NATS 2.0 Apprenticeship Registration 2026–27: Eligibility, Stipend & Apply Online
A complete guide for graduates and diploma holders who want practical industry training, a monthly stipend and a better understanding of how the NATS 2.0 registration process works.
Completing a degree is an important achievement, but finding your first opportunity after college can be difficult. Many BCA, B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Com, BA and diploma students face the same problem. Companies expect practical knowledge, while fresh graduates often have very little industry experience to show on their resumes.
This is where the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 can help. The scheme gives eligible students an opportunity to learn through practical training in participating organisations while receiving a monthly stipend.
However, many students are confused about NATS 2.0 registration, who can apply, how much stipend they may receive and whether registration automatically provides an apprenticeship. Some students also find it difficult to understand the difference between registration, applying for a vacancy and getting selected.
In this guide, we will explain NATS 2.0 apprenticeship registration for 2026–27 in simple language, including eligibility, documents, revised stipend rates, APAAR ID verification and the complete online application process.
NATS 2.0 is a government-supported apprenticeship platform under the Ministry of Education. Eligible graduates and diploma holders can register, explore apprenticeship opportunities and apply for training with participating organisations. Selected apprentices receive practical training and a monthly stipend. Registration alone does not guarantee selection or a permanent job.
What Is NATS 2.0 Apprenticeship Training?
The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme is designed to help students move from classroom learning to practical work. It is implemented under the Apprentices Act through the Ministry of Education and the regional Boards of Apprenticeship Training and Practical Training.
The NATS 2.0 portal was launched in July 2024 to make registration, apprenticeship applications, contracts and stipend-related processes more accessible online.
Instead of depending only on textbooks, apprentices get the opportunity to understand how work is carried out in an actual organisation. They may learn about workplace communication, professional responsibilities, technical tasks, documentation and other skills connected with their training.
For example, a BCA graduate interested in the IT industry may look for eligible apprenticeship opportunities involving software support, computer applications or related work. A B.Com graduate may explore appropriate business, finance or office-related training positions, depending on the employer's notification.
Students should remember that an apprenticeship is different from an ordinary full-time job. Its main purpose is structured practical training, and a permanent employment offer is not guaranteed after completion.
Students who are still exploring different ways to gain experience can also read this BCA internship preparation guide to understand how skills, applications and practical work fit together.
NATS 2.0 Eligibility Criteria for 2026–27
Before starting your registration, you should check whether your qualification and passing year match the scheme's conditions. NATS covers a range of graduate and diploma qualifications, including general streams, but the exact degree and specialisation accepted for a particular apprenticeship depend on the vacancy.
Educational Qualification
The following are examples of qualifications that can fall within the NATS framework:
| Qualification | Eligibility guidance |
|---|---|
| B.Tech / BE | Can apply for suitable engineering and technology graduate apprenticeship positions. |
| BCA | Can apply for eligible general-stream graduate or other suitable notified positions. |
| B.Sc / BA / B.Com | General-stream graduates may apply where the qualification and subject are accepted. |
| BBA | May qualify for suitable graduate apprenticeship positions based on the notification. |
| Engineering Diploma | Can apply for relevant technician or diploma apprenticeship positions. |
| Other recognised diploma or vocational qualifications | Eligibility depends on the applicable apprentice category and advertised field. |
Completing a degree does not make every apprenticeship opening available to you. A company may advertise only Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Finance or another particular field. Always compare your exact qualification with its latest recruitment notice.
Passing Year Requirement
Under the NATS eligibility relaxation issued by the Ministry of Education, degree and diploma pass-outs can generally join eligible apprenticeship training within five years of completing their qualifying course.
For example, a student who completed BCA in 2024 may fall within this five-year window for an appropriate 2026–27 opportunity. However, the actual joining date and any additional conditions in the employer's notification must also be checked.
Do not assume that every candidate from a particular graduation batch automatically qualifies. Some recruitment advertisements specify their own permitted passing years.
