Apprenticeship training in India, governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, remains a key pillar in the country’s skill development framework, offering industry-driven, on-the-job learning. The Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), constituted under the Act, is instrumental in shaping national apprenticeship policy, ensuring alignment between vocational training and industry needs, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities across diverse economic sectors.
The 38th meeting of the CAC, held on May 26, 2025, marked a major milestone in enhancing the apprenticeship system. One of the key decisions taken during the meeting was a 36% increase in apprentice stipends, with a provision for linking future revisions to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to ensure timely adjustments in line with inflation.
The Government has accepted the CAC’s recommendations, and the process of amending the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 is currently underway. Once notified in the Official Gazette, the revised stipend structure will be applicable to all apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961, including those in emerging sectors such as Information Technology, Telecommunications, Biotechnology, and Renewable Energy.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is taking proactive steps to strengthen apprenticeship and skilling infrastructure, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), through key bodies such as the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). This is being carried out under flagship programs like the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0).
One of the highlights of this digital-forward approach is the launch of a self-learning micro-module titled ‘AI for Entrepreneurship’ on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)—a mobile-first digital public infrastructure platform. Since its rollout in December 2024, the module has seen 23,163 enrolments, with 11,089 participants certified so far.
Under PMKVY 4.0, a total of 34,709 individuals have been trained in AI-related job roles, including Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and DevOps Engineer. In addition, apprenticeship opportunities in AI have been created under the Apprentices Act, 1961, allowing establishments with four or more employees to provide AI-related on-the-job training.
Through NAPS-2, 1,480 apprentices have been engaged in eight AI-related trades between FY 2023–24 and FY 2025–26 (as of June 30, 2025). To further boost foundational AI skills, a new trade titled Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant has been introduced under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) in 19 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), with an annual intake of 504 students, beginning from the 2024–25 session.
