How to Register on NATS and NAPS Portals for Apprenticeship Opportunities

What if the biggest reason you aren't getting hired isn't your skillset—but simply your lack of "office" experience?

You are definitely not alone in feeling this. A huge chunk—over 65%—of Indian graduates struggle to land that first paycheck because employers are obsessed with "job-ready" candidates. It’s a classic catch-22: you need a job to get experience, but you need experience to get a job.

The good news? Apprenticeships are the bridge over that gap.

Programs under NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme) and NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme) aren't just government schemes; they are real pathways. They offer structured training, actual workplace exposure, and a direct route into banks, corporate offices, manufacturing plants, IT firms, and more.

In this blog, we’ll break down:

·       What NATS and NAPS actually are

·       How they can jumpstart your career when you feel stuck

·       A simple, step-by-step registration guide

·       The real difference between a job, an internship, and an apprenticeship

·       Insider tips to make sure you actually get selected

Let’s dive in.

Why Apprenticeships Are a Game-Changer for Young Job Seekers (20–28)

1. The Employment Gap Nobody Talks About

Most freshers hit the same frustrating wall:

No job → No experience → No job

Banks, big corporations, and government organizations love candidates who can hit the ground running on day one. That is exactly where NATS and NAPS step in. They allow you to gain that crucial hands-on experience while you earn a stipend to support yourself.

2. Why NATS & NAPS Are the Smartest Starting Points

· Government-backed: No fake job scams here.

· Industry Recognition: Top companies value these certifications.

· Learn While Earning: Get structured training plus real work exposure.

· Resume Booster: It fills that blank "Experience" section instantly.

· Open to All: Whether you are a graduate, diploma holder, or even a school pass-out (NAPS), there is a spot for you.

NATS vs NAPS: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the Two Major Apprenticeship Portals

► NATS (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme)

· Who is it for? Graduates & diploma holders (mostly technical/engineering).

· Who runs it? Ministry of Education.

· What do you get? Usually a 12-month technical training program.

► NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme)

· Who is it for? Everyone from Class 5 pass-outs to graduates.

· Who runs it? Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.

· What do you get? A wider variety of roles (retail, banking, IT, factory operations, hospitality, etc.).

Comparison Table: Jobs vs Internships vs Apprenticeships

How to Register on NATS Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Prepare Before You Start

Don't get stuck halfway through. Keep these ready on your desktop or phone:

·       Aadhar card

·       Bank account details

·       Degree/Diploma certificates (PDF format usually works best)

·       A clear passport-size photo

·       An active mobile number & email (you will need OTPs)

2. Create Your NATS Account

Follow this simple guide to get enrolled:

1. Head over to the official NATS portal (National Apprenticeship Training Scheme).

2. Click on the “Enroll” button.

3. Fill in your basic details like your name, date of birth, email, and mobile number.

4. Verify the OTP sent to your mobile and email.

5. Enter your academic history (your degree, the year you passed, and your marks).

6. Upload the documents you prepared earlier.

7. Choose your preferred state and the type of training you want.

8. Submit the form. You will receive a unique NATS Enrollment Number.

Boom! Your profile is now live and ready for apprenticeship applications.

How to Register on NAPS Portal (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Documents Needed

·       Aadhaar Card

·       Active Mobile number

·       Bank account details

·       Your educational certificates (8th/10th/12th/Diploma/Degree)

2. NAPS Registration Steps

1. Visit the NAPS (Apprenticeship India) portal.

2. Click on “Candidate Registration” (usually at the top right).

3. Enter your mobile number (make sure it is linked to your Aadhaar).

4. Fill in your personal details accurately.

5. Upload your supporting documents.

6.  Link your bank account so you can receive your stipend directly.

7. Once registered, use the search bar to find apprenticeship opportunities and hit apply.

Once your application catches an employer's eye, you’ll receive a contract letter directly through the portal.

Best Apprenticeship Opportunities for Young Job Seekers

The apprenticeships discussed here cover a vast range of sectors, including specialized fields like Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI)—a sector actively championed by the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India (BFSISSC) to create job-ready talent. You can learn more about our initiatives and available BFSI roles at www.bfsissc.com.

Banking Apprenticeships

Banking is currently the #1 choice for apprentices, and for good reason:

·       The stipend is generally decent.

·       You get a reputable brand name on your CV.

·       You learn how to handle customers professionally.

·       You get an inside look at financial operations.

Big names like Bank of Baroda, SBI, PNB, and various private banks are regularly hiring apprentices.

IT & Digital Apprenticeships

This is perfect if you want to break into the tech world but lack a portfolio. Look for roles in:

·       Software testing

·       Web development support

·       Digital marketing assistance

·       Data entry and management

·       Technical operations

Corporate & Industrial Apprenticeships

These are ideal for diploma holders and technically skilled youth who want to work on the shop floor or in corporate administration.

Tips to Improve Your Apprenticeship Selection Chances

1. Complete Your Profile 100%: An incomplete profile looks lazy. If your profile meter isn't at 100%, recruiters might skip you.

2. Apply to Multiple Opportunities: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to 10–15 different roles to increase your odds of a callback.

3. Keep Your Documents Updated: A mismatch in your name or date of birth between your Aadhaar and your certificates often leads to auto-rejection. Fix these errors first.

4. Prepare for Basic Interviews: You don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be professional. Brush up on communication skills, customer service basics, and basic computer knowledge.

Apprenticeships are one of the smartest ways to stop waiting for a job and start building a career. They give you real employment experience, build your confidence, and help you stand out from the thousands of other job seekers with empty resumes. Programs under NATS and NAPS give you structured training, a monthly stipend, and a strong chance of full-time placement—especially in high-demand sectors like banking, IT, and finance.

Don't just wait for an opportunity—register today and create one.