Previous Training and Work Experience
NATS is primarily intended to provide practical training to eligible candidates who are entering the workplace. The registration process asks about previous apprenticeship training and whether the applicant has work experience of one year or more.
Previous apprenticeship participation, existing work experience or other conditions may affect eligibility. Students should answer these questions accurately and follow the current official rules and the establishment's advertisement.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
The regular General Student registration route is intended for diploma and graduate pass-outs. Students currently pursuing a course should not select it simply because they expect to graduate soon.
The portal provides a separate route for eligible Sandwich or Apprenticeship Embedded Degree/Diploma Programme (AEDP) students. If your course includes such training, follow your institution's instructions and the corresponding NATS manual.
Age Limit
There is no single age limit that should be assumed for every NATS 2.0 vacancy. Age eligibility can depend on the applicable apprenticeship category and the organisation issuing the advertisement.
Check the minimum age, maximum age, relaxation conditions and cut-off date in the relevant notification before applying.
Documents Required for NATS 2.0 Registration
Keeping your information ready before starting registration will make the process easier. Many students face problems because their name is different across Aadhaar, academic certificates or digital records.
The updated March 2026 general student registration manual identifies the following essential details:
- A valid personal email address.
- An active mobile number for verification.
- Aadhaar number for e-KYC verification.
- Qualifying degree or provisional certificate in PDF format, below 1 MB.
- APAAR ID for academic verification.
You may also need your college or university details, course name, specialisation, enrolment number, passing month and year, marks, address and training preferences while completing your profile.
Why APAAR ID Is Important
APAAR ID is used to connect and verify academic information. The updated NATS registration system integrates APAAR and DigiLocker to help verify student credentials.
If you already created an ABC ID earlier, check whether the same number is now available as your APAAR ID. Students who are confused about generating or retrieving it can follow this APAAR ID and ABC ID registration guide.
What If Your Degree Certificate Is Not Available?
The portal can allow an eligible provisional or passed certificate to be uploaded or fetched through its DigiLocker integration, depending on the available record.
If your university has issued the required document through DigiLocker, you can learn how to find it from this DigiLocker marksheet and degree download guide.
Do not upload an unrelated certificate or change your passing year to get around a verification error. Correct the academic record or contact the relevant support team.
The March 2026 NATS registration manual states that the updated e-KYC process removes the need to enter bank account details during initial registration. However, an appropriately Aadhaar-linked, DBT-enabled bank account remains important for receiving the applicable government stipend share after selection. Follow the current portal and establishment instructions.
How to Register on the NATS 2.0 Portal in 2026–27
The NATS 2.0 online registration process is manageable when you complete each step carefully. Start by opening the official government portal rather than using an application link forwarded by an unknown person.
Visit Official NATS 2.0 PortalNATS 2.0 Registration Process
- Step 1: Open the official website Visit nats.education.gov.in. On the home page, select the Student option.
- Step 2: Choose the correct student category For completed diploma or degree courses, choose General Student. Students enrolled in qualifying Sandwich or AEDP programmes should use the relevant separate route.
- Step 3: Select Student Registration Read the document requirements shown on the screen. Continue only after checking that your email, mobile number, Aadhaar details, academic certificate and APAAR ID are ready.
- Step 4: Verify mobile number and email Enter your personal contact information, complete the captcha and verify the OTPs received through the authorised registration process.
- Step 5: Complete Aadhaar e-KYC Follow the consent and OTP verification process shown by the portal. Use your own authorised identity details and never share the OTP with another person.
- Step 6: Enter personal and educational details Provide the requested qualification, institute, specialisation, enrolment number, marks and passing information. Check the spelling and records carefully before submitting.
- Step 7: Activate the account and log in Complete account activation using the verification communication received from the portal. Then log in using the available email-password or authorised Aadhaar login option.
- Step 8: Complete the student profile Review basic information, add the required education certificate, fetch or verify APAAR ID and fill in communication details and training preferences.
