The Indian government has launched schemes to provide internship opportunities for young people in India's top companies. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience, enhance employability, and provide valuable exposure to real-world business environments. One such scheme is the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), which facilitates internships in the top 500 companies across the country.
Understanding the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS)
The PMIS was introduced in the Union Budget 2024-25 with the goal of providing one crore internships in leading companies over five years. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is the driving force behind this initiative. The pilot phase, launched in October 2024, aimed to provide 1.25 lakh internships to young job seekers. The scheme is being implemented with the cooperation of state governments, industry associations, and educational institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PMIS, candidates must meet certain criteria:
- Be Indian nationals.
- Be between 21 and 24 years old.
- Not be currently enrolled in any full-time academic program or employment.
- Have completed at least Class 10, Class 12, or hold a diploma/degree.
Benefits of the PMIS
Interns selected under the PMIS receive several benefits:
- A 12-month internship in one of India's top companies.
- A monthly stipend of ₹5,000. The central government contributes ₹4,500, and the company contributes ₹500 from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
- A one-time grant of ₹6,000 for incidentals.
- Insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
How to Apply
To apply for the PMIS, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website: pminternship.mca.gov.in.
- Click on the registration link on the homepage.
- Fill in the required registration details and submit.
- The portal will generate a resume based on the information provided.
- Apply for up to five internship opportunities based on your preferences (location, sector, functional role, and qualifications).
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page.
- Keep a hard copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
Other Government Internship Opportunities
Besides the PMIS, other government internship programs are available:
- NITI Aayog Internship Scheme: This scheme is open to undergraduate, postgraduate students, and research scholars enrolled in recognized universities/institutions in India and abroad.
- MyGov Internship: MyGov, the citizen engagement platform of the Government of India, offers internships in various areas, including management, partnerships, social media, research, and creative teams.
- NCGG Internship Programme: The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) offers internships to students and researchers seeking practical experience in governance and public policy-related issues.
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) Internship Scheme: IIRS, under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), offers internship opportunities to UG, PG, and Ph.D. students pursuing degrees in Science/Technology.
Key Considerations
- Application Deadlines: Keep an eye on the official websites for the respective schemes to stay updated on application deadlines. The application window for the PM Internship Scheme 2025 officially closed on April 22, 2025.
- Selection Process: The selection process for internships under the PMIS has started, and candidates should regularly check their application status on the portal, email, and SMS.
- Stipend Disbursement: Under the PMIS, the government contributes ₹4,500 per month to each intern's stipend through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to their Aadhaar-linked bank account. The partner company provides the remaining ₹500.
By leveraging these government schemes, young individuals can gain invaluable experience in top companies, enhance their skills, and improve their career prospects.
