.
Who is eligible for the Gujarat apprenticeship scheme?
Gujarat residents aged 14 or above (18 for hazardous trades) who meet the education requirement of the chosen trade. Freshers are eligible.
How do I register for the Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Yojana?
Register free as a candidate on the national apprenticeship portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, add your education and documents, then apply to employer openings that match your trade.
How long is the apprenticeship training?
About 6 to 24 months for optional trades and up to 36 months for designated trades, as set by the trade and employer in your contract.
Is there any fee to join?
No. Registering and applying is free. Be cautious of anyone asking for money to arrange an apprenticeship, as that is not part of the official scheme.
