The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, has issued new guidelines vide File No. DGT-36/1/2021-AP dated 23rd April 2026 under the Apprentices Act, 1961, introducing important changes relating to apprenticeship engagement and contract termination procedures. As per the guidelines, establishments can now engage apprentices ranging from a minimum of 2.5% to a maximum of 18% of their total manpower strength. The guidelines also mandate that all apprenticeship contract terminations must be processed exclusively through the Apprenticeship Training Portal, with provisions for automatic termination upon completion of training and regulated procedures for premature termination. Employers and apprentices must initiate termination requests in advance through the portal, while Apprenticeship Advisers are required to process such requests within 15 to 30 days, ensuring transparency and streamlined compliance.