PM Internship Scheme: Check How to Apply, Eligibility and Registration Process

The Government of India has launched an ambitious initiative called the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), aimed at enhancing the employability and skills of young Indians.

This comprehensive program seeks to provide valuable workplace experience to one crore youth over the next five years, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Let’s delve into the details of this transformative scheme and explore how it aims to shape the future of India’s workforce.

Overview and Objectives

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme, announced during the representation of the education budget for 2024-25, is a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment in India. The scheme’s primary objective is to offer hands-on training and real-world experience to recent graduates and skilled youth, thereby improving their chances of securing long-term employment.

Key features of the scheme include:

• Providing internships to one crore youth over five years
• Offering opportunities in India’s top 500 companies
• Ensuring a monthly stipend and additional financial assistance
• Promoting diversity and social inclusion
• Implementing a tech-driven, transparent selection process

Eligibility Criteria for the PM Internship Scheme

To participate in the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: Applicants should be between 21 and 24 years old as of the last date for application submission.
2. Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible.
3. Education: Candidates must have completed one of the following:
   • Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent
   • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent
   • Certificate from an Industrial Training Institute (ITI)
   • Diploma from a Polytechnic Institute
   • Graduation degree (e.g., BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma)
4. Employment Status: Applicants should not be engaged in full-time employment or full-time education. However, those enrolled in online or distance learning programs are eligible.

Ineligibility Criteria for the PM Internship Scheme

Certain groups are not eligible for the scheme, including:

• Graduates from prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISER, NIDs, or IIITs
• Holders of advanced qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, PhD, or any master’s degree
• Individuals currently participating in government skill, apprenticeship, or training programs
• Those who have completed apprenticeships under NATS or NAPS
• Candidates whose family income exceeds ₹8 lakh for FY 2023-24
• Individuals with family members (self, parents, or spouse) who are permanent/regular government employees

Financial Assistance and Benefits

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme offers substantial financial support to selected interns:

1. Monthly Stipend: Interns receive ₹5,000 per month for the entire 12-month internship period.
   • The government provides ₹4,500 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
   • The partner company contributes ₹500
2. One-time Grant: A ₹6,000 grant is provided at the beginning of the internship to cover incidental expenses.
3. Insurance Coverage: Interns are covered under two government insurance schemes:
   • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
   • Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

The Government of India pays the insurance premiums. Companies may also choose to provide additional accidental insurance coverage.

How to Apply for PM Internship Scheme -Application Process

The application process for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme is designed to be user-friendly and accessible:

Currently, the portal is open to partner companies. The portal will soon be open for the youth. Please stay connected for further updates.

1. Registration: Candidates must register on the official PM Internship portal.
   

   Currently, the portal is open to partner companies. The portal will soon be open for the youth. Please stay connected for further updates.

2. Profile Completion: Applicants fill out their profile with personal and educational details.
3. Resume Generation: The portal automatically generates a resume based on the provided information.
4. Internship Selection: Candidates can browse and apply for up to five internship opportunities based on their preferences (location, sector, role, qualifications).
5. Shortlisting: An algorithm shortlists candidates based on their preferences and company requirements, promoting diversity and social inclusion.
6. Company Selection: Partner companies review shortlisted candidates and make internship offers.
7. Acceptance: Selected candidates can accept or reject offers through the portal.

Required Documents for PM Internship Scheme

When registering for the scheme, candidates should have the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar card
• Educational certificates (completion/final examination/assessment certificates)
• Recent passport-size photograph (optional)

For most other information, self-declaration is sufficient, and no additional proof is required.

Internship Details

Duration and Structure:

• The internship lasts for 12 months.
• At least half of the internship period (6 months) must be spent in the actual working environment.
• The remaining time may include relevant training and skill development activities.

Sectors and Roles: Internships are available across various sectors, including but not limited to:

• IT and Software Development
• Banking and Financial Services
• Oil, Gas & Energy
• Metals & Mining
• FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods)
• Telecom
• Infrastructure & Construction
• Retail & Consumer Durables
• Automotive
• Pharmaceutical
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Healthcare

Participating Companies: The scheme involves India’s top 500 companies, selected based on their average CSR expenditure over the last three years. Additional companies may join the scheme upon approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Leave and Sabbatical Policy:

• Interns are entitled to leave as per the partner company’s policies.
• In case of emergencies, interns may be granted a sabbatical of up to two months.
• If the sabbatical exceeds two months, the intern must discontinue the internship but may reapply in future cycles.

Performance Evaluation and Recognition:

• Companies are encouraged to establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks for interns.
• Regular feedback and performance assessments help interns improve and grow professionally.
• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs will recognize outstanding interns and participating companies based on exceptional performance and innovation.

Post-Internship Prospects

While the Prime Minister Internship Scheme does not guarantee employment after completion, it significantly enhances participants’ career prospects:

• Interns gain valuable industry experience and develop essential skills.
• The scheme helps build professional networks.
• Successful completion may lead to job offers from partner companies, although this is not guaranteed.
• Interns receive a certificate of completion, which can be valuable for future job applications.

Implementation and Oversight

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme is implemented through a collaborative effort between the government and partner companies:

1. Portal Management: A dedicated online portal facilitates the entire internship lifecycle, from application to completion.
2. Company Involvement: Partner companies post internship opportunities, select candidates, and provide mentorship and training.
3. Government Support: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs oversees the scheme, provides financial assistance, and ensures proper implementation.
4. Grievance Redressal: A multi-channel system addresses interns’ queries and concerns, including chatbots and a multilingual call center.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme places a strong emphasis on diversity and social inclusion:

• The shortlisting algorithm ensures representation from all population segments, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Persons with Disabilities.
• The scheme is open to youth from various educational backgrounds, including those from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and skill centers.
• The scheme aims to create a more inclusive workforce by providing opportunities across different sectors and regions.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme represents a significant step towards empowering India’s youth and addressing the challenges of unemployment and skill gaps. The scheme aims to create a more skilled, experienced, and employable workforce by providing structured internships, financial support, and exposure to top companies.

As the program unfolds over the next five years, it can potentially transform the lives of one crore young Indians, equipping them with the practical skills and experience needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market. The Prime Minister Internship Scheme offers eligible candidates a unique opportunity to kickstart their careers and contribute to India’s growing economy.

To learn more about the scheme or apply, visit the official portal. As this ambitious initiative takes shape, it promises to play a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s workforce and driving economic growth through enhanced youth employability.