THE APPRENTICES ACT, 1961

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THE APPRENTICES ACT, 1961                                                                                                                                        

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ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS                                                                                                            
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CHAPTER I 

PRELIMINARY 

SECTIONS 

1. Short title, extent, commencement and application. 

2. Definitions. 

CHAPTER II 

APPRENTICES AND THEIR TRAINING 

3. Qualifications for being engaged as an apprentice. 

3A. Reservation of training places for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in designated 

trades. 

3B. Reservation of training places for Other Backward Classes in designated trades. 

4. Contract of apprenticeship. 

5. Novation of contract of apprenticeship. 

5A. Regulation of optional trade. 

5B. Engagement of apprentices from other States. 

6. Period of apprenticeship training. 

7. Termination of apprenticeship contract. 

8. Number of apprentices for a designated trade. 

9. Practical and basic training of apprentices. 

10. Related instruction of apprentices. 

11. Obligations of employers. 

12. Obligations of apprentices. 

13. Payment to apprentices. 

14. Health, safety and welfare of apprentices. 

15. Hours of work, overtime, leave and holidays. 

16. Employer’s liability for compensation for injury. 

17. Conduct and discipline. 

18. Apprentices are trainees and not workers. 

19. Records and returns. 

20. Settlement of disputes. 

21. Holding of test and grant of certificate and conclusion of training. 

22. Offer and acceptance of employment. 



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CHAPTER III 

AUTHORITIES 

SECTIONS 

23. Authorities. 

24. Constitution of Councils. 

25. Vacancies not to invalidate acts and proceedings. 

26. Apprenticeship Advisers. 

27. Deputy and Assistant Apprenticeship Advisers. 

28. Apprenticeship Advisers to be public servants. 

29. Powers of entry, inspection, etc. 

30. Offences and penalties. 

31. Penalty where no specific penalty is provided. 

32. Offences by companies. 

33. Cognizance of offences. 

34. Delegation of powers. 

35. Construction of references. 

36. Protection of action taken in good faith. 

37. Power to make rules. 

38. Repeal. 

THE SCHEDULE. 

  



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THE APPRENTICES ACT, 1961 

ACTNO.52 OF 1961 

[12th December, 1961.] 

An Act to provide for the regulation and control of training of apprentices1*** and for matters 

connected therewith. 

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Twelfth Year of the Republic of India as follows:— 

CHAPTER I 

PRELIMINARY 

1. Short title, extent, commencement and application.—(1) This Act may be called the 

Apprentices Act, 1961. 

(2) It extends to the whole of India2***. 

(3) It shall come into force on such date3 as the Central Government may, by notification in the 

Official Gazette, appoint; and different dates may be appointed for different States. 

(4) The provisions of this Act shall not apply to— 

(a) any area or to any industry in any area unless the Central Government by notification in the 

Official Gazette specifies that area or industry as an area or industry to which the said provisions shall 

apply with effect from such date as may be mentioned in the notification; 

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5[(c) any such special apprenticeship scheme for imparting training to apprentices as may be 

notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.] 

2. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— 

6[(a) “All India Council” means the All India Council of Technical Education established by the 

resolution of the Government of India in the former Ministry of Education No. F. 16-10/44-E.III, 

dated the 30th November, 1945;] 

7[(aa)] “apprentice” means a person who is undergoing apprenticeship training 8*** in pursuance 

of a contract of apprenticeship; 

6[(aaa) “apprenticeship training” means a course of training in any industry or establishment 

undergone in pursuance of a contract of apprenticeship and under prescribed terms and conditions 

which may be different for different categories of apprentices;] 

(b) “Apprenticeship Adviser” means the Central Apprenticeship Adviser appointed under sub-

section (1) of section 26 or the State Apprenticeship Adviser appointed under sub-section (2) of that 

section; 

(c) “Apprenticeship Council” means the Central Apprenticeship Council or the State 

Apprenticeship Council established under sub-section (1) of section 24; 

(d) “appropriate Government” means,— 

(1) in relation to— 

(a) the Central Apprenticeship Council, or 

                                                           
1. The words “in trades” omitted by Act 27 of 1973, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

2. The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 25 of 1968, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-8-1968). 

3. 1st March, 1962, vide notification No. G.S.R. 246, dated 12th February, 1962, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II,    

sec. 3(i) and this Act has been extended in its application to the Union territory Goa, Daman and Diu by the Act 11 of 1963, s. 

3 and the Schedule (w.e.f 1-2-1965). 

4. Clause (b) omitted by Act 27 of 1973, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

5. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for clause (c) (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

6. Ins. by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

7. Clause (a) re-lettered as clause (aa) thereof by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

8. The words “in a designated trade” omitted by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 



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1[(aa) the Regional Boards, or 

(aaa) the practical training of graduate or technician apprentices or technician 

(vocational) apprentices, or] 

(b) any establishment of any railway, major port, mine or oilfield, or 

2[(bb) any establishment which is operating business or trade from different locations 

situated in four or more States, or] 

(c) any establishment owned, controlled or managed by— 

(i) the Central Government or a department of the Central Government, 

(ii) a company in which not less than fifty-one per cent. of the share capital is held by 

the Central Government or partly by that Government and partly by one or more State 

Governments, 

(iii) a corporation (including a co-operative society) established by or under a Central 

Act which is owned, controlled or managed by the Central Government, 

the Central Government; 

(2) in relation to— 

(a) a State Apprenticeship Council, or 

(b) any establishment other than an establishment specified in sub-clause (1) of this 

clause, 

the State Government; 

3[(dd) “Board or State Council of Technical Education” means the Board or State Council of 

Technical Education established by the State Government;] 

4[(e) “designated trade” means any trade or occupation or any subject field in engineering or non-

engineering or technology or any vocational coursewhich the Central Government, after consultation 

with the Central Apprenticeship Council, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify as a 

designated trade for the purposes of this Act;] 

(f) “employer” means any person who employs one or more other persons to do any work in an 

establishment for remuneration and includes any person entrusted with the supervision and control of 

employees in such establishment; 

(g) “establishment” includes any place where any industry is carried on 5[and where an 

establishment consists of different departments or have branches, whether situated in the same place 

or at different places, all such departments or branches shall be treated as part of that establishment]; 

(h) “establishment in private sector” means an establishment which is not an establishment in 

public sector; 

(i) “establishment in public sector” means an establishment owned, controlled or managed by— 

(1) the Government or a department of the Government; 

(2) a Government company as defined in section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 

1956); 

  

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 2, for item (aa) (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 

2. Ins. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 2 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

3. Ins. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974).  

4. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 2, for clause (e) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

5. Added by Act 4 of 1997, s. 2 (w.e.f. 8-1-1997). 



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(3) a corporation (including a co-operative society) established by or under a Central, 

Provincial or State Act, which is owned, controlled or managed by the Government; 

(4) a local authority; 

1[(j) “graduate or technician apprentice” means an apprentice who holds, or is undergoing training 

in order that he may hold a degree or diploma in engineering or non-engineering or technology or 

equivalent qualification granted by any institution recognised by the Government and undergoes 

apprenticeship training in any designated trade; 

