India’s 38th CAC Meeting: Apprenticeship Reforms 2025

🌟 Introduction

India’s skilling ecosystem is undergoing a major transformation. With the upcoming 38th Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) meeting on May 26, 2025, all eyes are on a pivotal conversation to reshape the country’s apprenticeship framework. From global exposure opportunities to stipend reforms, the agenda is ambitious and impactful.

Let’s unpack what this means for India’s 43.47 lakh apprentices and what lies ahead for the nation’s youth workforce.

🔍 Background of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC)

What is CAC?

The Central Apprenticeship Council is the apex statutory body that advises the Government of India on apprenticeship-related policies under the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Objectives of the Council

• To promote apprenticeship training in alignment with industry needs
• To review and suggest reforms in existing apprenticeship schemes
• To enhance employability and skill development in India

Last CAC Meeting Highlights (June 2021)

The 37th meeting focused on:

• Expansion of NAPS
• IT and service sector integration
• Employer incentives

🎯 Key Focus Areas of the 38th CAC Meeting

Integration of Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP)

The AEDP model blends formal education with on-the-job training. It’s a hybrid learning path leading to a degree + industry exposure. This aligns academia with employment, increasing job readiness.

Promotion of Digital and Virtual Apprenticeships

The post-pandemic era demands remote-friendly skilling. Virtual apprenticeships will offer flexibility, particularly for rural and underserved youth.

Global Exposure through Client Site Deployments

CAC proposes international assignments for apprentices. Imagine Indian apprentices learning on-site in global projects—it’s a game-changer!

📊 Current Landscape of Apprenticeships in India

Apprenticeship by the Numbers

• Total Apprentices (as of 2025): 43.47 lakh
• Number of Participating Establishments: Over 51,000
• States and UTs Covered: 36
• Annual New Registrations: 10–12 lakh (estimated)

Regional Spread Snapshot

💼 Government Schemes Fueling Apprenticeship Growth

1. PM-NAPS

Prime Minister’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme offers:

• Reimbursement of 25% of the prescribed stipend, up to ₹1,500/month
• Target of 50 lakh apprentices by 2030

2. NATS

National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) covers:

• Engineering & diploma graduates
• 12-month apprenticeship
• Monthly stipend of ₹8,000–₹12,000

📈 Proposed Reforms in the 38th CAC Meeting

Stipend Hike to Match Inflation

Current stipends are outdated. CAC may revise rates as per Consumer Price Index (CPI) trends to make apprenticeships more attractive.

Inclusion of Marginalized Groups

Focused benefits for:

• Women apprentices
• Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
• North Eastern Region (NER) youth

Regional Boards for Stronger Governance

Proposal to establish 6 new regional apprenticeship boards for localized implementation and feedback loops.

🌄 Spotlight on North Eastern Region (NER) Apprenticeship Pilot

Scheme Overview

Launched in Aizawl, Mizoram, in May 2025 by MSDE, the pilot:

• Targets 26,000 youth
• Offers extra ₹1,500/month stipend on top of PM-NAPS
• Total Budget: ₹43.94 crore

Implementing Agencies

• Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati
• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

📊 Budgetary Allocation and Impact

🤝 Industry Collaboration and Private Sector Participation

51,000+ Registered Establishments

Companies from sectors like:

• Automotive (Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki)
• IT Services (Infosys, Wipro)
• Textile & Manufacturing (Aditya Birla, Arvind Mills)
• Retail and Hospitality (Reliance, BigBasket)

📢 Quotes from Key Stakeholders

“The upcoming CAC meeting will serve as a catalyst to unlock flexibility, global linkages, and institutional coherence in India’s apprenticeship framework.”
— Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Skill Development

“Our North East pilot aims to take inclusion to the grassroots and empower youth in underserved regions.”
— NSDC Spokesperson

🌐 Apprenticeship in India vs Global Models

🧠 Benefits of AEDP and Virtual Apprenticeships

• Flexibility for students with economic limitations
• Learning at home or on the go
• Dual credentials (degree + work experience)
• Industry-recognized pathways to jobs

🚧 Challenges in Scaling Apprenticeship Programs

• Skill mismatch due to outdated curriculum
• Low awareness among small businesses
• Lack of mentors and poor coordination in rural areas

🚀 Way Forward: ‘Kushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat’

• Robust execution of CAC’s decisions
• Skilling is linked to employability, not just certification
• Stronger industry-academia collaboration

✅ Conclusion

The 38th CAC meeting represents a watershed moment in India’s skilling journey. With over 43 lakh apprentices, newer reforms like AEDP, stipend hikes, and virtual apprenticeships are ready to redefine workforce development. If implemented well, these efforts will ensure that India’s youth are not only skilled but future-ready for the global economy.

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