The PM Internship Scheme is a recent initiative introduced by the Indian government to address youth unemployment and enhance skill development through extensive, structured internships across various sectors.
With plans to offer over one crore internships across five years, the scheme targets young Indian graduates and diploma holders, providing them with hands-on industry experience and financial benefits that make it accessible even to economically disadvantaged groups.
Overview of the PM Internship Scheme
The PM Internship Scheme was created to provide young people with the experience and skills required to meet the evolving demands of modern industries.
The government’s objective is to ensure that young Indians, especially those from economically weaker sections, have access to quality internships that bridge the education-employment gap. The initial phase, beginning in December 2024, will offer 1.25 lakh internships, with companies like Wipro, PepsiCo, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Alembic Pharma participating actively.
Key Features of the PM Internship Scheme
1. Internship Duration and Stipend
The internships under this scheme last for 12 months, during which interns gain industry experience aligned with their field of study.
Interns receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, with ₹4,500 funded by the government and an additional ₹500 contributed by the host company from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget.
A one-time joining allowance of ₹6,000 is also provided to cover various initial expenses, such as travel and relocation costs, which eases the financial burden on the interns.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be between 21 and 24 years of age.
The scheme is open to those with educational qualifications ranging from Higher Secondary Certificate and ITI diplomas to bachelor’s degrees (e.g., B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., BCA, and BBA).
Candidates enrolled in full-time education or already employed in full-time positions are not eligible, nor are graduates from premier institutes like IITs, IIMs, and National Law Universities.
3. Industries and Roles Available
The scheme provides internship opportunities across sectors such as IT, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail.
By collaborating with over 500 prominent companies, the scheme offers diverse roles that enable young interns to understand industry dynamics and gain practical skills that are crucial for future employment.
Companies engaged in the program have been chosen not only for their industry reputation but also for their commitment to CSR and previous support for workforce development.
4. Insurance Coverage
Interns are covered under government insurance schemes like the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the PM Suraksha Bima Yojana. These policies provide financial protection and health coverage, ensuring that interns are secure during their internship period.
Application Process and Timeline
The application window for the current batch was from October 12 to October 25, 2024. Applicants were required to register on the official PM Internship portal at pm internship dot mca dot gov dot in, complete their profiles, and upload the necessary academic and personal documents. Following the submission phase, eligible candidates undergo a verification and selection process.
Once selected, interns are placed in industry roles that align with their background and field of study. The selected candidates for this batch are scheduled to start their internships on December 2, 2024, with the aim of making the onboarding process smooth and ensuring adequate preparation time for both the interns and participating companies.
Benefits of the PM Internship Scheme
This scheme addresses several key needs for young Indians starting their professional careers. The main benefits include:
Practical Experience: Interns gain first hand exposure to industry settings, making them more job-ready.
Financial Support: With the monthly stipend and one-time allowance, the scheme removes financial barriers, allowing even economically disadvantaged youth to participate.
Professional Connections: Interns have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, which can lead to valuable networking and mentorship opportunities.
Skill Development: The scheme emphasizes learning by doing, helping interns build industry-specific skills that align with job market demands.
Why the PM Internship Scheme Matters for India’s Youth
Youth unemployment and underemployment have been persistent issues in India, often due to a lack of relevant skills and industry exposure among graduates. The PM Internship Scheme tackles this by providing structured internships that focus on employability skills. Through this program, young people acquire work experience that aligns with industry needs, preparing them for full-time roles upon completion.
The scheme also benefits the Indian economy by creating a skilled workforce that is better prepared for future challenges. By working with CSR-conscious companies, the scheme ensures that corporate resources are effectively utilized to develop and support the nation’s youth.
How to Apply for Future Cycles
Candidates interested in future cycles of the PM Internship Scheme should keep an eye on the official PM Internship portal. Updates on application dates, eligibility requirements, and other details will be posted there, along with any changes to the program structure or benefits.
The scheme’s focus on practical experience, financial support, and structured mentorship makes it an invaluable step toward creating a future-ready workforce. By participating in this program, young graduates and diploma holders across India gain skills that significantly improve their employability in various sectors, contributing to both personal and national economic growth.
Conclusion
The PM Internship Scheme represents a significant opportunity for young Indian professionals to gain industry-relevant skills and exposure in a supportive, structured environment.
Through its financial support, partnerships with CSR-focused companies, and strong industry alignment, the program serves as a bridge between education and employment, helping interns become valuable assets to the workforce.
The scheme’s long-term vision includes expanding access to more applicants, further strengthening the quality of the Indian workforce, and building a skilled, resilient generation equipped to lead the nation toward progress.
Formal News has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on Centre and State Government Schemes that are of interest to you, your family and your Society. We believe in free, fair and credible information.
Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we remain committed to keeping you informed and updated.
However, We have a request:
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Your support in the form of Donations will be encouraging for us. Your donation can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. Your encouragement and constant feedback can help us to improve our offering. We need your financial support. You can support us through the Patreon Link:
Become a Patron!
