Apprenticeship Stipend Revision 2025–2026: Official DGT Gazette Framework
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Directorate General of Training (DGT) notified a comprehensive revision in minimum monthly stipends for designated and optional trade apprentices via Notification No. DGT-MSDE/2025, effective September 11, 2025. Prior to this notification, apprentices were compensated on obsolete 2019 baseline rates ranging between ₹5,000 and ₹9,000 per month.
Statutory Revised Minimum Stipend Schedule
| Category / Educational Qualification | Old Rate (2019) | Revised Rate (From Sept 11, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| School Candidates (Classes 5th to 9th) | ₹5,000 / mo | ₹6,800 / mo |
| Class 10th Pass | ₹6,000 / mo | ₹8,200 / mo |
| Class 12th Pass | ₹7,000 / mo | ₹9,600 / mo |
| National / State Certificate (ITI Holders) | ₹7,700 / mo | ₹9,600 / mo |
| Technician Vocational Certificate | ₹7,000 / mo | ₹9,600 / mo |
| Technician / Diploma Apprentice | ₹8,000 / mo | ₹10,900 / mo |
| Graduate / Degree Apprentice | ₹9,000 / mo | ₹12,300 / mo |
How Arrears Are Calculated
If an establishment continued paying pre-revision stipends after September 11, 2025, the apprentice is legally entitled to arrears representing the monthly shortfall:
Monthly Shortfall = Revised Statutory Rate ’ Actual Stipend Paid
For the transition month of September 2025, the revision applies for 20 days (from September 11 to September 30):
September 2025 Arrears = (Monthly Shortfall ÷ 30) × 20
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are establishments legally bound to pay arrears from September 11, 2025?
Yes. The notification was published in the Official Gazette on September 11, 2025 with immediate effect. Under Section 13 of the Apprentices Act, paying less than the prescribed minimum stipend constitutes a statutory violation.
2. Does this revision apply to Railway and Defence apprentices?
Yes. Railway Act Apprentices and Defence Ordnance apprentices are governed by the Apprentices Act 1961 and DGT notifications. Their monthly stipends must match or exceed these minimum ceilings.
Statutory Authority: Apprenticeship (Amendment) Rules, 2025 (Gazette Notification G.S.R. 574(E) dated September 11, 2025) and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship statutory circulars.