PM Internship scheme: 1.25 lakh opportunities for Indian youth in 2024

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme offers young professionals a chance to gain practical experience and enhance their employability through internships with top Indian companies. Launching in December 2024, the scheme will provide 1.25 lakh internship opportunities across various sectors.

In Short

• PM Internship Scheme offers real-world exposure
• Registration open from 12 to 25 Oct 2024
• 1.25 lakh internships by 500 top companies

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme is designed to offer students real-world exposure and practical experience, enhancing their employability. Registration for the scheme will open on October 12 and close on October 25, 2024. Announced by the Union Government on October 3, 2024, this initiative will create 1.25 lakh internship opportunities for candidates during the financial year 2024-25.

These opportunities will be offered by 500 of India’s top companies, with the aim of bridging the gap between education and employment. This scheme was introduced as part of the Union Budget 2024-25 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is overseeing the project through the dedicated portal www.pminternship.mca.gov.in. The scheme has already attracted significant interest, with over 1,000 internships posted by companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Max Life, and Alembic Pharma.

IMPORTANT DATES

• Registration period: October 12–October 25, 2024
• Company selections: October 27–November 7, 2024
• Offer letters: November 8–November 15, 2024
• Internship start date: December 2, 2024

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates aged 21–24 years, with Indian nationality, can apply. Full-time employees or students engaged in full-time education are not eligible. However, students pursuing online or distance learning programs can participate.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Eligibility is open to those who have completed High School or Higher Secondary School, or hold qualifications such as ITI certificates, Polytechnic diplomas, or degrees in fields like BA, BSc, B.Com, BBA, BCA, or BPharma. Graduates from prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, and those with professional qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, or MBA are not eligible. Additionally, candidates involved in any government-led apprenticeship or training programs cannot apply.

PARTICIPATING COMPANIES

Companies participating in this scheme have been selected based on their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditures over the last three years. Additionally, any other company, bank, or financial institution interested in joining may do so with MCA approval. If companies are unable to offer direct internships, they may collaborate with their supply chain partners or other affiliated companies.

INTERNSHIP DURATION AND CERTIFICATION

The internship period is 12 months, with a requirement that candidates spend at least 6 months in a real-world working environment. On completion, interns will receive a certificate, and this experience will provide a significant boost to their career prospects.

STIPEND DETAILS

Interns will receive a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month, with Rs 4,500 provided by the government and ?500 by the company through their CSR funds. In addition, each intern will receive a one-time grant of Rs 6,000 for incidental expenses upon joining. Companies may also offer additional accident insurance to the interns.

For more information, candidates are encouraged to visit the official portal.

(With ANI inputs)