MSDE asks central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) to speed up apprenticeship hiring
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) held a national review meeting with CPSEs in New Delhi on 28 October 2026 and asked all central public sector enterprises to speed up apprenticeship engagement. It affects young people who want to gain work experience and skills through apprenticeships in these companies.
What this means for you
This meeting was about government companies, not a direct instruction for ordinary people. If you are looking for an apprenticeship, it means CPSEs have been asked to prepare time-bound hiring plans, which may open more opportunities later. The notice gives no date or application process.
Key facts
- The review meeting was held on 28 October 2026 at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi.
- Under NAP S-2, 44.75 lakh apprentices were engaged from FY 2022-23 to 22 September 2026.
- This involved 47,452 active establishments.
- Optional trades made up 76.27 percent of total apprenticeship engagement.
- CPSEs must plan hiring as per the mandatory apprenticeship requirement of 2.5 percent to 15 percent.
What happened at the meeting
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) held a national review meeting with central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi on 28 October 2026. The aim was to strengthen apprenticeship engagement in public sector companies and establish apprenticeship as a key route from learning to livelihood.
How apprenticeships should be seen
The review stressed that apprenticeship should not be treated as an option of last resort but as a trusted and attractive path. It combines classroom learning with practical experience at the workplace, helping young people learn industry-relevant skills and become job-ready.
What the Secretary said
MSDE Secretary Smt. Debashree Mukherjee said apprenticeship should become a main and attractive route from learning to livelihood. She said the focus should be not just on the number of apprentices but on what apprenticeship enables young people to become. Success should be measured by completion of apprenticeship, certification, employability, and joining and staying in the workplace.
The numbers so far
According to the notice, the apprenticeship ecosystem has grown significantly under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAP S-2). From FY 2022-23 to 22 September 2026, 44.75 lakh apprentices were engaged with the support of 47,452 active establishments. Optional trades accounted for 76.27 percent of total apprenticeship engagement.
What CPSEs were asked to do
All CPSEs were asked to bridge the gap between apprenticeship potential and the number of apprentices actually engaged. For this, each enterprise must prepare practical hiring plans in line with the mandatory apprenticeship requirement of 2.5 percent to 15 percent. Companies were encouraged to verify their workforce and portal data, prepare a time-bound action plan for hiring, monitor its implementation, and appoint senior-level nodal officers to remove hurdles.
What this means for ordinary people
This notice is mainly for government companies and gives no direct instruction or date for ordinary people. The meeting did say CPSEs should increase participation of women and under-represented groups, so that young people can get workplace experience, industry-relevant skills and livelihood opportunities.
Questions and answers
When and how can I apply for an apprenticeship?
The notice does not give any application date or process. It only says CPSEs will prepare hiring plans.
Is this instruction meant for ordinary youth?
No, the instruction is for central public sector enterprises (CPSEs). The notice asks nothing of ordinary people.
What is NAP S-2?
NAP S-2 is the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, which promotes apprenticeships. According to the notice, the apprenticeship ecosystem has grown under this scheme.
How many apprentices were engaged?
44.75 lakh apprentices were engaged from FY 2022-23 to 22 September 2026. This was with the support of 47,452 active establishments.
What was said about women?
The meeting said CPSEs should increase participation of women and under-represented groups. No separate rule or date was given for this.
Source: PIB, "एमएसडीई ने सभी सीपीएसई से परिणामों एवं समावेशन पर ध्यान केन्द्रित करते हुए अप्रेंटिसशिप संबंधी जुड़ाव में तेजी लाने का आह्वान किया", 28 October 2026. Read the original notice
This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing. Report an error