(k) “industry” means any industry or business in which any trade, occupation or subject field in 

engineering or non-engineering or technology or any vocational course may be specified as a 

designated trade or optional trade or both;] 

(l) “National Council” means the National Council for Training in Vocational Trades established 

by the resolution of the Government of India in the Ministry of Labour (Directorate General of 

Resettlement and Employment) No. TR/E.P.24/56, dated the 21st August, 1956;2[and re-named as the 

National Council for Vocational Training by the resolution of the Government of India in the 

Ministry of Labour (Directorate-General of Employment and Training) No. DGET/12/21/80-TC, 

dated the 30th September, 1981]; 

3[(ll) “optional trade” means any trade or occupation or any subject field in engineering or non-

engineering or technology or any vocational course as may be determined by the employer for the 

purposes of this Act; 

(lll) “portal-site” means a website of the Central Government for exchange of information under 

this Act;] 

(m) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; 

4[(mm) “Regional Board” means any Board of Apprenticeship Training registered under the 

Societies Registration Act, 1860 (21 of 1860) at Bombay, Calcutta, Madras or Kanpur;] 

(n) “State” includes a Union territory; 

(o) “State Council” means a State Council for Training in Vocational Trades established by the 

State Government; 

(p) “State Government” in relation to a Union territory means the Administrator thereof; 

2[(pp) “technician (vocational) apprentice” means an apprentice who holds or is undergoing 

training in order that he may hold a certificate in vocational course involving two years of study after 

the completion of the secondary stage of school education recognised by the All-India Council and 

undergoes apprenticeship training in any 5[designated trade];] 

6[(q) “trade apprentice” means an apprentice who undergoes apprenticeship training in any 

designated trade; 

(r) “worker” means any person working in the premises of the employer, who is employed for 

wages in any kind of work either directly or through any agency including a contractor and who gets 

his wages directly or indirectly from the employer but shall not include an apprentice referred to in 

clause (aa).] 

 

  

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 2, for clauses (j) and (k) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

2. Ins. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 2 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 

3. Ins. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 2 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

4. Ins. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

5. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 2, for “such subject field in any vocational course as may be prescribed” (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

6. Subs. by s. 2, ibid., for clauses (q) and (r) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 



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CHAPTER II 

APPRENTICES AND THEIR TRAINING 

3. Qualifications for being engaged as an apprentice.—A person shall not be qualified for being 

engaged as an apprentice to undergo apprenticeship training in any designated trade, unless he— 

1[(a) is not less than fourteen years of age, and for designated trades related to hazardous 

industries, not less than eighteen years of age; and] 

(b) satisfies such standards of education and physical fitness as may be prescribed: 

Provided that different standards may be prescribed in relation to apprenticeship training in different 

designated trades2[and for different categories of apprentices]. 

3[3A. Reservation of training places for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in 

designated trades.—(1) In every designated trade, training places shall be reserved by the employer for 

the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes 4[and where there is more than one designated trade in an 

establishment, such training places shall be reserved also on the basis of the total number of apprentices in 

all the designated trades in such establishment]. 

(2) The number of training places to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes 

under sub-section (1) shall be such as may be prescribed, having regard to the population of the 

Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the State concerned. 

Explanation.—In this section, the expressions “Scheduled Castes” and “Scheduled Tribes” shall have 

the meanings as in clauses (24) and (25) of article 366 of the Constitution.] 

5[3B. Reservation of training places for Other Backward Classes in designated trades.—(1) In 

every designated trade, training places shall be reserved by the employer for the Other Backward Classes 

and where there is more than one designated trade in an establishment, such training places shall be 

reserved also on the basis of the total number of apprentices in all the designated trades in such 

establishment. 

(2) The number of training places to be reserved for the Other Backward Classes under sub-section 

(1) shall be such as may be prescribed, having regard to the population of the Other Backward Classes in 

the State concerned.] 

6[4. Contract of apprenticeship.—(1) No person shall be engaged as an apprentice to undergo 

apprenticeship training in a designated trade unless such person or, if he is a minor, his guardian has 

entered into a contract of apprenticeship with the employer. 

(2) The apprenticeship training shall be deemed to have commenced on the date on which the contract 

of apprenticeship has been entered into under sub-section (1). 

(3) Every contract of apprenticeship may contain such terms and conditions as may be agreed to by 

the parties to the contract: 

Provided that no such term or condition shall be inconsistent with any provision of this Act or any 

rule made thereunder. 

7[(4) Every contract of apprenticeship entered into under sub-section (1) shall be sent by the employer 

within thirty days to the Apprenticeship Adviser until a portal-site is developed by the Central 

Government, and thereafter the details of contract of apprenticeship shall be entered on the portal-site 

within seven days, for verification and registration. 

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 3, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

2. Added by Act 27 of 1973, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

3. Ins. by s. 6, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

4. Ins. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 4 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 

5. Ins. by Act 36 of 2007, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-2-2008). 

6. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 7, for section 4 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

7. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 4, for sub-section (4) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 



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(4A) In the case of objection in the contract of apprenticeship, the Apprenticeship Adviser shall 

convey the objection to the employer within fifteen days from the date of its receipt. 

(4B) The Apprenticeship Adviser shall register the contract of apprenticeship within thirty days from 

the date of its receipt.] 

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(6) Where the Central Government, after consulting the Central Apprenticeship Council, makes any 

rule varying the terms and conditions of apprenticeship training of any category of apprentices 

undergoing such training, then, the terms and conditions of every contract of apprenticeship relating to 

that category of apprentices and subsisting immediately before the making of such rule shall be deemed to 

have been modified accordingly.] 

5. Novation of contract of apprenticeship.—Where an employer with whom a contract of 

apprenticeship has been entered into, is for any reason unable to fulfil his obligations under the contract 

and with the approval of the Apprenticeship Adviser it is agreed between the employer, the apprentice or 

his guardian and any other employer that the apprentice shall be engaged as an apprentice under the other 

employer for the unexpired portion of the period of apprenticeship training, the agreement, on registration 

with the Apprenticeship Adviser, shall be deemed to be the contract of apprenticeship between the 

apprentice or his guardian and the other employer, and on and from the date of such registration, the 

contract of apprenticeship with the first employer shall terminate and no obligation under that contract 

shall be enforceable at the instance of any party to the contract against the other party thereto. 

2[5A. Regulation of optional trade.—The qualification, period of apprenticeship training, holding of 

test, grant of certificate and other conditions relating to the apprentices in optional trade shall be such as 

may be prescribed. 

5B. Engagement of apprentices from other States.—The employer may engage apprentices from 

other States for the purpose of providing apprenticeship training to the apprentices.] 

