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Notification of the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025:

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship vide File No.: MSDE-1/3/2024-AT, has released Notification of the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 and introducing comprehensive changes to the existing rules governing apprenticeships.

1. Standardization of Educational Qualifications (Schedule IA)

One of the major changes introduced by the Apprenticeship Amendment Rules is the standardization of educational qualifications for different categories of apprentices. The new rules make it clear what the minimum educational requirements are for each category of apprenticeship, ensuring consistency across the country.

Key Points:

• Graduate Apprentice / Degree Apprentice
• Technician Apprentice (Diploma holders)
• Vocational Apprentice
• Optional Trade Apprentice

These apprentices must have qualifications that are recognized by regulatory bodies such as AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) or UGC (University Grants Commission), depending on the apprenticeship category.

This new framework ensures that apprenticeships are structured in a way that aligns with the education levels of trainees, making it easier for employers and training providers to assess candidates’ eligibility.

2. Mandatory Approval for Degree Apprentices (Rule 3(2)(ba))

A critical change for degree apprentices is the requirement for prior approval from the Apprenticeship Adviser before starting an apprenticeship program. This rule ensures that degree apprenticeships are pursued only after successfully passing the final exam of a recognized educational institution.

Key Points:

• Degree apprenticeships can only be undertaken after the final examination.
• Apprenticeship Adviser’s approval is mandatory before the apprenticeship contract is signed.

This provision ensures that apprenticeships align with academic structures and professional standards, promoting a more coherent transition from education to employment.

3. Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs) (Rule 5(3))

The amendment takes significant strides in improving inclusivity by introducing reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBDs). This provision mandates that certain trades and job roles suitable for PwBDs must be identified, with reserved seats provided for them in those trades.

Key Points:

• Reserved seats for PwBDs in specific trades.
• If no suitable PwBD candidates are available, these seats can be filled by others who meet the minimum physical fitness norms (Schedule II).
• Employers are required to identify suitable job roles for PwBDs, promoting equal access to apprenticeship opportunities.

This amendment ensures that people with disabilities have the chance to participate in apprenticeships and gain skills that enhance their employability.

4. Revision of Apprenticeship Contracts (Rule 6)

To ensure that apprenticeship contracts are clear and consistent, the Apprenticeship Contracts have been updated. Apprenticeship contracts now follow specific templates, which define the duration, stipend, leave, and responsibilities of both the employer and apprentice.

Key Points:

• Schedule V: Contract templates for Designated Trades (Graduate, Technician, Vocational Apprentices).
• Schedule VI: Contract templates for Optional Trades.
• These schedules include updated terms and conditions for apprenticeships, ensuring transparency and consistency across various sectors.

Employers are now required to adhere to these updated contracts, ensuring fair terms for apprentices and reducing potential conflicts or misunderstandings.

5. Training Duration for Sandwich Course Apprentices (Rule 7)

The new rules have clarified the training duration for sandwich course students (degree apprentices), recognizing their practical training period as part of their apprenticeship training.

Key Points:

• The practical training that sandwich course students undergo can now be counted as their official apprenticeship period, aligning academic and apprenticeship durations.

This alignment allows for a smoother integration of academic programs with the apprenticeship framework, enhancing the employability of students.

6. Optional Trades – Inclusion & Structure

The Optional Trades, which offer flexibility in skilling and vocational training, have been given more structure under the new rules. The amendment introduces uniform terms of apprenticeship and a mandatory reservation for PwBDs in these trades.

Key Points:

• PwBD reservation applies to Optional Trades (Rule 7A(5A)).
• Apprenticeship terms for Optional Trades must be aligned with Schedule VI.

This provision further reinforces the inclusivity of the apprenticeship system, ensuring that apprentices in all trades have access to equal opportunities.

7. Revised Minimum Stipend Structure

The amendment introduces a significant increase in the minimum stipend for apprentices across various categories. This change helps apprentices receive compensation that better reflects current economic conditions.

New Minimum Stipend Structure:

Category	Minimum Monthly Stipend
Class 5–9 Pass	6,800
Class 10 Pass	8,200
Class 12 Pass	9,600
ITI/Trade Certificate	9,600
Technician (Vocational)	9,600
Diploma Holders	10,900
Graduate/Degree Holders	12,300

Key Points:

• The revised stipend rates reflect the growing importance of apprenticeship programs as a route to skill development and employment.
• The increase in stipends aims to attract more individuals to apprenticeship schemes, particularly in sectors requiring technical skills.

8. Updated Schedules and Compliance Framework

The amendment revises several schedules to ensure greater clarity and compliance with the new rules. These schedules define various aspects of the apprenticeship system, such as educational qualifications, physical fitness standards, contract templates, and more.

Key Schedules Updated:

• Schedule IA: Lists educational qualifications for various categories of apprentices.
• Schedule II: Defines physical fitness standards for apprentices.
• Schedule IV: Includes zero minimum qualification trades and updated contract formats.
• Schedule V & VI: Provides contract templates and updated terms for designated and optional trades.

Employers, training providers, and apprentices must familiarize themselves with these schedules to ensure compliance with the new apprenticeship rules.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Employers:

• Compliance: Employers must ensure that apprenticeship contracts adhere to the updated formats and stipend structures.
• Identification of PwBD Roles: Employers must identify job roles suitable for PwBDs and allocate reserved seats accordingly.
• Qualification Alignment: Employers need to ensure that apprentices meet the newly standardized educational qualification criteria.

For Educational Institutions:

• Coordination with Industry: Educational institutions must align their programs with the updated apprenticeship criteria.
• Updating Certifications: Programs and certifications should reflect the new educational qualifications listed in Schedule IA.

For Apprentices:

• Know Your Rights: Apprentices should be aware of the updated stipend structure and contract terms.
• PwBD Opportunities: PwBD candidates should explore new opportunities in trades with reserved seats.

Effective Date 

The Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 are effective immediately from the date of publication in the official gazette. All stakeholders are required to review the gazette notification and make necessary adjustments to their processes. 

Please refer the notification for more information:

Click here to read the notification