Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was introduced in the Budget for 2024-25, aiming to create 1 crore internship opportunities over the next five years in the top 500 companies. The initiative is designed to equip youth with practical exposure to real-life business environments, preparing them for a range of professions and employment avenues.

In its first phase, the Pilot Project will provide 1.25 lakh internships during the Financial Year 2024-25. Below are the key highlights of this transformative program:

1. Internship Overview

Internships under this scheme are designed as a bridge between academic knowledge and industry expectations. Interns will spend 12 months gaining hands-on experience, with at least half of their time in a real work environment, fostering improved employability.

2. Eligibility Criteria

To participate, candidates must:

• Be 21 to 24 years old as of the application deadline.
• Hold qualifications ranging from High School to Bachelor’s degrees (e.g., BA, B.Sc., B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma, etc.).
• Not be employed full-time or engaged in any full-time educational programs (online/distance learning is acceptable).

Note: Graduates from elite institutions like IITs, IIMs, and those with advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, MBBS) or family income exceeding Rs 8 lakh are ineligible.

3. Partner Companies

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has identified the top 500 companies based on their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) expenditure over the past three years. Companies may also collaborate with their supply chain partners to offer internships.

4. Key Benefits for Interns

• Stipend: Interns will receive Rs. 5,000 per month, with Rs. 500 contributed by the company and Rs. 4,500 provided by the government via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• One-time Grant: A Rs. 16,000 grant will be disbursed for incidentals once the internship begins.
• Training & Insurance: Companies will cover training costs through their CSR funds. Interns will also receive insurance coverage under government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

5. How to Apply

Eligible candidates can register on the dedicated portal, www.pminternship.mca.gov.in. The portal offers:

• A resume generation tool for registered candidates.
• A platform to browse internship opportunities by location, sector, and qualifications.
• The ability to apply for up to five internships based on preferences.

6. Selection Process

The portal will shortlist candidates based on factors like social inclusivity and representation of underprivileged groups. Companies will then select from a pool of candidates, ensuring a fair and diverse recruitment process.

7. Recognition & Grievance Redressal

• Recognition: Best practices, top-performing interns, and partner companies will be recognized and awarded by the Ministry.
• Grievance Redressal: An online portal with chatbots, a dedicated call center, and a tracking system will be available for resolving queries and grievances.

8. Monitoring & Communication

The scheme will be overseen by a Monitoring and Steering Committee (MSC), which will ensure proper implementation. A dashboard with key performance indicators (KPIs) will track the progress of the scheme.

Communication efforts, including FAQs, videos, and manuals, will help spread awareness and encourage participation from both companies and interns.

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme is an exciting opportunity for young Indians to gain invaluable industry experience. Stay updated by visiting the official portal, and don’t miss your chance to be a part of this career-boosting initiative!