6. Period of apprenticeship training.—The period of apprenticeship training, which shall be 

specified in the contract of apprenticeship, shall be as follows:— 

(a) in the case of 3[trade apprentices] who, having undergone institutional training in a school or 

other institution recognised by the National Council, have passed the trade tests 4[or examinations] 

conducted by 5[that Council or by an institution recognised by that Council], the period of 

apprenticeship training shall be such as may be 6[prescribed]; 

7[(aa) in the case of trade apprentices who, having undergone institutional training in a school or 

other institution affiliated to or recognised by a Board or State Council of Technical Education or any 

other authority or courses approved under any scheme which the Central Government may, by 

notification in the Official Gazette specify in this behalf, have passed the trade tests or examinations 

conducted by that Board or State Council or authority or by any other agency authorised by the 

Central Government, the period of apprenticeship training shall be such as may be prescribed;] 

(b) in the case of other 3[trade apprentices], the period of apprenticeship training shall be such as 

may be prescribed; 

8[(c) in the case of graduate or technician apprentices 9[technician (vocational) apprentices], the 

period of apprenticeship training shall be such as may be prescribed.] 

 

                                                           
1. Sub-section (5) omitted by 29 of 2014, s. 4 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

2. Ins. by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

3. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 8, for “apprentices” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

4. Ins. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 5 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 

5. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 8, for “that Council” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

6. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 6, for “determined by that Council” (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

7. Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for clause (aa) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

8. Ins. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 8 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

9. Ins. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 3 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 



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STATE AMENDMENTS 

Maharashtra 

Amendment of section 6 of 52 of 1961.—In section 6 of the Apprentices Act, 1961 (52 of 1961), in 

its application to the State of Maharashtra (hereinafter referred to as “the principal Act”), for the existing 

clause (b), the following clause shall be substituted, namely:— 

“(b) in the case of other apprentices, the period of apprenticeship training shall be such as may be 

specified by the State Apprenticeship Council;”. 

[Vide Maharashtra Act 17 of 2018, s. 2] 

Rajasthan 

Amendment of section 6, Central Act No. 52 of   1961.—In the Apprentices Act, 1961 (Central Act 

No. 52 of 1961), in its application to the State of Rajasthan, hereinafter referred to as the principal Act, 

for the existing clause (b) of section 6, the following shall be substituted, namely:- 

“(b) in the case of other apprentices, the period of apprenticeship training shall be such as may be 

prescribed by State Apprenticeship Council;”. 

[Vide Rajasthan Act 2 of 2015, s. 2] 

7. Termination of apprenticeship contract.—(1) The contract of apprenticeship shall terminate on 

the expiry of the period of apprenticeship training. 

(2) Either party to a contract of apprenticeship may make an application to the Apprenticeship 

Adviser for the termination of the contract, and when such application is made, shall send by post a copy 

thereof to the other party to the contract. 

(3) After considering the contents of the application and the objections, if any, filed by the other 

party, the Apprenticeship Adviser may, by order in writing, terminate the contract if he is satisfied that the 

parties to the contract or any of them have or has failed to carry out the terms and conditions of the 

contract and that it is desirable in the interests of the parties or any of them to terminate the same: 

Provided that where a contract is terminated— 

(a) for failure on the part of the employer to carry out the terms and conditions of the contract, the 

employer shall pay to the apprentice such compensation as may be prescribed; 

(b) for such failure on the part of the apprentice, the apprentice or his guardian shall refund to the 

employer as cost of training such amount as may be determined by the Apprenticeship Adviser. 

1[(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act, where a contract of 

apprenticeship has been terminated by the Apprenticeship Adviser before the expiry of the period of 

apprenticeship training and a new contract of apprenticeship is being entered into with a new employer, 

the Apprenticeship Adviser may, if he is satisfied that the contract of apprenticeship with the previous 

employer could not be completed because of any lapse on the part of the previous employer, permit the 

period of apprenticeship training already undergone by the apprentice with his previous employer to be 

included in the period of apprenticeship training to be undertaken with the new employer.] 

STATE AMENDMENTS 

Maharashtra 

Amendment of section 7 of 52 of 1961.—In section 7 of the principal Act, in sub-section (3), for the 

existing proviso, the following proviso shall be substituted, namely:— 

“Provided that, where a contract is terminated— 

(a) for failure on the part of the employer to carry out the terms and conditions of the contract, the 

employer shall pay to the apprentice one month’s stipend for which he is entitled as a compensation; 

                                                           
1. Ins. by Act 4 of 1997, s. 3 (w.e.f. 8-1-1997). 



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(b) for such failure on the part of the apprentice, the apprentice or his guardian shall refund to the 

employer as cost of training one month’s stipend for which he is entitled.”. 

[Vide Maharashtra Act 17 of 2018, s. 3] 

Rajasthan 

Amendment of section 7, Central Act No. 52 of   1961.—For the existing proviso to sub-section (3) 

of section 7 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:-  

“Provided that where a contract is terminated— 

(a)  for failure on the part of the employer to carry out the terms and conditions of the 

contract, the employer shall pay to the apprentice such compensation as may be determined by 

the State Apprenticeship Adviser; 

(b) for such failure on the part of the apprentice, the apprentice shall refund to the employer 

as cost of training, such amount as may be determined by the State Apprenticeship Adviser.”. 

[Vide Rajasthan Act 2 of  2015, s. 3] 
1[8. Number of apprentices for a designated trade.—(1) The Central Government shall prescribe 

the number of apprentices to be engaged by the employer for designated trade and optional trade. 

(2) Several employers may join together either themselves or through an agency, approved by the 

Apprenticeship Adviser, according to the guidelines issued from time to time by the Central Government 

in this behalf, for the purpose of providing apprenticeship training to the apprentices under them.] 

STATE AMENDMENTS 

Maharashtra 

Amendment of section 8 of 52 of 1961.—In section 8 of the principal Act, after the existing                 

sub-section (1), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely:— 

“(1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the establishment shall have to 

engage trade apprentices to the extent of minimum 2.5 per cent. and maximum 25 per cent. of the 

total strength of the employees of establishment including contractual or daily wages or whose 

services have been available through third party in any designated trades or optional trades for which 

activities are carried out in that establishment.”. 

[Vide Maharashtra Act 17 of 2018, s. 4] 

Rajasthan 

Amendment of section 8, Central Act No. 52 of   1961.—For the existing section 8 of the principal 

Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:-  

“8. Number of apprentices for a designated trade.- (1) The State Government 

shall, after consulting the State Apprenticeship Council, by order notified in the Official 

Gazette, determine for each designated trade the ratio of trade apprentices to workers 

other than unskilled workers in that trade: 

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall be deemed to prevent any 

employer from engaging a number of trade apprentices in excess of the ratio determined 

under this sub-section. 

(2) In determining the ratio under sub-section (1), the State Government shall have 

regard to the facilities available for apprenticeship training under this Act in the 

designated trade concerned as well as to the facilities that may have to be made available 

by an employer for the training of graduate or technician apprentices or technician 

(vocational) apprentices, if any, in pursuance of a notice issued to him under sub-section 

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 7, for section 8 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 



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(3A) by the State Apprenticeship Adviser or such other person referred to in that sub-

section. 

(3) The State Apprenticeship Adviser may, by notice in writing, require an employer 

to engage such number of trade apprentices within the ratio determined by the State 

Government for any designated trade in his establishment, to undergo apprenticeship 

training in that trade and the employer shall comply with such requisition: 

Provided that in making any requisition under this sub-section, the State 

Apprenticeship Adviser shall have regard to the facilities actually available in the 

establishment concerned: 

Provided further that the State Apprenticeship Adviser may, on a representation made 

to him by an employer and keeping in view the more realistic employment potential, 

training facilities and other relevant factors, permit him to engage such number of 

apprentices for a designated trade as is lesser than the number arrived at by the ratio for 

that trade, not being lesser than thirty percent of the number so arrived at, subject to the 

condition that the employer shall engage apprentices in other trades in excess in number 

equivalent to such shortfall. 

