"How much experience do you have?" is the question that stops many fresh graduates in their tracks. A graduate apprenticeship is one of the most practical answers: a year of paid, supervised training inside a real company, ending with a government-recognised certificate. Our recruitment team at GRPL India meets many freshers who would have been better placed with an apprenticeship behind them, so here is a clear guide to the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS).
What a graduate apprenticeship actually is
It is structured on-the-job training under the Apprentices Act, 1961. You join an establishment as an apprentice – not a permanent employee – work on real tasks under a supervisor, follow a training plan and receive a monthly stipend. Successful completion earns you a certificate that employers recognise.
NATS is the Government of India scheme and portal for graduate and diploma apprentices. It is run by the Ministry of Education through the Board of Practical Training (Kolkata) and the Boards of Apprenticeship Training in Chennai, Mumbai and Kanpur. Uttar Pradesh candidates are normally handled by the Kanpur board.
Are you eligible?
Qualifications covered
- Engineering and technology graduates (B.E./B.Tech)
- Engineering and technology diploma holders
- General graduates – B.A., B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA
Conditions to check
- Enrol on the NATS portal within three years of passing your qualifying exam.
- One year or more of work or training experience after your degree generally makes you ineligible.
- If you have already done or registered an apprenticeship under the Act, a second one usually needs the Apprenticeship Adviser's approval.
Rules are revised from time to time, so confirm the latest conditions on the official portal before you apply.
What you gain
- A monthly stipend: the government reimburses 50% of the prescribed minimum stipend to the employer, which encourages companies to take apprentices. The exact amount appears in each notification.
- A year of real work: training usually runs for 12 months, with your progress recorded on the portal.
- Certificate of Proficiency: issued on behalf of the Government of India and treated as one year of experience for future jobs.
- A shot at a permanent role: many establishments absorb strong apprentices – not guaranteed, but very possible.
Applying on NATS – six steps
- Enrol on the portal with personal, education and bank details and upload documents to get your enrolment ID.
- Wait for verification – the board checks and approves your profile.
- Apply to openings posted by establishments that match your degree and preferred location.
- Attend selection – shortlisting is often marks-based, sometimes followed by document checks or an interview.
- Sign the contract, which is registered on the portal once you are selected.
- Complete the training with regular attendance so your record and certificate are generated on time.
Keep Aadhaar, mark sheets, degree certificate, bank passbook and photographs ready before you start.
NATS or NAPS?
NATS is for graduates, diploma holders and some vocational certificate holders. ITI holders and trade apprentices fall under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), overseen by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
How to improve your chances
- Apply to several establishments – selection is competitive.
- Make sure marks and documents match exactly; mismatches lead to rejection.
- Prepare to talk briefly about your subject and why you want hands-on training.
- Treat the apprenticeship as a job – attendance and attitude decide who gets absorbed.
- Afterwards, add your projects and results to your resume (our guide to common resume errors can help).
FAQs
Can B.Com or B.A. graduates join NATS?
Yes. General-stream graduates (B.A., B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA) are covered alongside engineering graduates and diploma holders.
Does the apprenticeship count as experience?
Yes – the Certificate of Proficiency is treated as one year of experience for further employment.
I already have a job. Can I still apply?
If you have a year or more of post-degree experience, you are generally not eligible. Check the portal for current rules.
Where should I look for jobs after training?
The National Career Service portal, trusted job sites and genuine recruiters. You can browse fresher-friendly openings on GRPL India – we never charge candidates.
Turn your degree into experience
Enrol early, apply widely and give the training your full effort. When you are ready for your next role, send your CV to info@galaxyresource.in or call/WhatsApp 8188998866, 8188998899, 9984703333.
Explore government job resources on the National Career Service portal (ncs.gov.in) and browse the latest openings on GRPL India jobs.