Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS)

What is it?

The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme puts young people who have finished their studies inside real companies for a year, so that they leave with actual work experience rather than only a certificate. The scheme was launched on 3 October 2024 and applications opened on 12 October 2024. The stated goal is to provide one crore young people with internship opportunities over five years, across 24 sectors.

The internship runs for 12 months. During that time you get a stipend of Rs 5,000 a month. This is made up of two parts: Rs 500 comes from the partner company and depends on your attendance, and Rs 4,500 comes from the Government straight into your bank account by Direct Benefit Transfer. On joining you also receive a one-time grant of Rs 6,000, again by DBT. You are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, with the premium paid by the Government.

To be eligible you must be aged 21 to 24, an Indian national, and not in full-time employment or full-time education. Students doing online or distance learning are allowed. Your qualification must be High School or Higher Secondary, an ITI certificate, a polytechnic diploma, or a bachelor's degree such as BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA or B.Pharma.

There is a long list of people who are kept out, and this is where most confusion arises. Graduates of the IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISERs, NID and IIITs are not eligible. Neither are holders of CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA or any higher degree. If you are already in an apprenticeship or in a government skilling or internship scheme, you cannot join. If your family income was more than Rs 8 lakh, you are out. And if any member of your family is a permanent or regular government employee, you are also out.

You register on the PM Internship portal and can apply for up to five internships. The portal then shortlists candidates, with emphasis on diversity and social inclusion, and companies make the final selection.

Potential benefit

Up to ₹5,000 per month

A monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 for 12 months, of which Rs 500 is paid by the partner company and depends on attendance, and Rs 4,500 is paid by the Government by Direct Benefit Transfer. In addition there is a one-time grant of Rs 6,000 paid by DBT. Interns are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, with the premium paid by the Government.

Who can apply?

Other conditions stated by the government

• Age 21 to 24 years.
• Indian national not in full-time employment and not in full-time education; students in online or distance learning are eligible.
• Minimum qualification: High School or Higher Secondary, ITI certificate, polytechnic diploma, or a bachelor's degree such as BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA or B.Pharma.
• NOT eligible: graduates of IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISERs, NID and IIITs.
• NOT eligible: holders of CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA or any higher degree.
• NOT eligible: anyone currently in an apprenticeship or in a government skilling or internship scheme.
• NOT eligible: anyone whose family income exceeded Rs 8 lakh (stated as FY 2023-24 in the round I checked).
• NOT eligible: dependents of permanent or regular government employees.

Eligibility information is provided for informational purposes only. Final eligibility and approval are determined by the relevant government authority.

How to apply

Register on the PM Internship Portal and complete your profile. You may apply for up to five internships. The portal shortlists candidates with emphasis on diversity and social inclusion, and the partner companies then make the final selection and issue the offer. The stipend and the one-time grant are paid by Direct Benefit Transfer into your bank account.

Where to apply: online

Deadline

We have not been able to confirm a current deadline from an official source. Check before applying.