- Step 9: Preview and submit the profile Check your information one final time. After successful final submission, the system generates a student enrolment ID that can be used for applicable apprenticeship processes.
Once your registration is complete, save your enrolment details securely. Your NATS account will help you manage apprenticeship-related applications and other activities available through the portal.
For screenshots of the official registration interface, you can also consult the NATS General Student Registration Manual (March 2026).
How to Apply for NATS 2.0 Apprenticeship Opportunities
One important thing students should understand is that registering on NATS and applying for an apprenticeship are two different steps.
Registration creates your student profile. You still need to identify a suitable opening and follow its application instructions. The organisation may ask candidates to apply through the NATS dashboard, its official recruitment website or another specified official route.
Find a Suitable Establishment
After logging in, check the available apprenticeship advertisements or vacancy application options. Search using the establishment name or relevant training information where the portal provides that facility.
Read each notification carefully. A suitable opportunity should match your qualification, preferred location, training field and available joining dates.
Check the Recruitment Details
Before submitting an application, review the advertised training position, number of seats, qualification, passing-year condition, age requirement, duration, stipend, selection method and last date.
Some organisations shortlist candidates through academic merit, while others may conduct document verification, interviews or additional screening. There is no universal selection test for every NATS apprenticeship.
Prepare a Simple Resume
Even when academic marks are important, a clear resume can help an employer understand your skills and interests. Avoid adding technologies, work experience or projects that you cannot explain.
BCA graduates looking for an organised resume format can use this BCA fresher resume guide to present their education, technical skills and project experience properly.
Students from other courses can apply the same idea using achievements and work samples relevant to their degree. A small collection of genuine project work can be useful during interviews. This placement portfolio guide for freshers explains how to organise such evidence even without formal job experience.
Submit and Track Your Application
Follow the exact application method provided by the establishment. Save the advertisement, application acknowledgement and relevant reference details. Check your registered email and NATS dashboard regularly for updates.
Do not assume that submitting the profile means you have been selected. Wait for official selection communication and complete the required verification or apprenticeship contract process.
The NATS portal supports student registration and apprenticeship activities, but there is no single closing date for every NATS 2026–27 opportunity. Individual establishments publish their own vacancies and application deadlines. Check the current portal and official advertisement for the opportunity you want.
NATS 2.0 Stipend 2026–27: How Much Will Students Receive?
The monthly stipend is one of the main benefits of apprenticeship training. It helps students meet some of their expenses while gaining practical experience in an organisation.
The Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 revised the prescribed minimum stipend rates. The Board of Apprenticeship Training, Northern Region, subsequently issued guidance on implementation of the revised rates from April 2026.
Revised Minimum Monthly Stipend
| Apprentice category | Minimum monthly stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate or Degree Apprentice | ₹12,300 |
| Diploma / Technician Apprentice | ₹10,900 |
| Technician-Vocational Apprentice / Specified Diploma Sandwich Category | ₹9,600 |
These are prescribed minimum rates for the stated categories, not a promise that every student will receive the same stipend or qualify for the same apprenticeship. An establishment may offer a higher amount. The actual category and amount should be checked in the current advertisement and apprenticeship contract.
Students may still find websites showing ₹9,000 for graduates and ₹8,000 for diploma apprentices. Those are older prescribed rates and should not be presented as the revised 2026 minimums.
The official legal reference is the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
How Does NATS Stipend Payment Work?
Under NATS, the stipend involves an employer contribution and an applicable government contribution. The government's share is handled through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, subject to the relevant scheme rules, approved contract and required verification.
Students should not treat the government contribution as an automatic extra payment on top of the full stipend advertised by an employer. The total advertised amount and its payment arrangement must be understood together.
For example, if a selected apprentice's contract states a monthly stipend of ₹12,300, the student should check how the employer and government portions are arranged rather than assuming ₹12,300 will be paid by the company and another amount separately as a bonus.
