The PM Internship Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to provide paid, 12-month internships to Indian youth in the country’s top 500 companies. Interns aged 21–24 receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 plus a one-time grant of ₹6,000, along with insurance coverage under PMJJBY and PMSBY. Applications are submitted via the official portal pminternship.mca.gov.in, and each applicant may apply for up to three opportunities per round.
What Is the PM Internship Scheme?
The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) was launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in 2024 to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs by offering real-world work exposure to students and fresh graduates. Under PMIS, 1 crore internships are slated to be offered over five years across diverse sectors, enabling interns to develop practical skills, mentorship, and professional networks.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the PM Internship Scheme, candidates must meet all of the following criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- Age: Between 21 and 24 years as of the application deadline
- Education: Completed minimum qualifications ranging from 10th to graduation (includes ITI, diploma, and degree holders)
- Employment Status: Not currently in full-time employment or full-time education (online/distance learners are eligible)
- Family Income: Annual family income of ₹8 lakh or less
- Exclusions: Graduates from IITs, IIMs, NLU, IISER, NID, IIIT; postgraduates; and participants in any government-run skill training program
Benefits
- Stipend: ₹5,000 per month for up to 12 months
- One-Time Grant: ₹6,000 to cover initial expenses
- Insurance: Coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
- Mentorship & Training: Structured on-the-job training, skill-development workshops, and mentorship by industry experts
- Multiple Applications: Apply for up to three internships per round, increasing chances of selection
How to Apply
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to pminternship.mca.gov.in
- Register: Create a profile with Aadhaar-linked mobile number and basic personal details.
- Complete Application: Fill in educational qualifications, upload scanned documents (ID proof, address, educational certificates)
- Select Internships: Browse available opportunities in various sectors and apply to up to three postings
- Submit & Track: Receive an application reference number to monitor your status online
How to Check Application Status
- Return to the Portal: Go to the “Check Status” section on the home page
- Enter Credentials: Provide your Aadhaar number and application reference number
- View Updates: Status will display as “Under Review,” “Accepted,” or “Rejected”
- SMS Alerts: Automated notifications sent to your registered mobile number at each key milestone
Limitations
The PM Internship Scheme experiences a low uptake, with just 7 % of offered positions filled in its first round, reflecting intense competition and limited placements . The mandated 12-month tenure often clashes with industry preferences for shorter (1–6 month) periods, leading to early dropouts . A monthly stipend of ₹5,000 plus a one-time grant of ₹6,000 may not cover relocation and living expenses in metro areas, deterring financially constrained youth . Additionally, administrative delays and low awareness have resulted in underutilization of allocated funds .