(3A) The State Apprenticeship Adviser or any other person not below the rank of an 

Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser authorised by the State Apprenticeship Adviser in 

writing in this behalf shall, having regard to- 

(i)  the number of managerial person (including technical and supervisory 

persons) employed in a designated trade; 

(ii)  the number of management trainees engaged in the establishment; 

(iii)  the totality of the training facilities available in a designated trade; and 

(iv)  such other factors as he may consider fit in the circumstances of the  case; 

by notice in writing, require an employer to impart training to such number of graduate or 

technician apprentices or technician (vocational) apprentices in such trade in his 

establishment as may be specified in such notice and the employer shall comply with 

such requisition. 

Explanation.-In this sub-section the expression “management  trainee” means a 

person who is engaged by an employer for undergoing a course of training in the 

establishment of the employer (not being apprenticeship training under this Act) subject 

to the condition that on successful completion of such training, such person shall be 

employed by the employer on a regular basis. 

(4) Several employers may join together for the purpose of providing practical 

training to the apprentices under them by moving them between their respective 

establishments. 

(5) Where, having regard to the public interest, a number of apprentices in excess of 

the ratio determined by the State Government or in excess of the number specified in a 

notice issued under sub-section (3A) should in the opinion of the State Government be 

trained, the State Apprenticeship Adviser may require employers to train the additional 

number of apprentices. 

(6)  Every employer to whom such requisition as aforesaid is made, shall comply with 

the requisition if the State Government concerned makes available such additional 



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facilities and such additional financial assistance as are considered necessary by the State 

Apprenticeship Adviser for the training of the additional number of apprentices. 

(7) Any employer not satisfied with the decision of the State Apprenticeship Adviser under 

sub-section (6), may make a reference to the State Apprenticeship Council and such reference 

shall be decided by a Committee thereof appointed by the State Apprenticeship Council for the 

purpose and the decision of that Committee shall be final.”. 

[Vide Rajasthan Act 2 of 2015, s. 4] 

9. Practical and basic training of apprentices.—1[(1) Every employer shall make suitable 

arrangements in his workplace for imparting a course of practical training to every apprentice engaged by 

him.] 

(2) 2[The Central Apprenticeship Adviser or any other person not below the rank of an Assistant 

Apprenticeship Adviser authorised by the Central Apprenticeship Adviser in writing in this behalf] shall 

be given all reasonable facilities for access to each such apprentice with a view to test his work and to 

ensure that the practical training is being imparted in accordance with the approved programme: 

Provided that 3[the State Apprenticeship Adviser or any other person not below the rank of an 

Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser authorised by the State Apprenticeship Adviser in writing in this 

behalf] shall also be given such facilities in respect of apprentices undergoing training in establishments 

in relation to which the appropriate Government is the State Government. 

4[(3) Such of the trade apprentices who have not undergone institutional training in a school or other 

institution recognised by the National Council or any other institution affiliated to or recognised by a 

Board or State Council of Technical Education or any other authority which the Central Government may, 

by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf, shall, before admission in the workplace for 

practical training, undergo a course of basic training and the course of basic training shall be given to the 

trade apprentices in any institute having adequate facilities.] 

(4) Where an employer employs in his establishment five hundred or more workers, the basic training 

shall be imparted to 5[the trade apprentices] either in separate parts of the workshop building or in a 

separate building which shall be set up by the employer himself, but the appropriate Government may 

grant loans to the employer on easy terms and repayable by easy instalments to meet the cost of the land, 

construction and equipment for such separate building. 

6*                                  *                                     *                                    *                                * 

7[(7) In the case of an apprentice other than a graduate or technician apprentice technician 

(vocational) apprentice, the syllabus of and the equipment to be utilised for, practical training including 

basic training in any designated trade shall be such as may be approved by the Central Government in 

consultation with the Central Apprenticeship Council. 

(7A) In the case of graduate or technician apprentices or technician (vocational) apprentices, the 

programme of apprenticeship training and the facilities required for such training in any designated trade 

shall be such as may be approved by the Central Government in consultation with the Central 

Apprenticeship Council.] 

  

                                                           
1. Subs. byAct 29 of 2014, s. 8, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

2. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 10, for “The Central Apprenticeship Adviser” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

3. Subs. by s. 10, ibid., for “The State Apprenticeship Adviser” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

4. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 8, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 
5. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 10, for “the apprentices” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

6. Sub-sections (4A), (4B), (5) and (6) omitted by Act 29 of 2014, s. 8 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

7. Subs. by s. 8, ibid., for sub-sections (7) and (7A) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 



12 
 

(8)(a) Recurring costs (including the cost of stipends) incurred by an employer in connection 

with 1[2[basic training] imparted to trade apprentices other than those referred to in clauses (a) and (aa)] 

of section 6 shall be borne— 

(i) if such employer employs 3[two hundred and fifty] workers or more, by the employer; 

(ii) if such employer employs less than 3[two hundred and fifty] workers, by the employer and the 

Government in equal shares up to such limit as may be laid down by the Central Government and 

beyond that limit, by the employer alone; and 

(b) recurring costs (including the cost of stipends), if any, incurred by an employer in connection 

with 4[practical training including basic training, imparted to trade apprentices referred to in        

clauses (a) and (aa)] of section 6 shall, in every case, be borne by the employer; 

5[(c) recurring costs (excluding the cost of stipends) incurred by an employer in connection with 

the practical training imparted to graduate or technician apprentices 6[technician (vocational) 

apprentices] shall be borne by the employer and the cost of stipends shall be borne by the Central 

Government and the employer in equal shares up to such limit as may be laid down by the Central 

Government and beyond that limit by the employer alone 7[except apprentices who holds degree or 

diploma in non-engineering.] 

STATE AMENDMENT 

Rajasthan 

Amendment of section 9, Central Act No. 52 of   1961.— In section 9 of the principal 

Act,-  
(i) for the existing sub-section (1), the following shall be substituted, namely:-  

 “(1) Every employer shall, make suitable arrangements in his establishment or, outsource 

the same to a suitable third party training provider for imparting a course of practical training to 

every apprentice engaged by it in accordance with the programme approved by the State 

Apprenticeship Adviser.”; and 

(ii) for the existing sub-clauses (i) and (ii) of clause (a) of sub-section (8), the following shall  be 

substituted, namely:-  

 “(i) if such employer employs two hundred and fifty workers or more, by the 

employer and the Government in equal shares up to such a limit as may be laid down by 

the State Government and such amount shall be reimbursed by the State Government in 

each case of completion of successful training by the apprentice; 

(ii) if such employer employs less than two hundred and fifty workers, by 

the State Government alone and such amount up to such a limit as may be laid 

down by the State Government shall be reimbursed by the State Government, and 

beyond that limit by the employer in each case of completion of successful training 

by the apprentice; and”.  