The exact payment split should be checked against the applicable government circular and current establishment instructions. Government contribution rules and disbursement arrangements have undergone changes, so an older notice may not explain the current payment process correctly.
Why Aadhaar e-KYC and Bank Verification Matter
To receive applicable DBT payments, the apprentice must complete the required identity and payment verification processes.
A May 2026 notice from the Board of Practical Training, Eastern Region, specifically directed existing apprentices to complete APAAR ID verification and Aadhaar e-KYC to avoid interruption of the government stipend share.
If a stipend payment is delayed, check the account's e-KYC and APAAR status, bank DBT readiness and contract information before raising the issue through official support.
The notice is available in the BOPT apprentice verification circular.
Benefits of NATS 2.0 Apprenticeship for Students
NATS can be useful for students who understand their college subjects but have not yet experienced a professional workplace. The benefit is not limited to the monthly stipend.
Practical Industry Experience
During apprenticeship training, students work in an organisation and become familiar with its processes. They learn how theoretical knowledge is applied in practical situations.
This can be helpful for engineering, computer applications, commerce and general-stream students who want a clearer understanding of professional responsibilities.
Improvement in Workplace Skills
Students may improve communication, teamwork, reporting, time management and other relevant abilities. These skills are important because employers often look for candidates who can work with others and complete tasks responsibly.
Monthly Financial Support
The stipend provides financial support during the training period. However, students should consider travel, accommodation and other expenses before accepting an opportunity in another city.
Certificate of Proficiency
On satisfactory completion of eligible NATS apprenticeship training, apprentices may receive a recognised Certificate of Proficiency through the applicable scheme process.
This can support future applications by showing that the student completed structured practical training. It should still be supported by an honest explanation of the work performed.
Better Understanding of Career Options
Some students discover their preferred career direction only after working in a real environment. Apprenticeship can help them understand whether they want to continue in a particular field, learn additional skills or pursue further education.
It may improve employment readiness, but it does not provide an automatic permanent government or private-sector job.
How Long Is NATS Apprenticeship Training?
Many graduate and diploma apprenticeships run for around six months to one year, although the duration can differ for particular training categories and programmes.
Always check the training period written in the establishment's notification and registered contract instead of assuming that every apprenticeship lasts exactly one year.
NATS 2.0 vs NAPS 2.0: What Is the Difference?
NATS and NAPS sound similar, and students sometimes register on the wrong website. They are different apprenticeship schemes administered through different government ministries and portals.
| Point | NATS 2.0 | NAPS 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | National Apprenticeship Training Scheme | National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education | Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
| Main focus | Eligible graduate, diploma and associated apprenticeship programmes | Eligible trade and other apprenticeship opportunities under its framework |
| Official portal | nats.education.gov.in | apprenticeshipindia.gov.in |
For example, an advertisement offering graduate or diploma apprenticeships may direct applicants to NATS, while an ITI trade apprenticeship may require registration on the apprenticeship portal used for NAPS.
Do not decide only by looking at the organisation's name. Read the exact recruitment notification, because one establishment may advertise different apprentice categories through different portals.
What Happens After NATS Apprenticeship Selection?
If an organisation selects you, the next stage normally involves checking the candidate's details and completing the necessary apprenticeship contract formalities.
Read the contract carefully before accepting it. Check the training role, joining date, duration, establishment details, monthly stipend, working arrangements and any other applicable conditions.
You can use this internship and apprenticeship offer-letter checklist to understand the important questions to ask before accepting a training opportunity.
Remember that a formal NATS apprenticeship contract and an ordinary private internship offer are not necessarily governed by the same rules. The scheme and registered contract should guide your decision.
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid During NATS Registration
Entering Incorrect Academic Information
Your degree, passing year, institution and marks must match your records. Incorrect information can create problems during eligibility checks or document verification.
Using the Wrong Student Category
Do not select General Student if you are still pursuing a course and your situation requires the Sandwich or AEDP route. Use the correct registration process based on your actual academic status.
