Prime minister internship scheme to provide internship opportunities to 10 million youth in the next five years

Skill development and employment generation are critical needs for India. Recognizing the necessity to equip the country’s youth with the tools required to succeed in today’s fast-paced economy, the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was launched on October 3, 2024. The initiative aims to provide valuable internship opportunities to 10 million youth over the next five years. The Ministry has identified the top 500 companies based on their average CSR expenditure over the last three years.

Target of 125,000 Internships for FY 2024-25:

Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, this scheme will begin as a pilot project for FY 2024-25, with a target of 125,000 internships. These opportunities will span across 24 sectors, including oil, gas, energy, travel, hospitality, automotive, and banking and financial services. The companies selected for this pilot project are chosen based on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure over the past three years.

Objective of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme:

The objective of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme is to operate independently of other existing skill development programs, apprenticeships, and student training initiatives implemented by states and union territories. The scheme is designed to enhance employability and provide young people with real-world experience, equipping them with the tools needed to compete in the job market. The government aims to develop a skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.

Eligibility for the Internship Scheme:

Eligible candidates for the internship scheme include those who have passed high school or higher secondary school, hold certificates from ITIs or polytechnics, or have completed degrees such as BA, BSc, BCom, BCA, BBA, BPharma.  

1. Graduates from IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISERs, NIDs, and IIITs.
2. Holders of qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, or master’s or higher degrees.
3. Individuals involved in skill development, apprenticeship, internship, or student training programs under central or state government schemes.
4. Those who have completed an apprenticeship under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) or National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
5. Candidates whose family member’s income exceeds ₹8 lakh for the financial year 2023-24.
6. Family members of permanent or regular government employees.

Financial Assistance for Interns:

• Interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 during the internship period.
• Partner companies will contribute ₹500, contingent upon attendance and conduct.
• The government will transfer the remaining ₹4,500 directly to the intern’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Additionally, a one-time grant of ₹6,000 will be provided after joining the internship, also through DBT.

Insurance Coverage:

All interns will be covered under the government’s insurance schemes—Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana—with the premium paid by the government. Partner companies may also offer additional accident insurance coverage.

Applications Open from October 12 for the Internship Scheme: The 12-month internship program under the pilot project is open to Indian youth aged 21 to 24 who are not engaged in full-time employment or full-time education. Applicants enrolled in online or distance education programs are also eligible to apply. Applications for the internship can be submitted through the Prime Minister’s Internship Portal starting October 12, 2024.