[Vide Rajasthan Act 2 of 2015, s. 5] 

10. Related instruction of apprentices.—(1)8[A trade apprentice] who is undergoing practical 

training in an establishment shall, during the period of practical training, be given a course of related 

instruction (which shall be appropriate to the trade) approved by the Central Government in consultation 

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 10, for “practical training imparted to apprentices other than those referred to in clause (a)” (w.e.f. 

1-12-1974). 

2. Subs. by Act 4 of 1997, s. 5, for “practical training, including basic training” (w.e.f. 8-1-1997). 

3. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for “five hundred” (w.e.f. 8-1-1997). 

4. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 10, for “practical training imparted to apprentices referred to in clause (a)” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

5. Ins. by s. 10, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

6. Ins. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 3 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 

7. Ins. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 8 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

8. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 11, for “An apprentice” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 



13 
 

with the Central Apprenticeship Council, with a view to giving 1[the trade apprentice] such theoretical 

knowledge as he needs in order to become fully qualified as a skilled craftsman. 

2[(2) Related instruction shall be imparted at the cost of employer and the employer shall, when so 

required, afford all facilities for imparting such instruction.] 

(3) Any time spent by 3[a trade apprentice] in attending classes on related instruction shall be treated 

as part of his paid period of work. 

4[(4) In the case of trade apprentices who, after having undergone a course of institutional training, 

have passed the trade tests conducted by the National Council or have passed the trade tests and 

examinations conducted by a Board or State Council of Technical Education or any other authority which 

the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf, the related 

instruction may be given on such reduced or modified scale as may be prescribed. 

(5) Where any person has, during his course in a technical institution, become a graduate or 

technician apprentice 5[technician (vocational) apprentice] and during his apprenticeship training he has 

to receive related instruction, then, the employer shall release such person from practical training to 

receive the related instruction in such institution, for such period as may be specified by the Central 

Apprenticeship Adviser or by any other person not below the rank of an Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser 

authorised by the Central Apprenticeship Adviser in writing in this behalf.] 

11. Obligations of employers.—Without prejudice to the other provisions of this Act, every 

employer shall have the following obligations in relation to an apprentice, namely:— 

(a) to provide the apprentice with the training in his trade in accordance with the provisions of 

this Act, and the rules made thereunder; 

(b) if the employer is not himself qualified in the trade, to ensure that a person6[who possesses the 

prescribed qualifications] is placed in charge of the training of the apprentice;7*** 

8[(bb) to provide adequate instructional staff, possessing such qualifications as may be prescribed, 

for imparting practical and theoretical training and facilities for trade test of apprentices; and] 

(c) to carry out his obligations under the contract of apprenticeship. 

12. Obligations of apprentices.—9[(1)] 10[Every trade apprentice] undergoing apprenticeship 

training shall have the following obligations, namely:— 

(a) to learn his trade conscientiously and diligently and endeavour to qualify himself as a skilled 

craftsman before the expiry of the period of training; 

(b) to attend practical and instructional classes regularly; 

(c) to carry out all lawful orders of his employer and superiors in the establishment; and 

(d) to carry out his obligations under the contract of apprenticeship. 

11[(2) Every graduate or technician apprentice 12[technician (vocational) apprentice] undergoing 

apprenticeship training shall have the following obligations, namely:— 

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973,  s. 11, for “the  apprentice” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

2. Subs.by Act 36 of 2007, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-2-2008). 

3. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 11, for “an apprentice” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

4. Subs. by s. 11, ibid., for sub-section (4) (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

5. Ins. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 3 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 

6. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 12, for “duly qualified” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

7. The word “and” omitted by Act 4 of 1997, s. 6 (w.e.f. 8-1-1997). 

8. Ins. by s. 6, ibid. (w.e.f. 8-1-1997). 

9. Section 12 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 27 of 1973, s. 13 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

10. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for “Every apprentice” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

11. Ins. by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

12. Ins. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 3 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 



14 
 

(a) to learn his subject field in engineering or technology 7[or vocational course] conscientiously 

and diligently at his place of training; 

(b) to attend the practical and instructional classes regularly; 

(c) to carry out all lawful orders of his employer and superiors in the establishment; 

(d) to carry out his obligations under the contract of apprenticeship which shall include the 

maintenance of such records of his work as may be prescribed.] 

13. Payment to apprentices.—(1) The employer shall pay to every apprentice during the period of 

apprenticeship training such stipend at a rate not less than the1[prescribed minimum rate, or the rate which 

was being paid by the employer on 1st January, 1970 to the category of apprentices under which such 

apprentice falls, whichever is higher,] as may be specified in the contract of apprenticeship and the 

stipend so specified shall be paid at such intervals and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed. 

2[(2) An apprentice shall not be paid by his employer on the basis of piece work nor shall he be 

required to take part in any output bonus or other incentive scheme.] 

STATE AMENDMENT 

Maharashtra 

Amendment of section 13 of 52 of 1961.—In section 13 of the principal Act, after the existing sub-

section (1), the following sub-sections shall be inserted, namely:— 

“(1A) The minimum rate of stipend per month payable to trade apprentices who do training for eight 

hours per day shall be as follows, namely:— 

(a) During the first year of training . . Seventy per cent. of minimum wages 

of semi-skilled workers notified by 

the State. 

(b) During the second year of training . .Eighty per cent. of minimum wages 

of semi-skilled workers notified by 

the State. 

(c) During the third year of training . .Ninety per cent. of minimum wages 

of semi-skilled workers notified by 

the State. 

(1B) The trade apprentices who do training for minimum four hours per day, the rate of stipend per 

month shall be fifty per cent. of the rates mentioned in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (1A), 

respectively: 

Provided that, in the case where the minimum rate of wage for a trade is not notified by the State, 

then the maximum of minimum wages of the Scheduled Employment notified by the State for semi-

skilled workers shall be taken into account for paying the stipend in respect of that trade: 

Provided further that, in the case of trade apprentices referred to in clause (a) of section 6 of the Act, 

the period of training already undergone by them in a school or other institution recognized by the State 

Council, shall be taken into account for the purpose of determining the rate of stipend payable.”. 

[VideMaharashtra Act 17 of 2018, s. 5]. 

Rajasthan 

Amendment of section 13, Central Act No. 52 of 1961.— For the existing section 13 of the 

principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:-  

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 14, for “prescribed minimum rate” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

2. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 



15 
 

“13. Payment to apprentices.- The employer shall pay to every apprentice during the period of 

apprenticeship training such stipend at a rate not less than the minimum wages notified by State 

Government under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (Central Act No. 11 of 1948) for unskilled worker 

category, as may be specified in the contract of apprenticeship and the stipend so specified shall be 

paid at such intervals and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed.”. 

[Vide Rajasthan Act 2 of 2015, s. 6] 

14. Health, safety and welfare of apprentices.—Where any apprentices are undergoing training in a 

factory, the provisions of Chapters III, IV and V of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948), shall apply in 

relation to the health, safety and welfare of the apprentices as if they were workers within the meaning of 

that Act and when any apprentices are undergoing training in a mine, the provisions of Chapter V of the 

Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952), shall apply in relation to the health and safety of the apprentices as if they 

were persons employed in the mine. 

