Quick Overview of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme launched by Indian Govt 2024 and aims to provide significant employment opportunities for youth across India by facilitating 12-month internships in the country’s top 500 companies. This ambitious pilot project targets providing 1.25 lakh internship opportunities in FY 2024-25, as announced in the Budget 2024-25. Here’s a breakdown of the scheme’s key features and benefits for both candidates and participating companies.

Introduction to the Scheme

This internship program is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry requirements. It provides young individuals with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build valuable skills across diverse fields, enhancing their employability in the process.

Key Highlights of the Pilot Project

1. Internship Duration

The internship is structured to last for 12 months.
At least half of the internship period must be spent in an actual job environment, ensuring practical experience.

2. Eligibility Criteria for Candidates

Age: 21–24 years old.
Qualifications: High school graduates, ITI certificate holders, polytechnic diploma holders, or bachelor’s degree holders in non-professional fields.
Exclusions: Graduates from premier institutions (IITs, IIMs, etc.), those with postgraduate degrees, and those from families with an annual income over ₹8 lakh or a government employee family member are not eligible.

Internship Structure and Benefits

1. Monthly Stipend and Support

Each intern will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. The company contributes ₹500, and the government provides the remaining ₹4,500 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Additionally, interns will receive a one-time incidental grant of ₹6,000 upon joining.

2. Insurance and Additional Support

Interns are covered under government insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
Companies can also offer extra accidental coverage if desired.

Partner Company Criteria and Participation

1. Selection of Partner Companies

The top 500 companies, chosen based on their CSR spending, are invited to participate. Other companies interested can also apply with approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

2. Internship Hosting Options

Companies can either directly host interns or collaborate with firms in their supply chain to offer placements.

Online Portal for Implementation

The scheme will be implemented through an online portal that facilitates every stage, from candidate registration to internship completion. The portal provides companies with a dashboard to post internships, and candidates can apply to up to five internship roles.

Selection and Shortlisting Process

1. Candidate Application and Shortlisting

Eligible candidates register on the portal and apply to internships based on their location, sector, and qualifications.
The system prioritizes diversity by giving preference to socially inclusive categories, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, and Persons with Disabilities.

2. Internship Offers and Onboarding

Companies select candidates from a shortlist, and the selected interns can accept offers directly through the portal.
Once onboarded, interns receive their initial grant, and companies track monthly performance and payments on the portal.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Grievance Redressal

1. Scheme Monitoring

A Monitoring and Steering Committee will oversee the project to ensure effective implementation.
The portal will provide dashboards with performance indicators for continuous assessment.

2. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

A grievance redressal system, including a multilingual call center, will address queries and complaints from candidates and companies to ensure smooth operations.

Performance Recognition and Future Implementation

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs will recognize outstanding interns and companies for their achievements. The learnings from this pilot will guide the broader rollout of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme in the coming years.

To apply : https://pminternship.mca.gov.in/login/

This Pilot Project marks a significant step in empowering youth and fostering industry-relevant skills, paving the way for a more inclusive and skilled workforce in India.