Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme

GS II-Schemes

Context

The PM Internship Scheme app was introduced to streamline the application process after the pilot phase saw limited participation.

Overview of the Scheme

• Objective: The scheme aims to facilitate internships for 1 crore youth over five years in India’s top 500 companies, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
• Skill Development & Employment: Designed to enhance employability by providing practical work experience across diverse sectors.
• Aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat: Supports India’s goal of self-reliance by developing a skilled workforce, reinforcing its ambition to be the “Skill Capital of the World.”
• Administration: Managed via an online platform under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Funding & Budget Allocation

• Total Fund Allocation: ₹2 lakh crore under the PM’s Employment and Skilling Package.
• Scheme-Specific Budget: ₹2,000 crore allotted for 2024-25, later revised to ₹380 crore. A projected ₹10,831 crore is planned for 2025-26.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Group: Open to individuals aged 21-24 years who are neither in full-time education nor formal employment.
• Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have completed intermediate studies and possess ITI/polytechnic certificates, AICTE-approved diplomas, or a bachelor’s degree.
• Reservation Policy: Follows the standard government job reservation criteria for SC, ST, OBC, and disabled candidates.
• Exclusions:
  • Candidates from IITs, IIMs, or those with advanced degrees (MBA, CA) are not eligible.
  • Individuals whose family income exceeds ₹8 lakh annually or have a government-employed family member are ineligible.
  • Those already enrolled in Central or State Government apprenticeship, skill development, or training schemes are excluded.

Internship Structure

• Industry Coverage: Encompasses 25 sectors, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, agriculture, healthcare, textile, telecom, energy, hospitality, and financial services.
• Internship Duration: Internships span 12 months.
• Stipend & Benefits:
  • Interns receive ₹5,000 per month, with ₹4,500 provided via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) by the government and ₹500 contributed by companies through CSR funds.
  • A one-time ₹6,000 grant is offered for incidental expenses.
  • Insurance coverage is provided under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Digital & Online Features

The scheme is primarily digital, streamlining the application, selection, and internship management process.

• Application & Selection: Candidates apply through the official portal, undergo shortlisting, and attend virtual interviews.
• Internship Execution: Many internships involve online onboarding, remote mentorship, and virtual training, ensuring accessibility across regions.

Post-Pilot Phase Enhancements

• Geotagging & Transparency: Locations and company details will be geotagged for better monitoring.
• Increased Application Flexibility: Candidates can now apply for up to three internships across India.
• User-Friendly Portal: The PMIS dashboard has been upgraded for improved navigation and internship tracking.
• Performance Monitoring: A framework will evaluate states and UTs based on their contribution to the scheme’s success.
• Awareness Campaigns: Outreach programs at colleges and employment fairs (Rozgar Melas) will boost participation.
• Support Systems: A multilingual helpline and grievance redressal mechanism will assist applicants.