STATE AMENDMENT 

Rajasthan 

Amendment of section 14, Central Act No. 52 of 1961.— For the existing section 14 of the 

principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:-  

“14. Health, safety and welfare of apprentices.- Where any apprentices are undergoing training in 

a factory, the provisions of Chapters III, IV and V of the Factories Act, 1948 (Central Act No. 63 of 

1948), shall apply in relation to the health, safety and welfare of the apprentices as if they were 

workers within the meaning of that Act and when any apprentices are undergoing training in a mine, 

the provisions of Chapter V of the Mines Act, 1952  (Central Act No. 35 of 1952), shall apply in 

relation to the health, safety and welfare of the apprentices as if they were persons employed in the 

mine and when any apprentices are undergoing training in a shop or commercial establishment, the 

provisions of the Rajasthan Shops and Commercial Establishments Act,1958 (Act No. 31 of 1958), 

shall apply in relation to the health, safety and welfare of the apprentices as if they were persons 

employed in the shop or establishment.”. 

[Vide Rajasthan Act 2 of 2015, s. 7] 

15. Hours of work, overtime, leave and holidays.—1[(1) The weekly and daily hours of work of an 

apprentice while undergoing practical training in a workplace shall be as determined by the employer 

subject to the compliance with the training duration, if prescribed.] 

(2) No apprentice shall be required or allowed to work overtime except with the approval of the 

Apprenticeship Adviser who shall not grant such approval unless he is satisfied that such overtime is in 

the interest of the training of the apprentice or in the public interest. 

2[(3) An apprentice shall be entitled to such leave and holidays as are observed in the establishment in 

which he is undergoing training.] 

16. Employer’s liability for compensation for injury.—If personal injury is caused to an apprentice 

by accident arising out of and in the course of his training as an apprentice, his employer shall be liable to 

pay compensation which shall be determined and paid, so far as may be, in accordance with the 

provisions of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 (8 of 1923), subject to the modifications specified 

in the Schedule. 

  

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 9, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

2. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 



16 
 

17. Conduct and discipline.—In all matters of conduct and discipline, the apprentice shall be 

governed by the rules and regulations 1[applicable to employees of the corresponding category] in the 

establishment in which the apprentice is undergoing training. 

18. Apprentices are trainees and not workers.—Save as otherwise provided in this Act,— 

(a) every apprentice undergoing apprenticeship training in a designated trade in an establishment 

shall be a trainee and not a worker; and 

(b) the provisions of any law with respect to labour shall not apply to or in relation to such 

apprentice. 

19. Records and returns.—(1) Every employer shall maintain records of the progress of training of 

each apprentice undergoing apprenticeship training in his establishment in such form as may be 

prescribed. 
2[(2) Until a portal-site is developed by the Central Government, every employer shall furnish such 

information and return in such form as may be prescribed, to such authorities at such intervals as may be 

prescribed. 

(3) Every employer shall also give trade-wise requirement and engagement of apprentices in respect 

of apprenticeship training on portal-site developed by the Central Government in this regard.] 

20. Settlement of disputes.—(1) Any disagreement or dispute between an employer and an 

apprentice arising out of the contract of apprenticeship shall be referred to the Apprenticeship Adviser for 

decision. 

(2) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Apprenticeship Adviser under sub-section (1) may, 

within thirty days from the date of communication to him of such decision, prefer an appeal against the 

decision to the Apprenticeship Council and such appeal shall be heard and determined by a Committee of 

that Council appointed for the purpose. 

(3) The decision of the Committee under sub-section (2) and subject only to such decision, the 

decision of the Apprenticeship Adviser under sub-section (1) shall be final. 

21. Holding of test and grant of certificate and conclusion of training.—3[(1) Every trade 

apprenticewho has completed the period of training may appear for a test to be conducted by the National 

Council or any other agency authorised by the Central Government to determine his proficiency in the 

designated trade in which he has undergone apprenticeship training]. 

(2) Every4[trade apprentice] who passes the test referred to in sub-section (1) shall be granted a 

certificate of proficiency in the trade by the National Council 5[or by the other agency authorised by the 

Central Government]. 

6[(3) The progress in apprenticeship training of every graduate or technician apprentice7[technician 

(vocational) apprentice] shall be assessed by the employer from time to time. 

8[(4) Every graduate or technician apprentice or technician (vocational) apprentice, who completes his 

apprenticeship training to the satisfaction of the concerned Regional Board, shall be granted a certificate 

of proficiency by that Board.]] 

STATE AMENDMENTS 

Maharashtra 

Amendment of section 21 of 52 of 1961.—In section 21 of the principal Act,— 

(i) after the existing sub-section (1), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely:— 

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 15, for “applicable to workers in the trade” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

2. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 10, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 
3. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 11, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

4. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 16, for “apprentice” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

5. Ins. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 11 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

6. Ins. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 16 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

7. Ins. by Act 41 of 1986, s. 3 (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 

8. Subs. by s. 6, ibid.,for sub-section (4) (w.e.f. 16-12-1987). 



17 
 

“(1A) For apprentices successfully completed the training period in the trade designated by the 

State Apprenticeship Council (other than the trade designated and prescribed by the Central 

Government), may appear for a test to be conducted by the State Council of Vocational Training or 

any other agency authorised by the State Government to determine his proficiency in the trade 

designated by the State Apprenticeship Council in which he has undergone apprenticeship training.”; 

(ii) after the existing sub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be inserted, namely:— 

“(2A) Every apprentice, who passes the test referred to in sub-section (1A) shall be granted a 

certificate of proficiency in the trade by the State Council of Vocational Training or by the other 

agency authorised by the State Government.”. 

[Vide Maharashtra Act 17 of 2018, s. 6]. 

22. Offer and acceptance of employment.—1[(1) Every employer shall formulate its own policy for 

recruiting any apprentice who has completed the period of apprenticeship training in his establishment.] 

(2) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (1), where there is a condition in a contract of 

apprenticeship that the apprentice shall, after the successful completion of the apprenticeship training, 

serve the employer, the employer shall, on such completion, be bound to offer suitable employment to the 

apprentice, and the apprentice shall be bound to serve the employer in that capacity for such period and 

on such remuneration as may be specified in the contract: 

Provided that where such period or remuneration is not, in the opinion of the Apprenticeship Adviser, 

reasonable, he may revise such period or remuneration so as to make it reasonable, and the period or 

remuneration so revised shall be deemed to be the period or remuneration agreed to between the 

apprentice and the employer. 

CHAPTER III 

AUTHORITIES 

23. Authorities.—(1) In addition to the Government there shall be the following authorities under 

this Act, namely:— 

(a) The National Council, 

(b) The Central Apprenticeship Council, 

(c) The State Council, 

(d) The State Apprenticeship Council, 

2[(e) The All India Council, 

(f) The Regional Boards, 

(g) The Boards or State Councils of Technical Education,]  

3[(h)] The Central Apprenticeship Adviser, and  

4[(i)] The State Apprenticeship Adviser. 

(2) Every State Council shall be affiliated to the National Council and every State Apprenticeship 

Council shall be affiliated to the Central Apprenticeship Council. 

