Unlocking Opportunities: The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme

The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme

The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme portal is now open for applications! This initiative is designed for unemployed young individuals aged 21 to 24 who have completed at least Class 10. It offers year-long paid internships at top companies across 24 sectors, utilizing Aadhaar-based registration and extending opportunities in 737 of India's 800 districts. The primary goal is to provide valuable work experience and boost youth employability. Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 and will be covered under government insurance schemes.

What is the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme?

Announced in the Union Budget for 2024-25, this program aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by allowing young people to gain real-world experience through internships at leading companies.

Who is eligible?

• Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 24 years old.
• Education: At least Class 10 must be completed.
• Employment status: Full-time employment or enrollment in a full-time educational program (except online or distance learning) disqualifies applicants.
• Income: Family income must not exceed ₹8 lakh for the financial year 2023-24.

Who is not eligible?

• Graduates from premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, and National Law Universities.
• Individuals with professional qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, etc.
• Those already benefiting from other government skill development or apprenticeship schemes.
• Family members of government employees.

Which companies are participating?

The pilot project includes the top 500 companies in India based on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending. Other companies can participate upon receiving approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

What kind of internships are available?

Internships span 24 sectors, including:

• IT: Software development, data analysis, cybersecurity at companies like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro.
• Manufacturing: Production, quality control, supply chain management at Tata Steel and Mahindra & Mahindra.
• Banking and finance: Banking operations, financial analysis, customer service at SBI and HDFC Bank.
• Healthcare: Healthcare administration, patient care, and research at hospitals and healthcare organizations.
• Oil and gas: Exploration, production, refining, and marketing at ONGC and Reliance Industries.
• Energy: Renewable energy, power generation, and distribution at NTPC and Adani Power.
• Travel and hospitality: Hotel management, tourism, and customer service at Taj Hotels and MakeMyTrip.
• Automotive: Design, manufacturing, and sales at Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors.

How long are the internships?

The duration of the internships is 12 months.

What kind of support do interns receive?

• Stipend: ₹5,000 per month (₹500 from the company, ₹4,500 from the government).
• One-time grant: ₹6,000 after joining the internship.
• Insurance: Coverage under government insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

How do I apply?

To apply, visit the portal: https://pminternship.mca.gov.in. Follow these steps:

• Register: Create an account using your Aadhaar number.
• Complete your profile: Provide your educational qualifications, skills, and location preferences.
• Search and apply: Browse available internships and apply for up to five that interest you.

Why is this scheme important?

• Reduces unemployment: It helps young people gain work experience and enhances their chances of securing a job.
• Develops skills: It provides valuable skills and knowledge relevant to various industries.
• Strengthens the workforce: The scheme contributes to a more skilled and competitive workforce in India.
• Promotes industry-academia collaboration: It connects students with real-world work experiences.

Synopsis

The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme is a significant initiative aimed at closing the gap between education and employment in India. By providing young individuals with valuable internship opportunities in top companies, the scheme seeks to improve their employability, develop their skills, and offer them a pathway to professional growth. This program represents a crucial step towards empowering India's youth and building a stronger workforce for the future.