Maharashtra Apprenticeship Reimbursement Scheme (MAPS) — 50% Stipend Support — Frequently Asked Questions

MAPS is a Maharashtra government subsidy that reimburses industries for a portion of the money they spend on apprentice stipends. It is provided for under Section 4.1.3 (B) (i) of the Maharashtra Industries Investment and Services Policy 2025 and is run by the Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra. Its purpose is to encourage structured on-the-job training across the state's industrial sectors.

The scheme refunds up to 50% of the apprenticeship cost you actually incur, subject to a ceiling of ₹5,000 per apprentice per month. The 50% figure is the outer limit of the reimbursement, so if your stipend spend is modest, the refund is worked out on that lower base.

Up to three years, or 36 months, for each apprentice. That is a long enough window for a business to plan a full training cycle rather than stopping support after the first year.

No. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis as part of the Maharashtra Industries Investment and Services Policy 2025, which means an industry can file a claim as it brings apprentices on board rather than waiting for a particular window to open.

The scheme is open to industries operating in Maharashtra that take part in structured on-the-job training for apprentices. The applicant is the employer running the training programme, not the apprentice. Eligibility is built around that training activity and the unit's location in the state, and DPIIT startup recognition is not a listed requirement.

A separate MSME condition is not part of the scheme's stated eligibility, but Udyam Registration is one of the documents normally used to prove that the applicant is a registered industry, along with GSTIN. Both are useful to have ready when you file your claim.

No. MAPS is a reimbursement-style cash subsidy. The state does not receive shares or any ownership stake in the industry in exchange for the amount it pays out.

The claim typically starts with a detailed claim form submitted to the designated state authority responsible for industrial incentives. It is accompanied by proof of the industry's registration such as Udyam Registration or GSTIN, valid apprenticeship agreements, records of the stipends paid to apprentices, and any financial statements or legal undertakings that the policy guidelines specify.

Official guidelines and application forms are part of the Maharashtra Industries Investment and Services Policy 2025 and can be accessed on the Maitri portal, with the login available at https://maitri.maharashtra.gov.in/login. Claims are submitted to the designated state authority for industrial incentives, following the procedure set out in the policy.

Every claim is examined by a dedicated committee or department within the Government of Maharashtra. They check that the apprenticeship programme is genuine, that the agreements are valid, that the stipend figures reported are accurate and that the industry meets the policy's conditions, with structured on-the-job training compliance looked at closely. Incomplete or unclear claims may trigger a request for more information, or be rejected. Once approved, the reimbursement is credited directly to the industry's registered bank account.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Maharashtra Apprenticeship Reimbursement Scheme (MAPS) — 50% Stipend Support, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Maharashtra Apprenticeship Reimbursement Scheme (MAPS) — 50% Stipend Support is offered by Directorate of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.