2[(2A) Every Board or State Council of Technical Education and every Regional Board shall be 

affiliated to the Central Apprenticeship Council.] 

(3) Each of the authorities specified in sub-section (1) shall, in relation to apprenticeship training 

under this Act, perform such functions as are assigned to it by or under this Act or by the Government: 

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 12, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

2. Ins. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 17 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

3.Item (e) re-lettered as item (h) thereof by s. 17, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

4. Item (f) re-lettered as item (i) thereof by s. 17, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 



18 
 

Provided that a State Council shall also perform such functions as are assigned to it by the National 

Council and the State Apprenticeship Council 1[and the Board or State Council of Technical Education] 

shall also perform such functions as are assigned to it by the Central Apprenticeship Council. 

STATE AMENDMENT 

Rajasthan 

Amendment of section 23, Central Act No. 52 of 1961.— For the existing sub-section (2) 

of section 23 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely:- 

“(2) Every State Council may be affiliated to the National Council and every State 

Apprenticeship Council may be affiliated to the Central Apprenticeship Council.”. 

[Vide Rajasthan Act 2 of 2015, s. 7] 

24. Constitution of Councils.—(1) The Central Government shall, bynotification in the Official 

Gazette, establish the Central Apprenticeship Council and the State Government shall, by notification in 

the Official Gazette, establish the State Apprenticeship Council. 

(2) The Central Apprenticeship Council shall consist of 2[a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman] and such 

number of other members as the Central Government may think expedient, to be appointed by that 

Government by notification in the Official Gazette from among the following categories of persons, 

namely:— 

(a) representatives of employers in establishments in the public and private sectors, 

(b) representatives of the Central Government and of the State Governments, 3*** 

(c) persons having special knowledge and experience on matters relating to 4[industry, labour and 

technical education, and] 

5[(d) representatives of the All India Council and of the Regional Boards.] 

(3) The number of persons to be appointed as members of the Central Apprenticeship Council from 

each of the categories specified in sub-section (2), the term of office of, the procedure to be followed in 

the discharge of their functions by, and the manner of filling vacancies among, the members of the 

Council shall be such as may be prescribed. 

(4) The State Apprenticeship Council shall consist of 2[a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman] and such 

number of other members as the State Government may think expedient, to be appointed by that 

Government by notification in the Official Gazette from among the following categories of persons, 

namely:— 

(a) representatives of employers in establishments in the public and private sectors, 

(b) representatives of the Central Government and of the State Government 5*** 

(c) persons having special knowledge and experience of matters relating to 6[industry, labour and 

technical education, and] 

7[(d) representatives of the Board or of the State Council of Technical Education.] 

(5) The number of persons to be appointed as members of the State Apprenticeship Council from 

each of the categories specified in sub-sections (4), the term of office of, the procedure to be followed in 

the discharge of their functions by, and the manner of filling vacancies among, the members of the 

Council shall be such as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, determine. 

(6) The fees and allowances, if any, to be paid to 6[the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman] and the 

other members of the Central Apprenticeship Council, shall be such as may be determined by the Central 

Government and the fees and allowances, if any, to be paid to 6[the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman] 

                                                           
1. Ins. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 17 (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 
2. Subs. by s. 18, ibid.,for “a Chairman” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

3. The word “and” omitted by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

4. Subs. by s. 18, ibid.,for “industry and labour” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

5. Ins. by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 
6. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 18, for “the Chairman” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 



19 
 

and the other members of the State Apprenticeship Council shall be such as may be determined by the 

State Government. 

25. Vacancies not to invalidate acts and proceedings.—No act done or proceeding taken by the 

National Council, the Central Apprenticeship Council, the State Council or the State Apprenticeship 

Council under this Act shall be questioned on the ground merely of the existence of any vacancy in, or 

defect in the constitution of, such Council. 

26. Apprenticeship Advisers.—(1) The Central Government shall, by notification in the Official 

Gazette, appoint a suitable person as the Central Apprenticeship Adviser. 

(2) The State Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint a suitable person as 

the State Apprenticeship Adviser. 

(3) The Central Apprenticeship Adviser shall be the Secretary to the Central Apprenticeship Council 

and the State Apprenticeship Adviser shall be Secretary to the State Apprenticeship Council. 

27. Deputy and Assistant Apprenticeship Advisers.—(1) The Government1[may appoint suitable 

persons as Additional, Joint, Regional, Deputy and Assistant Apprenticeship Advisers] to assist the 

Apprenticeship Adviser in the performance of his functions. 

(2)2[Every Additional, Joint, Regional, Deputy or Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser] shall, subject to 

the control of the Apprenticeship Adviser, perform such functions as may be assigned to him by the 

Apprenticeship Adviser. 

28. Apprenticeship Advisers to be public servants.—Every Apprenticeship Adviser and3[every 

Additional, Joint, Regional, Deputy or Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser] appointed under this Act shall 

be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). 

29. Powers of entry, inspection, etc.—(1) Subject to any rules made in this behalf, the4[Central 

Apprenticeship Adviser or such other person, not below the rank of an Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser, 

as may be authorised by the Central Apprenticeship Adviser in writing in this behalf] may— 

(a) with such assistants, if any, as he thinks fit, enter, inspect and examine any establishment or 

part thereof at any reasonable time; 

(b) examine any apprentice employed therein or require the production of any register, record or 

other documents maintained in pursuance of this Act and take on the spot or otherwise statements of 

any person which he may consider necessary for carrying out the purposes of this Act; 

(c) make such examination and inquiry as he thinks fit in order to ascertain whether the 

provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder are being observed in the establishment; 

(d) exercise such other powers as may be prescribed: 

Provided that5[a State Apprenticeship Adviser or such other person, not below the rank of an 

Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser, as may be authorised by the State Apprenticeship Adviser in writing in 

this behalf] may also exercise any of the powers specified in clause (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this sub-section 

in relation to establishments for which the appropriate Government is the State Government. 

(2) Notwithstanding anything in sub-section (1), no person shall be compelled under this section to 

answer any question or make any statement which may tend directly or indirectly to incriminate him. 

30. Offences and penalties.—6[(1) If any employer contravenes the provisions of this Act relating to 

the number of apprentices which he is required to engage under those provisions, he shall be given a 

month’s notice in writing, by an officer duly authorised in this behalf by the appropriate Government, for 

explaining the reasons for such contravention. 

                                                           
1. Subs. byAct 27 of 1973, s. 19, ibid.,for “may appoint suitable persons as Deputy and Assistant Apprenticeship Advisers” 

(w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

2. Subs. by s. 19, ibid.,for “Every Deputy or Assistant Apprenticeship Advisers” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 
3. Subs. by s. 20, ibid.,for “every Deputy or Assistant Apprenticeship Advisers” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

4. Subs. by s. 21, ibid.,for “Central Apprenticeship Adviser” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

5. Subs. by s. 21, ibid.,for “a State Apprenticeship Advisers” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

6. Subs. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 13, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 



20 
 

(1A) In case the employer fails to reply the notice within the period specified under sub-section (1), or 

the authorised officer, after giving him an opportunity of being heard, is not satisfied with the reasons 

given by the employer, he shall be punishable with fine of five hundred rupees per shortfall of 

apprenticeship month for first three months and thereafter one thousand rupees per month till such 

number of seats are filled up.] 

