PM Internship Scheme guidelines, eligibility, application process explained

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has released detailed guidelines for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), an initiative designed to give young people in India practical exposure to the corporate world. First announced in the union budget 2024–25, the scheme focuses on helping students and graduates gain hands-on experience and build skills that align with industry needs.

The pilot phase of the programme has already been rolled out in multiple rounds and is now being extended until December 2026. With a target of over 1.10 lakh internship opportunities, the scheme brings together leading companies that will offer real-world work exposure across sectors.

Internships under PMIS will last between six and nine months, depending on the role and industry. A key highlight is that at least half of this duration will be spent working in an actual job environment rather than in classrooms. The programme is strictly meant for learning and skill-building, and interns will not be considered employees.

PM Internship scheme: Eligibility criteria

To apply, candidates must be between 18 and 25 years old and should not be in full-time employment. The idea is to ensure that those who genuinely need industry exposure can benefit from the scheme.

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Educationally, the scheme is quite inclusive. Students who have completed school education, ITI courses, diplomas, or undergraduate and postgraduate degrees can apply. Even final-year students and those pursuing online or distance learning programmes are eligible. However, candidates from premier institutions or those holding certain professional degrees like CA or MBA are not eligible under this scheme.

PM Internship scheme: Registration process

Interested candidates need to register on the official PMIS portal using Aadhaar-based verification. During this process, they must fill in their personal and academic details and upload the necessary documents.

Once registered, the portal creates a resume automatically. Candidates can then explore internship opportunities based on their preferences, such as location, sector, and role, and apply accordingly. Applications remain open on a rolling basis, so candidates can apply anytime during the project period.

PM Internship scheme: Shortlisting and selection

After applications are submitted, the system prepares a pool of candidates for each opportunity. Shortlisting is done by matching candidate preferences with company requirements, while also ensuring fair representation across different social groups.

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The final selection is handled by the companies themselves. They may conduct interviews or assessments before making an offer. Selected candidates receive their offers through the portal and must confirm their acceptance within the given timeline.

PM Internship scheme: Internship joining

Once an offer is accepted, candidates are expected to join the internship as per the schedule shared by the company. They must complete all joining formalities, including document verification and onboarding procedures.

After joining is confirmed on the portal, the process for financial support begins. Interns also start receiving guidance, training, and mentorship as part of their work experience.

PM Internship scheme: Payment of monthly assistance

Interns will receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 9,000 during the internship period. This amount is shared between the government and the participating company.

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Out of this, Rs 900 is paid by the company, while Rs 8,100 is directly transferred to the intern’s bank account through DBT. The payment is linked to attendance and performance, ensuring that interns remain engaged and committed.

Completion and participation certificate

Those who complete the full internship duration will receive a completion certificate from the company. This serves as an official record of their work experience and the skills they have gained.

Such certification can be valuable when applying for jobs, as it reflects practical exposure in a professional environment. If a candidate is unable to complete the entire internship but has finished at least half of the duration, they may still request a participation certificate.

While it does not carry the same weight as a completion certificate, it still recognises the effort and experience gained during the internship period.