India is taking significant steps to equip its youth with the skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced economy. As part of this effort, the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was launched on October 3, 2024. This ambitious program aims to provide internship opportunities to 1 crore young individuals over the next five years, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in various professions and business environments. The scheme is being implemented through an online portal.
Initially announced in the Union Budget for 2024-25, the program began with a pilot project during the 2024-25 financial year, targeting 1.25 lakh internships. These internships span 24 sectors, including oil, gas, energy, travel, hospitality, automotive, and banking, among others. The companies selected for this pilot phase were chosen based on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending over the past three years, ensuring that participants are placed in organizations committed to social and ethical practices.
What makes this scheme unique is that it focuses exclusively on internships, separate from existing skill development programs, apprenticeships, or student training initiatives. By creating a dedicated internship program, the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme aims to improve employability by providing young people with real-world experience and exposure.
This initiative is part of the government’s larger plan to create a skilled workforce that is prepared for the challenges of the future. It highlights the government’s commitment to nurturing talent and unlocking the potential of India’s youth, contributing to the country’s overall growth and development.
Overview of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme
Eligibility:
- The pilot project offers a 12-month internship program for Indian nationals aged 21 to 24 who are not employed full-time or enrolled in full-time education.
- Candidates enrolled in online or distance learning programs are eligible to apply.
- Internships can be applied for through the PM Internship Portal starting on October 12, 2024.
- The program is open to those who have completed high school, higher secondary education, or obtained certificates from ITIs, diplomas from polytechnic institutes, or bachelor’s degrees such as BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma, etc.
Ineligibility:
- Graduates from IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISERs, NIDs, and IIITs are not eligible.
- Holders of professional qualifications like CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, or any master’s or higher degree are also ineligible.
- Those participating in skill development programs, apprenticeships, internships, or student training under central or state government schemes cannot apply.
- Candidates whose family income exceeds ₹8 lakh for the FY 2023-24 or whose family members are permanent or regular government employees are not eligible.
Criteria for Partner Companies
The Ministry has identified the top 500 companies based on their average CSR spending over the past three years. Other companies, banks, or financial institutions can participate with approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), particularly if they represent underrepresented sectors. Companies can create profiles and offer internship opportunities through the official portal.
If a partner company cannot directly provide internships, they can collaborate with:
- Companies in their supply chain (e.g., suppliers, customers, vendors).
- Other companies or institutions within their group.
PM Internship Salary/Financial Assistance
Interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 during the internship, which includes:
- ₹500 from the partner companies (subject to attendance and conduct).
- ₹4,500 provided by the government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the intern’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Additionally, a one-time grant of ₹6,000 will be given after joining the internship, also via DBT.
Insurance Coverage
All interns will be covered by the government’s insurance schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, with the premiums paid by the government. Partner companies may also offer additional accidental insurance coverage.
PM Internship Portal
The entire scheme is managed through a centralized online portal. Partner companies can post internship opportunities, and candidates can register, generate resumes, and apply for up to five internships based on their preferences, such as location, sector, or qualifications.
The portal ensures a diverse and inclusive selection process, promoting representation from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Persons with Disabilities. Companies will receive a shortlist of candidates, two to three times the number of available internships, and can select interns based on their own criteria.
PM Internship Notification PDF and Apply Online Link
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
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