(2) If any employer or any other person— 

(a) required to furnish any information or return— 

(i) refuses or neglects to furnish such information or return, or 

(ii) furnishes or causes to be furnished any information or return which is false and which he 

either knows or believes to be false or does not believe to be true, or 

(iii) refuses to answer, or gives a false answer to any question necessary for obtaining any 

information required to be furnished by him, or 

(b) refuses or wilfully neglects to afford1[the Central or the State Apprenticeship Adviser or such 

other person, not below the rank of an Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser, as may be authorised by the 

Central or the State Apprenticeship Adviser in writing in this behalf], any reasonable facility for 

making any entry, inspection, examination or inquiry authorised by or under this Act, or 

(c) requires an apprentice to work overtime without the approval of the Apprenticeship Adviser, 

or 

(d) employs an apprentice on any work which is not connected with his training, or 

(e) makes payment to an apprentice on the basis of piecework, or 

(f) requires an apprentice to take part in any output bonus or incentive scheme, 

2[(g) engages as an apprentice a person who is not qualified for being so engaged, or 

(h) fails to carry out the terms and conditions of a contract of apprenticeship.] 

he shall be punishable with 3[fine of one thousand rupees for every occurrence]. 

2[(2A) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any establishment or industry which is under 

the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction established under the Sick Industrial Companies 

(Special Provisions) Act, 1985 (1 of 1986).] 

31. Penalty where no specific penalty is provided.—If any employer or any other person 

contravenes any provision of this Act for which no punishment is provided in section 30, he shall be 

punishable with fine4[which shall not be less than one thousand rupees but may extend to three thousand 

rupees]. 

32. Offences by companies.—(1) If the person committing an offence under this Act is a company, 

every person who, at the time the offence was committed was in charge of, and was responsible to, the 

company for the conduct of business of the company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to be 

guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly: 

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable to such 

punishment provided in this Act if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or 

that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. 

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where an offence under this Act has been 

committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or 

connivance of, or is attributable to any negligence on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other 

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 22, for “the Central or the State Apprenticeship Advisers” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

2. Ins. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 13 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

3. Subs. by s. 13, ibid.,for “imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine or with both”  

(w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 

4. Subs. by Act 4 of 1997, s. 7, for “which may extend to five hundred rupees”(w.e.f. 8-1-1997). 



21 
 

officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary, or other officer shall also be deemed to be 

guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. 

Explanation.—For the purposes of this section,— 

(a) “company” means a body corporate and includes a firm or other association of individuals; 

and 

(b) “director” in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm. 

33. Cognizance of offences.—No court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act or the 

rules made thereunder except on a complaint thereof in writing made by the Apprenticeship Adviser1[or 

the officer of the rank of Deputy Apprenticeship Adviser and above] within six months from the date on 

which the offence is alleged to have been committed. 

34. Delegation of powers.—The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official 

Gazette, direct that any power exercisable by it under this Act or the rules made thereunder shall, in 

relation to such matters and subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the direction, be 

exercisable also— 

(a) where the appropriate Government is the Central Government, by such officer or authority 

subordinate to the Central Government or by the State Government or by such officer or authority 

subordinate to the State Government, as may be specified in the notification; and 

(b) where the appropriate Government is the State Government, by such officer or authority 

subordinate to the State Government as may be specified in the notification. 

35. Construction of references.—(1) Any reference in this Act or in the rules made thereunder to the 

Apprenticeship Council shall, unless the context otherwise requires, mean in relation to apprenticeship 

training in a designated trade in an establishment in relation to which the Central Government is the 

appropriate Government, the Central Apprenticeship Council and in relation to apprenticeship training in 

a designated trade in an establishment in relation to which the State Government is the appropriate 

Government, the State Apprenticeship Council. 

(2) Any reference in this Act or in the rules made thereunder to the Apprenticeship Adviser shall, 

unless the context otherwise requires,— 

(a) mean in relation to apprenticeship training in a designated trade in an establishment in relation 

to which the Central Government is the appropriate Government, the Central Apprenticeship Adviser 

and in relation to apprenticeship training in a designated trade in an establishment in relation to which 

the State Government is the appropriate Government, the State Apprenticeship Adviser; 

(b) be deemed to include2[an Additional, a Joint, a Regional, a Deputy or an Assistant 

Apprenticeship Adviser] performing the functions of the Apprenticeship Adviser assigned to him 

under sub-section (2) of section 27. 

36. Protection of action taken in good faith.—No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall 

lie against any person for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act. 

37. Power to make rules.—(1) The Central Government may, after consulting the Central 

Apprenticeship Council, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes 

of this Act. 

3[(1A) The powers to make rules under this section shall include the power to make such rules or any 

of them retrospectively from a date not earlier than the date on which this Act received the assent of the 

President, but no such retrospective effect shall be given to any such rule so as to prejudicially affect the 

interests of any person to whom such rule may be applicable.] 

                                                           
1. Ins. by Act 4 of 1997, s. 8 (w.e.f. 8-1-1997).  

2. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 23, for “a Deputy or Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser” (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 

3. Ins. by Act 29 of 2014, s. 14 (w.e.f. 22-12-2014). 



22 
 

(2) Rules made under this Act may provide that a contravention of any such rule shall be punishable 

with fine which may extend to fifty rupees. 

(3) Every rule made under this section shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made before each 

House of Parliament which it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one 

session1[or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately 

following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid] both Houses agree in making any modification 

in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only 

in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so however that any such modification or 

annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule. 

38. [Repeal.]Rep. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1964(52 of 1964), s. 2 and the First Schedule 

(w.e.f. 29-12-1964).  

                                                           
1. Subs. by Act 27 of 1973, s. 24, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-12-1974). 



23 
 

THE SCHEDULE 

[See section 16] 

MODIFICATIONS IN THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACT, 1923IN ITS APPLICATION TO APPRENTICES 

UNDERTHE APPRENTICES ACT, 1961 

In the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923,— 

(1) in section 2,— 

(a) for clause (e), substitute— 

‘(e) “employer” means an employer as defined in the Apprentices Act, 1961, who has 

engaged one or more apprentices,’; 

(b) omit clause (k); 

(c) for clause (m), substitute— 

‘(m) “wages” means the stipend payable to an apprentice under section 13(1) of the 

Apprentices Act, 1961,’; 

(d) for clause (n), substitute— 

‘(n) “workman” means any person who is engaged as an apprentice as defined in the 

Apprentices Act, 1961, and who in the course of his Apprenticeship training is employed in 

any such capacity as is specified in Schedule II,’; 

(2) omit section 12; 

(3) omit section 15; 

(4) omit the proviso to section 21(1); 

(5) omit the words “or a registered Trade Union” in section 24; 

(6) omit clause (d) in section 30 (1); 

(7) omit clauses (vi), (xi), (xiii), (xvii), (xviii), (xx), (xxii), (xxiv), (xxv) and (xxxii) in Schedule II.