The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Apprenticeship Training Division) has issued an order dated 23 April 2026 enabling portal features to implement the apprenticeship engagement cap of 18% and provisions relating to the minimum gap between apprenticeship trainings. The notification references Rule 7B(4) and Rule 7D of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, and applies to establishments across India. A detailed guidance document on termination of apprenticeship contracts has also been circulated to ensure compliance with the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Key Highlights of the Notification
- Applicability:
- All establishments engaging apprentices under the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992.
- Engagement Cap:
- Establishments may engage apprentices up to a maximum of 18% of total workforce strength.
- Minimum engagement remains 2%, subject to fulfilment of apprentice-months corresponding to the annual obligation of 2.5%.
- Minimum Gap Between Trainings:
- Introduced via Rule 7D (Gazette Notification G.S.R. 610(E) dated 03.09.2025, published 11.09.2025).
- Portal functionality updated to process cases involving termination and re-engagement in line with these provisions.
- Termination Guidelines:
- Issued under Section 7 of the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- Termination may occur upon expiry of training, mutual consent, or valid grounds such as misconduct, absenteeism, or employer default.
- Effective termination date determines compliance with the minimum gap requirement.
- Termination requests must be raised in advance through the portal, with timelines between T+14 and T+28 days.
- Adviser has 15–30 days to process termination requests.
- Portal Integration:
- All apprenticeship activities, including contract termination, must be conducted exclusively through apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
- Digital records maintained on the portal are treated as the official and final record.
Impact on Employers and Employees
- For Employers/Establishments: The cap ensures balanced workforce planning, limiting apprenticeship engagement to 18% of total strength. Employers must adhere to the minimum gap rules when re-engaging apprentices after termination. Non-compliance may disrupt portal access and scheme benefits.
- For Apprentices: The rules safeguard training quality and continuity. Apprentices benefit from structured engagement limits and fair termination processes, ensuring their rights are protected under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- For HR/Compliance Teams: The updated portal features require strict monitoring of apprentice ratios, termination requests, and adherence to minimum gap provisions to avoid violations.
For detailed reading of this notification and to access all other important updates, please visit the Notifications tab on our website.
Disclaimer: This news post is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers are advised to consult the official gazette notification and the Apprenticeship Training Portal or seek professional legal counsel before taking any compliance-related action.