The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), launched by the Centre, aims to improve youth employability and workplace exposure. The scheme seeks to provide internship opportunities to one crore young people over five years. Under the programme, selected candidates are placed with companies for practical workplace training to help improve their job readiness.
Pilot Phase and Target
The pilot phase of the PM Internship Scheme began in 2024-25 with a target of offering 1.25 lakh internship opportunities. This initial phase is designed to test the framework and gather feedback for scaling up the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
The internship programme is open to young people who are not in full-time employment. Candidates trained at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and skill centres are eligible to apply. However, graduates from prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), along with candidates holding professional qualifications like Chartered Accountant (CA) and Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), are excluded from the programme.
Duration and Focus
The internships are designed to last for 12 months, with at least half of the duration focused on hands-on work experience. This ensures that interns gain practical skills that enhance their employability.
Stipend and Benefits
Under the scheme, interns receive monthly financial assistance from the government. Participating companies also contribute additional support through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Apart from the monthly stipend, selected candidates are provided financial support for incidental expenses. Insurance coverage under government schemes is also included for interns, providing a safety net during the internship period.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official portal — the PM Internship Scheme portal. To apply, candidates need to follow these steps:
- Register on the official website
- Fill in personal and educational details
- Upload the required documents
- Select preferred internship sectors or companies
- Submit the application form online
The government has also set up a multilingual helpline at 1800-116-090 for candidates facing issues during registration or application. This helpline provides assistance in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all eligible youth.
