The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PM Internship Scheme) is a new initiative launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India to empower the youth of India by providing them with practical training and work experience in the country’s leading companies. This flagship scheme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, helping youth to become job-ready.
The Government of India has set a target of providing internship opportunities to one crore youth in the next five years across the top 500 companies of the country. The duration of the internship will be 12 months, giving young candidates exposure to real-life work environments, skill-building, and financial assistance.
In this article, we will discuss the scope, eligibility, benefits, application process, and FAQs about the scheme in detail.
Objectives of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme
The key objectives of this scheme are:
- To provide 12 months of hands-on work experience in India’s leading companies.
- To help youth acquire industry-ready skills that not learned in classrooms alone.
- To increase employability of youth by bridging the skill gap.
- To provide financial assistance during the internship period to ensure inclusivity.
- To create a structured platform where companies and interns can mutually benefit.
Unlike existing skill development or apprenticeship schemes, this scheme will run independently and will not overlap with other Central or State programmes.
👉 Related: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Duration of Internship
- The internship will last for 12 months (1 year).
- At least 50% of the internship duration must spent in actual work exposure, not just classroom training.
- Candidates will get the opportunity to work in various sectors depending on their qualifications and skills.
Benefits of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme
The scheme provides both financial and non-financial benefits to interns.
Financial Assistance
- Monthly Assistance: ₹4,500/- by the Government of India + ₹500/- by Industry = ₹5,000 per month.
- One-Time Grant: ₹6,000/- for incidentals and joining costs.
- Insurance Coverage: All interns will be covered under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
Non-Financial Benefits
- Practical Industry Exposure: Interns get to work in India’s top 500 companies.
- Skill Development: Gain exposure in multiple professional environments.
- Employability Enhancement: Experience certificate after successful completion.
- Networking Opportunities: Direct interaction with professionals and mentors in the industry.
👉 Related: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the scheme, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Age Limit: Between 21 to 24 years (as on the last date of application).
- Employment Status: Applicant should not be in full-time employment.
- Education Status: Applicant should not be engaged in full-time education. Candidates in online or distance learning programmes are eligible.
- Educational Qualification:
- Must have passed High School (Class 10th) or Higher Secondary School (Class 12th), OR
- Possess a certificate from ITI, diploma from Polytechnic Institute, OR
- Be a graduate with degrees like BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma, etc.
- Family Income: Should not exceed ₹8,00,000 per annum.
Who is Not Eligible? (Exclusions)
The following categories of people are not eligible:
- Graduates from IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISER, NIDs, IIITs.
- Degree holders such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, or higher postgraduate degrees.
- Candidates already enrolled in skill/apprenticeship/internship programmes under any Central or State Government schemes.
- Those who have completed NATS or NAPS programmes.
- Families with annual income above ₹8 lakh.
- If any member of the family is a permanent/regular Government employee.
👉 Related: Startup India Seed Fund Scheme- For Startups
Application Process
The application process is completely online.
Registration Process
- Visit the official website of Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme.
- Click on “Youth Registration” or “Register Now”.
- Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify via OTP.
- Set up a password and log in.
- Complete profile creation and e-KYC using DigiLocker (Aadhaar-based).
- Fill in personal details, education details, skills, and upload certificates.
Internship Application
- Click on “View & Apply Internship”.
- Browse the available opportunities and click on “Apply”.
- Fill mandatory details and submit.
Tracking Application
- Use the “Track Your Application” option in your account to check status.
- You can see if your application is accepted, rejected, or waitlisted.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for verification).
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate / School Leaving Certificate).
- Educational Certificates (10th, 12th, Diploma, Degree).
- Bank Account details (Aadhaar-seeded).
- Income Certificate.
- Any other documents required by the portal.
👉 Related: Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY)
Financial Assistance & Payment Process
- Interns will receive ₹5,000 per month for 12 months.
- Payments will be made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- The ₹6,000 one-time grant will be transferred after the intern joins the internship.
- Only those whose joining is verified by HR and who have Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts will receive payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Will I get financial assistance during my internship?
Yes, interns will receive ₹5,000 per month for the entire 12 months.
Q2. Will I get travel allowance?
No travel allowance is provided. However, a one-time grant of ₹6,000 is given.
Q3. Will the insurance cover continue after the internship?
No, insurance benefits will lapse after the internship ends.
Q4. Can I apply for more than one internship?
Yes, candidates can apply for up to 3 internship options in one cycle.
Q5. Can I take a break during the internship?
Yes, but financial assistance will not be given during the sabbatical period.
Importance of the Scheme
The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme is a path-breaking initiative that will empower India’s youth by:
- Giving them real-world job exposure.
- Helping them become financially independent.
- Building a skilled workforce ready for future industry needs.
This scheme is expected to create millions of job-ready professionals in the coming years and contribute to India’s economic growth and development.
👉 Related: Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP)
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme is a golden opportunity for young Indians to gain industry exposure, learn new skills, and secure financial support while training. By targeting one crore youth over five years, this initiative is set to transform India’s employment landscape.
Young graduates and diploma holders who meet the eligibility should register online and take advantage of this scheme. It not only builds employability but also supports the government’s vision of a Skilled India.
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