WHAT?

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS), launched by the Indian government under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, aims to provide 12-month internship opportunities to 1 crore Indian youth in the top 500 companies over five years.

Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the scheme bridges academic learning and industry experience, enhancing employability. The pilot phase, launched in October 2024, targets 1.25 lakh internships in FY 2024-25, with Phase 2 offering over 1 lakh additional opportunities across 730+ districts.

Key Features

• Duration: 12 months, with at least 50% of the time involving hands-on, practical experience (not classroom-based).
• Sectors: Covers 24 sectors, including oil, gas, energy, banking, financial services, automotive, manufacturing, FMCG, IT, telecom, pharmaceuticals, and more.
• Participating Companies: Top 500 companies based on CSR spending, including Jubilant FoodWorks, Larsen & Toubro, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Bajaj Finance.
• Financial Support:
  • Monthly stipend: ₹5,000 (₹4,500 from the government via Direct Benefit Transfer, ₹500 from the company).
  • One-time grant: ₹6,000 upon joining.
  • Insurance: Coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (premiums paid by the government). Companies may offer additional accidental insurance.
• Certificate: Interns receive a completion certificate from the host company, boosting employability.
• No Fees: Free registration and application process.

Eligibility Criteria   

• Age: 21–24 years as of the application deadline.
• Nationality: Indian citizens.
• Educational Qualifications: Completed at least one of the following:
  • Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent.
  • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent.
  • Industrial Training Institute (ITI) certificate.
  • Polytechnic diploma.
  • Undergraduate degree (e.g., BA, B.Sc., B.Com, BBA, BCA, B.Pharma).
• Income Limit: Family income (self, spouse, parents) must be below ₹8 lakh for FY 2023-24.
• Eligible Candidates: Includes those in online/distance learning programs but excludes full-time students or employees.
• Ineligible Candidates:
  • Graduates from elite institutions (IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISERs, NID, IIIT).
  • Holders of advanced degrees (CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, PhD, or master’s degrees).
  • Those in other government internships, apprenticeships, or skill training programs.
  • Candidates with a family member (self, spouse, parents) in permanent government employment.
• Application Process : The application process is fully online via the PM Internship Scheme portal (pminternship.mca.gov.in) or the PMIS mobile app, which offers Aadhaar-based registration, real-time updates, and a user-friendly interface.

Benefits

• Skill Development: Gain industry-relevant skills, teamwork, and communication abilities.
• Industry Exposure: Work with top companies, building professional networks.
• Employability: Hands-on experience and a certificate enhance job prospects, though full-time employment is not guaranteed.
• Inclusivity: Priority for SC, ST, OBC, and disabled candidates to ensure equal opportunities.
• Accessibility: Opportunities across 730+ districts, allowing local internships.