With the deadline of the second phase of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) being extended from March 12 to March 31, 2025, this much ambitious employment scheme has again acquired spotlight. The PMIS aims to offer over one crore internship opportunities to young Indians, as announced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Following the success of Round One, which was initiated on October 3, 2024, and had garnered more than 600,000 applications, this round seeks to provide practical experience and skill-building opportunities across 730 districts in the country.
The central government has launched the Prime Minister Internship Scheme with the aim of preparing youth for employment. Under this scheme, young people are being provided with practical experience in the top 500 companies across 24 major industries, including oil and gas, banking, financial services, travel, hospitality, automotive, manufacturing, and FMCG. Given the increasing interest in this scheme, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has extended the application deadline to March 31. Notably, this ambitious scheme aims to provide one crore internship opportunities over the next five years.
Objectives and Benefits of the Scheme
The main goal of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme is to prepare young people for employment by providing them with practical training in various industries. During the internship, the government provides financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 per month, with Rs. 4,500 coming from the government and Rs. 500 from the company offering the internship. Additionally, the government provides a one-time grant of Rs. 6,000 to start the internship. Interns are also given insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
Who Can Apply?
To apply for this scheme, candidates must be between 21 and 24 years old. Applicants should have passed 12th grade or hold an ITI, diploma, or undergraduate degree (e.g., BA, B.Sc., B.Com, BBA, BCA, B.Pharma, etc.). Additionally, the applicant’s family’s annual income should be less than Rs. 8 lakh.
Certain categories of individuals are not eligible for this scheme, including graduates from IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISERs, NID, and IIIT, as well as degree holders like CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, or master’s degree holders. Candidates who have already participated in a government internship or apprenticeship or whose parents are permanent employees of the government also cannot benefit from this scheme.
How to Apply?
The application process for this scheme is entirely online. Interested candidates need to register on the PM Internship Portal (pminternship.mca.gov.in). The application process is as follows: First, the candidate must register on the website and fill in their personal and academic details. After that, candidates can search for internships based on their qualifications and interests and apply for up to five internships.
Internship Opportunities in Every District
This scheme is being implemented in 730 districts across India, allowing young people to gain work experience in their own district. Over 500 companies have already joined the scheme. Additionally, SC, ST, OBC, and disabled candidates are being given priority to ensure equal opportunities for youth from all sections of society.
Success of the Scheme and Future Prospects
The Prime Minister Internship Scheme is a revolutionary initiative to provide employment to the youth of India. The scheme not only provides practical experience to young people but also offers companies access to a skilled and trained workforce. The first phase of the scheme has received an excellent response. So far, 1.27 lakh internship opportunities have been posted, with 6.21 lakh applications received, and 4.87 lakh youths have completed their KYC registration.
The government has also opened applications for the second phase, offering more than 100,000 new internships. More than 300 companies from sectors like oil, gas, banking, FMCG, automotive, metal, mining, and manufacturing are offering these opportunities in 730 districts across India. The central government and companies are working together to make this scheme a success by conducting awareness programs in colleges, universities, ITIs, and job fairs. Additionally, digital and social media campaigns are being used to connect more youth with the scheme.