Ignoring APAAR ID and Aadhaar Verification
Completing only the first registration screen may not be enough. Finish the profile and verification requirements shown in your account.
Assuming Registration Guarantees Selection
A successful enrolment ID does not mean an apprenticeship seat has been allotted. You must apply for a suitable position and complete the organisation's selection process.
Applying Without Reading the Notification
Students sometimes apply based only on the stipend amount. Check the qualification, location, joining date, training responsibilities and application deadline as well.
Trusting Unofficial Recruitment Messages
Be careful with messages promising guaranteed NATS selection in exchange for a payment or asking for your OTP, account password or bank login details.
Before sharing documents or accepting an offer, read these fake internship and recruitment scam warning signs. Always verify the employer and application instructions through official channels.
Do not pay an unknown agent for guaranteed apprenticeship selection. Never share OTPs, passwords or bank PINs. Use official government portals and independently verified company contact details.
Frequently Asked Questions About NATS 2.0 Registration
1. What is the official website for NATS 2.0 registration?
The official portal is https://nats.education.gov.in/. Students should open the Student section and choose the registration route matching their qualification and course status.
2. Can BCA students apply for NATS 2.0?
Yes. BCA is included among general-stream graduate qualifications under the NATS registration framework. However, a particular apprenticeship vacancy must accept the candidate's degree and other eligibility details.
3. What is the NATS 2.0 stipend for graduates in 2026–27?
The revised prescribed minimum monthly stipend for the graduate or degree apprentice category is ₹12,300. The employer may offer more, and the actual amount should be confirmed through the current advertisement and contract.
4. What is the stipend for diploma apprentices?
The revised minimum monthly stipend for technician or diploma apprentices is ₹10,900. The prescribed technician-vocational category rate is ₹9,600.
5. Is APAAR ID required for NATS 2.0 registration?
The March 2026 general student registration manual includes APAAR ID among the required registration details. Students should use their existing valid APAAR/ABC ID where applicable and complete the verification shown by the portal.
6. Can a final-year college student register?
The normal General Student route is designed for graduate and diploma pass-outs. Currently pursuing students should check whether they belong to an eligible Sandwich or AEDP programme and follow the relevant institutional process.
7. Is NATS apprenticeship a permanent government job?
No. NATS provides apprenticeship training under the applicable scheme and contract. Completing training does not automatically provide a permanent government job or any other guaranteed employment.
8. What is the last date for NATS 2.0 registration 2026–27?
There is no single application deadline that applies to every apprenticeship vacancy. Organisations publish their own notifications and closing dates. Check the relevant official advertisement before applying.
9. Can I apply without previous job experience?
NATS is intended to help eligible students gain practical training. Fresh graduates without formal work experience may apply when they meet the scheme conditions and the employer's requirements.
10. Does NATS 2.0 guarantee a job after training?
No. Apprenticeship can improve your knowledge and work experience, but selection for a permanent position depends on future vacancies, employer requirements and recruitment decisions.
Conclusion
NATS 2.0 apprenticeship registration can be a useful opportunity for eligible graduates and diploma holders who want to gain practical industry experience after completing their studies. It allows students to explore suitable training opportunities, learn workplace skills and receive a stipend during their apprenticeship.
Before applying, check your qualification, passing year, required documents and the current advertisement. Keep your APAAR ID and academic records ready, complete the official registration process and apply only for opportunities that genuinely match your background.
Students should also keep improving their skills instead of depending on apprenticeship selection alone. If you are planning your next step after college, this guide to jobs for freshers without experience can help you explore other suitable career opportunities.
The most important thing is to use NATS as a learning opportunity, not as a guaranteed job offer. With the right preparation and realistic expectations, apprenticeship training can become a valuable part of your early career.
Visit the official portal, complete your student profile and review the currently available advertisements before submitting an application.
Open NATS 2.0 Official WebsiteApprenticeship availability, eligibility, dates and payment instructions may change. The latest official notification and applicable rules take priority.
