TaxSavvy

Free guide · no login · checked 4 Nov 2026

Paid apprenticeship

Learn a trade on the job with a stipend through the national apprenticeship scheme.

Money to start

Under ₹5,000

Time it needs

Full time

Risk

Low

Works from home

Mostly outside

Explore

What it is, who it suits, what it can pay, how soon, the upside and the risks.

An apprenticeship is training inside a real company, for 6 months to 3 years, with a monthly stipend. You learn a trade such as electrician, fitter, data entry or retail, and get a certificate employers trust.

Who it suits

  • Class 10 or 12 pass, ITI, diploma or graduate youth
  • Anyone who learns better by doing
  • People who want a job but lack experience

Upside

  • Paid while you learn
  • A recognised certificate
  • A strong chance of being hired

Risks to know

  • Stipend is modest
  • Some trades need shift work or travel
  • Pick a real establishment from the portal, not an agent who asks for money

What it can pay

We do not publish a number without a reliable source.

What drives it: The stipend has a government-set minimum based on your qualification, and many employers pay more. The real payoff is the job you can get after, often at the same company.

Source: Apprenticeship India portal (NAPS)

Time to first income

Two to six weeks: apply on the portal, get selected, and the stipend starts from the first month.

Assess

Skills, money, tools, hours and registrations you need, and a five question fit check.

Skills

  • Willingness to learn and show up on time
  • Basic reading and maths

Money to start

Nothing. Registration on the portal is free.

Tools

  • A phone with email for the portal
  • Aadhaar, mark sheets and a bank account

Time per week

Full time, like a job.

Licences and registrations

Tick each one as you get it. Your ticks stay on this device.

Quick fit check

  1. 1.Are you 14 or older with at least the schooling your trade needs?
  2. 2.Can you work full time for six months or more?
  3. 3.Do you want a skill more than a quick payout?
  4. 4.Can you travel daily to an industrial area or office?
  5. 5.Are you ready to follow a supervisor's instructions?

Answer all five to see how well this fits you.

Run

Your first 30 days to the first rupee: set up, price, get paid, find customers, keep records.

0 of 13 steps done

  1. Days 1 to 7

    Set up

  2. Days 8 to 10

    Price it and get ready to be paid

  3. Days 11 to 24

    Find your first customers

  4. Days 25 to 30

    Record and review

Nurture

Grow and stay compliant: tax, GST, government schemes and the help that fits.

Grow it

  • Clear the final trade test for your certificate
  • Ask your employer for a regular job offer
  • Use the certificate to apply for higher roles or a diploma

Tax: Stipend

Return: ITR-1 (Sahaj), only if needed

  • A stipend is taxable income, but most stipends stay far below the level where tax applies.
  • If any tax was deducted, file ITR-1 to get it back.

No GST

Salary and stipend are not business supplies. No GST registration needed.

Government schemes that help

Make it official

Only what this way of earning needs. Free tools are marked; services are done by a TaxSavvy CA.

Ask a SavvyStudent and first job money mapStipend, PAN, first salary and tax basics.See how it works →TaxSavvy serviceITR-1 for salariedSalary return filed by a CA, regime chosen for you.See how it works →

Questions

How much can I earn from paid apprenticeship in India?

What drives it: The stipend has a government-set minimum based on your qualification, and many employers pay more. The real payoff is the job you can get after, often at the same company.

How long until the first income?

Two to six weeks: apply on the portal, get selected, and the stipend starts from the first month.

What do I need to start?

Nothing. Registration on the portal is free. Registrations: Candidate profile on Apprenticeship India portal, Bank account and UPI, PAN.

Which ITR form do I file for this income?

ITR-1 (Sahaj), only if needed. A stipend is taxable income, but most stipends stay far below the level where tax applies.

Do I need GST?

Salary and stipend are not business supplies. No GST registration needed.

Which government schemes can help?

NAPS apprenticeship, Skill India Digital, National Career Service. Each scheme has its own eligibility; check the official site before applying.

Sources

Read on 4 Nov 2026. Limits, rates and fees change: check the official site before you rely on them.

This guide is general information from TaxSavvy, not a promise of income. No legal way to earn is guaranteed or instant. Avoid any offer that asks you to pay to join, recruit others or bet.

Also worth a look

All ways to earn →
Jobs and skillsFull EARN guideGovernment job through examsClear an SSC, UPSC, bank, railway or state exam for a secure salaried post.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsFull EARN guidePM Internship SchemeA 12 month internship in a large company with ₹5,000 a month from government and company.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowJobs and skillsFull EARN guideFirst private sector jobLand a salaried job in retail, BPO, sales, IT support, logistics or offices.Start: Under ₹5,000Risk: LowFreelancing and online servicesFull EARN guideFreelance web and app developerBuild websites and apps for small businesses and clients abroad.Start: Up to ₹50,000Risk: Medium

Not sure this is the one?

Answer eight quick questions and see every way ranked for you.

Open the EARN finder