The PM Internship Scheme, launched on October 3, 2024, is the world’s largest initiative of its kind, aimed at skilling one crore young Indians over the next five years. This scheme connects youth aged 21–24, who have completed their 10th, 12th, ITI, or graduation, with internships in the top 500 companies, chosen based on their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions. During the first phase (2024-25), it aims to offer 1.25 lakh internships.
The internship lasts for 12 months, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings across 25 sectors. Interns must spend at least six months in a work environment to gain relevant skills and explore career paths. This experience helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, making young people more employable.
The free registration for the PM Internship Scheme started on 12th October 2024 and is still open. The last date for registration is 10th November 2024. To apply, candidates need to complete two steps—the registration process and the application process. Eligible candidates can register for free on the portal at pminternship.mca.gov.in, where they must complete e-KYC using their DigiLocker or Aadhaar number and submit their educational certificates. The portal is accessible in multiple languages, including Hindi, English, and 10 regional languages. Applicants can apply for up to five positions based on location, role, sector, and qualifications, without initially knowing the company's name. Once selected, they receive details about the internship offers. Each candidate can receive up to two internship offers. The final offer letter will be uploaded to the PMIS portal and sent to the candidate's registered email address.
Each intern receives a stipend of ₹5,000 per month—₹500 from the company and ₹4,500 from the government via Direct Benefit Transfer. Additionally, they receive a one-time grant of ₹6,000 at the start. The government also provides insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, funded by the government, with companies offering extra accidental insurance.
Opportunities vary based on qualifications: graduates have the most options, with 35,063 positions, followed by 10th pass candidates (31,500), ITI holders (30,448), diploma holders (21,222), and 12th graders (8,826). Maharashtra leads with 14,694 opportunities, followed by Tamil Nadu with 13,263, Gujarat with 12,246, and Karnataka with 8,944. In the northern region, Uttar Pradesh has 8,506 opportunities, followed by Haryana with 8,235, Punjab with 2,369, Uttarakhand with 1,796, Himachal Pradesh with 1,223, Jammu and Kashmir with 692, and Chandigarh with 497.
The sectors with the highest opportunities are Oil, Gas & Energy (29,108), Automotive (22,012), and Travel & Hospitality (15,639), with additional positions in fields like Banking, Manufacturing, and Agriculture. However, some fields, like Media and Sports, have fewer openings. Expanding opportunities in these areas could make the scheme more comprehensive.
The Scheme is distinct from all existing programs related to skill development, apprenticeships, internships, and student training being implemented across all states and union territories in India. It will operate independently of these Central and State schemes.
The scheme promotes social inclusion by ensuring fair representation for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD groups. Although companies select interns based on their own criteria, the scheme’s algorithm helps ensure diversity.
Suggestions for improvement to the PM Internship Scheme include widening age eligibility, including those with incomes above ₹8 lakh, adding reservation quotas, and allowing children of government employees to participate, regardless of stipends. Currently, only 10 of 25 sectors offer over 1.10 lakh opportunities, limiting choices for interns. Expanding opportunities in more sectors would enhance skills and employability. Involving public sector undertakings (PSUs), prioritizing local youth, and partnering with companies that guarantee jobs based on performance could further boost job prospects. Additionally, selection tests would improve placement matches, making the scheme more effective and beneficial for young people's career growth.
The PM Internship Scheme has over 280 companies signed up to offer internships, with 1.55 lakh students registering, which exceeds the target of 1.25 lakh. India recognizes the need to give its youth the skills they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced economy. This scheme aligns with the Prime Minister's vision for a developed India by 2047. It aims to create better job opportunities and meet the needs of top companies.
Overall, this initiative empowers young talent through hands-on experience, fostering a globally competitive workforce. Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India and Startup India programs, it promotes innovation, self-reliance, and economic growth. This initiative not only strengthens India’s talent pool but also enhances its global reputation, contributing positively to industries worldwide.
These are the author's own opinions and are based on his own research.
Author: Shri Roos, Central Communication Bureau Chandigarh, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India
Courtesy: PIB/ Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)