New Delhi: Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme 2.0 Portal today and distributed ₹100 crore in stipends to apprentices via Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT). These apprentices, who are receiving training in various sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and automotive, will benefit from the government’s emphasis on youth skill development and employability.
The NATS 2.0 portal aims to democratize apprenticeship opportunities, bridging the skills gap and aligning with the aspirations of the youth to make them future-ready. The portal will be extensively used by beneficiaries to register and apply for apprenticeships, and by establishments to manage vacancies and contracts. This initiative ensures that many young graduates and diploma holders will gain employability skills and receive a guaranteed monthly stipend.
During the event, two panel discussions focused on the future of apprenticeships, including topics like the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program, industry and higher education collaboration, and leveraging technology for DBT and strengthening e-Governance. The discussions were attended by distinguished dignitaries, academicians, and students. Cognizant Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd., Infosys Ltd., and Tech Mahindra Pvt. Ltd. were recognized as top establishments during the event.
Key attendees included Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE; Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC; Shri Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson NETF; Shri Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary, MoE; and Shri Gaurav Singh, Director of Higher Education. Two apprentices also shared their experiences.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the NATS Portal 2.0 is a major effort to make apprenticeships more accessible, address the skills gap, and meet youth aspirations. He highlighted the importance of competency-building in the current technology-driven age and called for a curriculum that enhances employability skills. The Minister noted the budget’s focus on skilling and employment and urged stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to leverage India’s demographic dividend. He also called on educational institutions and industries to support the NATS 2.0 portal to make apprenticeships a widespread movement.
To ensure timely and efficient delivery of stipendiary benefits, the government has implemented DBT for stipend payments directly to apprentices’ bank accounts. This system aims to provide the government’s share of stipends to all scheme beneficiaries.
Developed in-house by the Ministry of Education with support from AICTE and BoATs/BoPT, the NATS 2.0 portal manages the entire apprenticeship lifecycle, including student registration, vacancy advertisements, applications, contract creation, certification, reporting, and stipend disbursal through DBT. Initially used in a pilot mode, the portal is now fully functional and supports the Ministry of Education in conducting the end-to-end DBT process.
Aligned with NEP 2020, which seeks to integrate vocational and general education and eliminate barriers between education streams, the NATS 2.0 portal supports the creation of an Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program (AEDP). Draft guidelines for AEDP have been issued by UGC and AICTE.
