What is the Minimum Stipend for a Graduate Apprentice under NATS in 2026?

The short answer is ₹12,300 per month, effective from April 1, 2026. This is the minimum prescribed amount under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). Let’s break down what this means for you.

The 2026 Revision: A Significant Increase

The government has revised the minimum stipend rates under NATS, replacing the earlier rates of ₹7,000 for vocational apprentices, ₹8,000 for diploma apprentices, and ₹9,000 for graduate apprentices . The new rates took effect from April 1, 2026, and apply across both the NATS and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) .

The key highlights of the revision are:

Apprentice Category	Old Stipend Rate	New Stipend Rate (Effective April 1, 2026)
Vocational (Technician) Apprentices	₹7,000	₹9,600
Diploma (Technician) Apprentices	₹8,000	₹10,900
Graduate Apprentices	₹9,000	₹12,300

What the Minimum Stipend Means for You

₹12,300 is the minimum prescribed amount. Employers are encouraged to pay a higher stipend if they deem it feasible . Many public sector organizations are already offering stipends above this minimum.

For example, in 2026, the Central Bank of India announced a stipend of ₹15,000 per month for its graduate apprentices . Similarly, the New India Assurance Company offered a monthly stipend of ₹12,300, which matches the new minimum .

The Government’s Share: 50% through DBT

The Government of India bears 50% of the prescribed minimum stipend , which is disbursed directly to the apprentices’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) . This system aims to ensure timely and transparent payments.

For graduate apprentices, this means the government contributes ₹6,150 per month from April 2026 onwards . The employer is responsible for paying the remaining 50%, making the total minimum payment from the establishment ₹6,150, though they can pay more.

The Apprenticeship Framework

The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) is regulated under the Apprentices Act, 1961 . Section 13 of the Act requires employers to pay a stipend at a rate not less than the prescribed minimum rate . The government introduced these stipend hikes to make apprenticeships more attractive and reduce dropout rates.

The Bottom Line

Graduate apprentices are entitled to a minimum of ₹12,300 per month; employers may pay more, but cannot pay less. This is your legal entitlement under the Apprentices Act, 1961, as amended through the 2026 notification.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only, based on available Central and State notifications as of August 2026. It is not formal legal counsel. Please consult a qualified lawyer for advice tailored to your establishment’s specific operations.