Have you recently graduated and are wondering how to gain real-world experience in India’s top companies? The PM Internship Scheme 2025 offers a golden opportunity for young individuals to step into the professional world through a government-backed, structured internship programme.
Designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, this initiative provides financial support, practical exposure, and industry mentorship across various sectors. But how does it work, and who can apply? Let’s explore.
What Is the PM Internship Scheme?
The PM Internship Scheme 2025, initiated by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, offers a transformative opportunity for the youth of India. It’s designed to address the gap between education and employability by immersing young minds into real-world business environments.
Launched with a vision to provide internships to one crore youth over five years, this initiative invites eligible candidates to join India’s leading 500 companies. It focuses on enhancing practical skills through a structured 12-month internship that combines professional exposure with industry-driven mentorship.
The scheme is not just about internships. It represents a national effort to support the ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission, a future-ready, skilled, and empowered India. By collaborating with corporate leaders across 25 industries, it bridges academic knowledge with workplace expectations, enhancing the employability of graduates across sectors.
Unlike traditional internship programmes, this initiative functions independently of other state and central government schemes, ensuring more focused outreach and a dedicated platform for youth empowerment.
How Does the PM Internship Scheme Work in India?
The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme is structured to function as a unique channel of collaboration between companies and aspiring youth.
At its core, the scheme enables a direct relationship between an intern and an organisation, where training, skill development, and hands-on experience form the basis of engagement.
The internships last for 12 months, with at least half of this duration requiring the intern to actively work in the company’s operational environment. The emphasis is on practical exposure rather than theoretical or classroom-based learning.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs oversees the scheme, coordinating with top 500 companies to offer sector-based internships that align with national employment objectives. The scheme includes an expansive network covering:
- 36 States and Union Territories
- 735 districts across India
- Opportunities for five different qualification levels
This wide reach ensures that students from both urban and rural backgrounds have equal opportunities to access India’s leading companies.
It is distinctly separate from existing government initiatives like apprenticeships or skilling programmes, making it exclusive, impactful, and well-targeted.
Who Is Eligible for the PM Internship Scheme 2025?
The eligibility criteria for this scheme are clearly defined to ensure that the most deserving candidates benefit from the programme. Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Must be of Indian nationality
- Age should be between 21 and 24 years as of the closing date of the application
- Should not be enrolled in full-time education
- Must not be engaged in any full-time employment
- Candidates in distance learning or online programmes are eligible
Educational Qualifications
Applicants should have completed one of the following:
- High School (Class 10) or Higher Secondary (Class 12)
- ITI Certificate Holders
- Polytechnic Diploma Holders
- Graduates in BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA, BPharma, etc.
Income Criteria
- The annual family income must not exceed ₹8,00,000
- Family includes self, spouse, and parents
- Applicants whose family members are permanent government employees are not eligible
Who Is Not Eligible?
Certain groups are specifically excluded:
- Graduates from IITs, IIMs, NIDs, IIITs, National Law Universities, and IISERs
- Candidates with CA, CS, CMA, MBA, MBBS, BDS, Master’s or higher degrees
- Those enrolled in other Central/State internship or apprenticeship schemes
- Applicants who have completed training under NATS or NAPS
This structured eligibility ensures a fair chance for students who might otherwise be overlooked in mainstream hiring due to limited exposure.
What Is the Duration of the Internship Under the PM Internship Scheme?
The PM Internship Scheme follows a 12-month internship model, which is carefully structured to maximise practical learning while maintaining industry standards.
Duration and Structure
- The internship spans exactly one year (12 months)
- At least 50% of the total duration must involve hands-on work within an actual company environment
- Classroom sessions or virtual learning are restricted to ensure genuine exposure to workplace dynamics
Learning Outcome
By the end of this internship, the participant is expected to:
- Understand the real-time challenges and functions within a company
- Develop soft and technical skills relevant to their industry
- Improve employability and build a portfolio of experience
This setup not only benefits the intern but also adds value to the organisation, creating a mutually beneficial professional environment.
What Are the Benefits Offered in the PM Internship Scheme?
The scheme comes with a comprehensive benefits package, making it both attractive and supportive for financially constrained candidates.
