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The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced sweeping changes to the Apprentices Act, 1961, officially notifying the Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025.

What exactly has changed? And why does it matter to employers, students and jobseekers alike? Let’s explore.

1. Higher Stipends across all Categories

One of the biggest highlights of the amendment is the increase in stipends for apprentices across all levels of qualification. The minimum stipend that was in the range of ₹5000/- to ₹9000/- is now revised to ₹6800/- to over ₹12000/-. A move makes apprenticeship more attractive to young talent while ensuring fair compensation.

Here’s a snapshot of the revised monthly stipend structure:

2. Greater Inclusivity for persons with disabilities

The Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 marks a strong step towards inclusive skill development. The rules make it mandatory for employers to reserve apprenticeship training places for persons with disabilities, aligning with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

If reserved seats remain vacant, employers can fill them with other candidates who meet physical fitness requirements.

3. Degree Apprenticeships formally recognised

Under the new rules, degree apprenticeships have been formally recognised as part of academic programs, allowing students to gain practical, on-the-job experience while completing their degree or diploma courses.

4. Multiple Apprenticeships

The 2025 amendments clarify whether apprentices could undergo more than one training.

  - An individual can take up a maximum of two apprenticeships with a minimum 1-year gap.

  - The second apprenticeship must be in a different trade to encourage multi-skilling.

  - No government stipend will be provided for the second apprenticeship training.

This policy opens the door to upskilling and reskilling, allowing workers to diversify their expertise and become more adaptable in a rapidly changing job market. For employers, it means access to candidates who are eager to learn new trades and broaden their capabilities.

The Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 signal a new chapter for organizations participating in India’s skill development journey.

Employers can tap into a larger, more diverse talent pool including persons with disabilities and students enrolled in degree apprenticeships.

The benefits are clear. By aligning with these new norms, employers can enhance their talent pipelines, improve retention and contribute to a skilled, job-ready workforce.

How can TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship help?

TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship has been at the forefront of India’s apprenticeship ecosystem, partnering with over 1,000 employers and placing more than a million apprentices nationwide.

We are already helping our partners transition smoothly to the new rules, from customized compliance checklists to stipend planning and onboarding support.

Whether you’re an employer looking to expand your apprenticeship program or an educational institution seeking to integrate degree apprenticeships, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us