The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is a central government scheme that gives fresh graduates and diploma holders one year of paid, on-the-job apprenticeship training with a government-recognised certificate at the end. For students in Gujarat finishing engineering, technology, or other eligible courses, it is one of the most reliable ways to get real industry experience and a monthly stipend while you look for a permanent job. This guide covers the current stipend, who is eligible, how to register on the NATS 2.0 portal, and how it differs from the state's Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Yojana.
To join NATS, register on the official NATS 2.0 portal at nats.education.gov.in with your Aadhaar, education, and bank details, set your apprenticeship field and location preferences, then apply to establishments offering training. Graduate apprentices get about ₹9,000 per month and diploma apprentices about ₹8,000 per month (rates revised from April 2026).
Step by Step Registration on the NATS 2.0 Portal
Getting your registration right on the portal is the first major task you must complete. Portal steps can change with updates, so follow the current instructions shown on the official site while registering. You must navigate the platform carefully to ensure your profile is active and visible to employers across the country.
- Open the official portal. Go to nats.education.gov.in and choose student/candidate registration.
- Enter preliminary details. Start with your name, parent's name, and Aadhaar number.
- Add education details. Fill in your course and college information.
- Add contact and address details. Enter your address and mobile number.
- Set training preferences. Choose your preferred field and location of apprenticeship, so you are matched to relevant openings.
- Add bank account details. These are needed to receive the stipend, so enter them carefully.
- Complete registration and apply. Once registered, search establishments offering apprenticeships and apply to ones matching your field.
After completing these steps, you will be inside the ecosystem. Remember to check your dashboard regularly for updates from companies looking for candidates in your discipline.
Documents and Information You Need Ready
Before you sit down to fill out the digital application, you need to gather all your paperwork in one place. Having everything ready prevents session timeouts and errors during the submission process. Your details must match your official certificates exactly to avoid any verification delays later.
- Aadhaar number
- Your course, college, and passing details (degree or diploma)
- Address and an active mobile number and email
- Bank account details (the stipend is credited here)
- A passport-size photo and, if asked, marksheets
Make sure your bank account is fully active and capable of receiving direct benefit transfers. Keep scanned copies of your educational marksheets handy in case the system prompts you to upload them during the profile creation phase.
Stipend Breakdown and Financial Details
Understanding the monetary aspect of the scheme helps you plan your year of training. Under the rates revised from 1 April 2026, the minimum monthly stipend is approximately set according to your qualification level. These funds are transferred directly to your registered bank account by the respective establishment.
| Qualification | Monthly stipend (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Graduate apprentice | about ₹9,000 |
| Diploma (technician) apprentice | about ₹8,000 |
These are minimum rates and are revised periodically by the government. Some employers pay more. Always confirm the current stipend on the official NATS portal.
It is important to note that these figures represent the baseline mandated by the authorities. If you join a larger public sector undertaking or a multinational corporation through this portal, they may offer compensation packages that exceed these baseline amounts.
Overcoming Portal Hurdles and Getting Placed
Many candidates get stuck during the profile matching phase or face technical glitches with authentication. Use an active mobile number and correct Aadhaar details, and retry if the OTP is delayed. Make sure your education details match your certificates. If you are not getting matched to an apprenticeship, broaden your location and field preferences, and apply to more establishments. A narrow preference limits your matches.
To truly secure a placement, complete your profile fully and set realistic field and location preferences so establishments can find you. Apply to multiple establishments, not just one, and prefer those near your city. Keep your contact and bank details correct, since organisations contact you directly and the stipend depends on accurate bank data. Treat it as a career opening, because a good apprenticeship often converts into a permanent offer.
Questions From Readers Who Have Applied
What is the NATS stipend in 2026?
Under rates revised from 1 April 2026, graduate apprentices get about ₹9,000 per month and diploma (technician) apprentices about ₹8,000 per month. These are minimums and can be higher with some employers.
Who can apply for NATS?
Recent graduates and diploma holders in eligible disciplines who want structured, paid, one-year apprenticeship training. It is designed for freshers.
What is the official NATS website?
The official NATS 2.0 portal is nats.education.gov.in. Register there with your Aadhaar, education, and bank details.
How long is the NATS apprenticeship?
It is typically a one-year on-the-job training programme, after which you receive a government-recognised Certificate of Proficiency.
Is NATS the same as the Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Yojana?
No. NATS is a central scheme for graduates and diploma holders, while the Mukhyamantri Apprenticeship Yojana is a Gujarat state scheme covering a broader range including ITI candidates. You can consider both based on your qualification.
Do I get a job after NATS?
Not automatically, but the experience and Certificate of Proficiency improve your employability, and many apprentices are hired permanently by the same organisation.
Final Application Checklist
- What it is: a central government one-year apprenticeship scheme for graduates and diploma holders, run under the Ministry of Education through the regional Boards of Apprenticeship Training.
- Stipend: about ₹9,000/month for graduates and ₹8,000/month for diploma holders (revised from 1 April 2026).
- Duration: typically one year of on-the-job training.
- You get: real work experience, a monthly stipend, and a government-recognised Certificate of Proficiency.
- Where: the official NATS 2.0 portal, nats.education.gov.in.
- Helpline: toll-free 1800-425-3770.
Call the NATS toll-free helpline at 1800-425-3770 or use the support option on the official portal if you encounter persistent technical roadblocks that cannot be resolved through standard troubleshooting procedures.