Financial Assistance and Grants
| Benefit | Amount | Disbursed By |
| Monthly Internship Support | ₹4500 | Government of India |
| Monthly Industry Contribution | ₹500 | Partner Companies |
| One-Time Incidental Grant | ₹6000 | Direct Benefit Transfer |
Insurance Coverage
Interns receive full insurance under:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
These insurances ensure that every intern is safeguarded against health and accidental risks during their internship period.
Key Highlights
- Financial support is provided for all 12 months
- The one-time grant is credited after joining the internship
- All funds are directly transferred to the intern’s verified bank account
This makes the scheme not only educational but also financially feasible for youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
How Can Candidates Apply for the PM Internship Scheme Online?
The application process is entirely online, designed to be user-friendly and transparent. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Registration Process
- Visit the official PM Internship portal
- Click on “Youth Registration” or “Register Now”
- Enter Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify via OTP
- Set up your password during first login
- Complete your e-KYC using DigiLocker
Profile Setup
- Fill in personal, educational, and banking details
- Upload academic certificates
- List your skills and language proficiency
Internship Application
- Click “View & Apply Internship”
- Review the available internships
- Click on “Apply”
- Submit all required details and confirm
Tracking Your Application
- Log into your dashboard
- Use the “Track Your Application” feature
- Monitor offer status: received, waitlisted, or accepted
This transparent application journey ensures equal opportunity and complete visibility at every step.
What Documents Are Required for the PM Internship Scheme Application?
Applicants need to upload the following during the registration and application process:
Essential Documents
- Aadhaar Card (linked to mobile number)
- Educational qualification certificates
- Proof of age
- Bank account details for fund transfers
- Any additional documents requested by the company
Each document must be scanned and uploaded in the specified format. Applications with incomplete or incorrect documents may be rejected.
What Sectors Are Covered Under the PM Internship Scheme?
The PM Internship Scheme connects interns with opportunities across 25 diverse sectors, providing unmatched exposure to different professional environments.
Major Sectors Offering Internships
- Agriculture & Allied Services
- Automotive
- Aviation & Defence
- Banking & Financial Services
- IT & Software Development
- Construction & Infrastructure
- FMCG, Healthcare, Education, Retail, Telecom
- Manufacturing & Industrial, Energy, Chemicals, Media, Sports
Nationwide Coverage
- Internships are available in all 36 States/UTs
- Spread across 735 districts, making it accessible to urban and rural candidates
This diverse sectoral approach ensures that students from different educational backgrounds find suitable roles that match their interests and aspirations.
How Can Applicants Track Their PM Internship Application Status?
Once the application is submitted, candidates can easily track their progress through the dashboard.
Using the Application Tracker
- Log into your registered profile
- Click on “Track Your Application”
- View a detailed table showing:
- Internships applied to
- Offers received
- Status updates (accepted, waitlisted, rejected)
The real-time tracking mechanism helps students plan their follow-up actions and stay updated without any confusion.
Why Is the PM Internship Scheme a Game-Changer for Indian Youth?
The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is more than a government programme. It is a strategic initiative to nurture youth potential and support economic growth through skill development.
Transformative Impact
- Provides access to India’s top 500 companies
- Bridges the education-employment gap
- Encourages financial independence
- Builds industry-specific skillsets
Empowerment at Scale
- Internships for 1 crore youth in 5 years
- Focus on real-time learning
- A step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India)
For many, this could be the first step into a long-term, fulfilling career. It offers not just experience, but also a sense of purpose and belonging in the professional world.
Conclusion
The PM Internship Scheme 2025 stands as a remarkable step by the Indian Government to shape the future of its youth. By providing structured, funded, and secure internships, it equips participants with both experience and employability.
If you’re an eligible graduate or diploma holder looking to kick-start your career in a real business environment, this scheme might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of the PM Internship Scheme?
The scheme aims to bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements by offering real-time business exposure to youth.
Can full-time students apply for the PM Internship Scheme?
No, candidates pursuing full-time education are not eligible. Only those in distance learning or online programmes can apply.
What is the age limit for applying to the scheme?
Applicants must be between 21 and 24 years old as of the closing date of the application.
What kind of companies offer internships through the scheme?
Internships are provided by the top 500 companies in India across 25 different sectors.
How can I apply for the PM Internship Scheme?
You can apply online by registering on the official PM Internship portal using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and completing the e-KYC process.
