Key Highlights of Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025
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The new rules came into effect from 11th September 2025, as published in the official Gazette.
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The amendments focus on updating and clarifying provisions under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961, especially the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992.
What’s New in 2025?
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Definition Updates:
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“Degree Apprenticeship” is now defined as a course with apprenticeship as an integrated part of the curriculum.
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“Institution” includes any college approved by a university or board for degree/diploma courses.
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“Contractual staff” and “person with benchmark disability” have new definitions aligned with other modern labour laws.
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Eligibility & Engagement:
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Minimum educational qualifications for apprentices (graduate, degree, technician, vocational, diploma) must match those in Schedule IA.
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Degree apprentices cannot be engaged as apprentices after clearing their final exams unless specially approved.
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Inclusion & Reservation:
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Reserved training slots for persons with benchmark disabilities, in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
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If reserved slots aren’t filled, they may be allocated to those meeting minimum fitness standards.
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Strength & Quota Changes:
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Establishments must engage apprentices amounting to 2.5%–15% of total staff (including contract staff), with 5% reserved for freshers and skill certificate holders.
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Unfilled reserved slots for freshers or skill certificate holders can be filled by other apprentice categories, subject to approval.
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Gap & Re-engagement Rules:
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At least a one-year gap between two trainings unless previous training was terminated by employer default.
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Apprentices can undertake a maximum of two trainings, and the second must be in a different trade.
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Women apprentices face no waiting period if previous training was terminated for valid personal reasons.
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Stipend Updates
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Minimum Monthly Stipend (effective from September 2025):
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Class 5–9 pass-outs: Rs. 6,800
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Class 10 pass-outs: Rs. 8,200
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Class 12 pass-outs, vocational certificate holders: Rs. 9,600
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Diploma holders (any stream): Rs. 10,900
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Graduate/degree apprentices: Rs. 12,300
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Annual increments: 10% in the 2nd year and 15% in the 3rd year of training
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Government stipend share, if applicable, will be transferred directly to apprentices through Direct Benefit Transfer, subject to eligibility and scheme guidelines.
Procedures & Compliance
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Model Contract: New format for apprenticeship contracts ensures detailed recording of apprentice and establishment details along with compliance declarations.
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Reporting: Quarterly reporting requirements for apprenticeships, maintenance of records by employers, and periodic assessment for certification.
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Academic Partnership: For degree apprenticeships, academic institutions partner with employers, ensuring formal contractual, management, and reporting obligations.
Practical Training and Safety
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Apprentices are trainees (not workers), and general labour laws don’t apply except for specific safety, welfare, and compensation provisions.
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Employers must ensure compliance with workplace safety standards under the Factories Act and Mines Act, as applicable.
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Special rules apply for practical training at client locations and overseas assignments, including additional compensation and insurance.
Impact and Compliance
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Employers, educational institutions, and apprentices must comply with all revised rules and guidelines to ensure the smooth functioning and legal safety of apprenticeship programmes.
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These amendments aim to make apprenticeship in India more inclusive, transparent, and attractive for both industry and candidates.
