The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is a flagship initiative by the Government of India designed to empower youth by offering real-world internship opportunities in India’s top 500 companies. With an ambitious target of providing one crore internships over the next five years, the scheme not only bridges the gap between academic learning and industry requirements but also fosters skill development, professional networking, and inclusive growth across various sectors.
FOR CANDIDATES
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)?
The PM Internship Scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing internship opportunities to young talent across the top 500 companies in India. It exposes interns to actual business environments in diverse sectors and is targeted to offer one crore internships over five years, enabling substantial skill development and professional growth.
What is an internship and why should I enroll?
An internship is a structured learning experience in which you work within a company to gain practical skills and industry exposure. It helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life business challenges, enhancing your employability and professional skill set.
What kind of internships will I get through PMIS?
Interns can expect to work in a variety of roles across sectors such as IT & Software Development, Banking & Financial Services, Oil, Gas & Energy, Metals & Mining, FMCG, Telecom, Infrastructure, Construction, Retail, Consumer Durables, Cement, Automotive, Pharmaceuticals, Aviation & Defence, Manufacturing, Chemicals, Media, Entertainment, Education, Agriculture, Consulting, Textiles, Gems & Jewellery, Travel & Hospitality, and Healthcare. [Click here for a detailed sector-wise company list.]
What type of companies will offer internships?
Selected candidates will intern with India’s top 500 companies. This not only gives you exposure to industry-leading practices but also opens up possibilities in various segments of a company’s operations—including roles in their extended supply chains.
What is the duration of the internship?
All internships under PMIS are structured to last for 12 months.
Will I be confined to classroom training during my internship?
No. At least 6 out of the 12 months will involve working in a real-world environment, ensuring you gain hands-on experience alongside relevant training sessions.
Will an internship guarantee a job afterward?
While the scheme is an excellent opportunity to build your skills and professional network, it does not guarantee employment post-internship. However, the practical experience you gain will significantly enhance your career prospects.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Who can apply for the PM Internship Scheme?
To be eligible, you must:
Be an Indian citizen
Be aged between 21 and 24 years as on the application deadline
Not be engaged in full-time employment or full-time education (online/distance learning is acceptable)
Have completed your SSC/HSC or equivalent, or hold a diploma/ITI certificate, or a graduation degree (e.g., BA, BSc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma, etc.)
[Click here for more details.]
Be an Indian citizen
Be aged between 21 and 24 years as on the application deadline
Not be engaged in full-time employment or full-time education (online/distance learning is acceptable)
Have completed your SSC/HSC or equivalent, or hold a diploma/ITI certificate, or a graduation degree (e.g., BA, BSc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma, etc.)
[Click here for more details.]
Can international candidates apply?
No. Only Indian nationals are eligible for the PM Internship Scheme.
What if I am enrolled in an online or distance learning course?
Candidates enrolled in online, distance, or correspondence courses are eligible to apply.
Is there any reservation or inclusion policy?
Although there is no formal reservation system, the selection algorithm is designed to promote diversity. It ensures fair representation of SCs, STs, OBCs, and PwDs, thereby supporting social inclusivity.
INELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
Who is not eligible to apply?
Applicants are ineligible if they: Are below 21 or above 24 years of age as of the application deadline
Are currently in full-time employment or full-time education
Are graduates from institutions such as IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISERs, NIDs, etc., or hold qualifications like CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, PhD, or any master’s/higher degree recognized by the UGC
Are undergoing any government apprenticeship or training programme
Have already completed an apprenticeship under NATS or NAPS
Have a family income (self, parents, or spouse) exceeding ₹8 lakh for FY 2023-24
Have a family member who is a permanent/regular government employee (excluding contractual roles)
Are currently in full-time employment or full-time education
Are graduates from institutions such as IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISERs, NIDs, etc., or hold qualifications like CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, PhD, or any master’s/higher degree recognized by the UGC
Are undergoing any government apprenticeship or training programme
Have already completed an apprenticeship under NATS or NAPS
Have a family income (self, parents, or spouse) exceeding ₹8 lakh for FY 2023-24
Have a family member who is a permanent/regular government employee (excluding contractual roles)
Can I apply if I am enrolled in an online/distance course?
Yes, as mentioned, online/distance/correspondence students are eligible.
Will having a master’s degree help my application?
No. Candidates with a master’s degree or professional qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, or MBA are not eligible for PMIS.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Will I receive financial assistance during my internship?
Yes. Interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for the entire 12-month period. This includes:
₹500 per month released by partner companies (subject to attendance and conduct)
₹4,500 per month disbursed by the government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to your Aadhaar-seeded bank account
A one-time grant of ₹6,000 provided after joining
Additionally, interns are covered by government insurance schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, with potential extra coverage from the company.
₹500 per month released by partner companies (subject to attendance and conduct)
₹4,500 per month disbursed by the government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to your Aadhaar-seeded bank account
A one-time grant of ₹6,000 provided after joining
Additionally, interns are covered by government insurance schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, with potential extra coverage from the company.
Will I get travel allowances or additional support?
Partner companies may offer further support or benefits, but the core financial assistance remains as outlined.
Does insurance coverage extend beyond the internship period?
No, the provided insurance coverage lapses once the internship is completed.
Will financial assistance be provided during any sabbatical (break) period?
No, financial assistance is only provided during the active internship period.
Is there any assistance for purchasing clothes?
No dedicated allowance is provided for clothing. However, the one-time grant of ₹6,000 may help offset initial expenses.
What is an Aadhaar-seeded bank account?
It is a bank account linked to your Aadhaar number, necessary for receiving government disbursements via DBT.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How are interns selected?
Intern selection is conducted through a fair, objective, and tech-driven process. Applicants must register on the PMIS portal (https://pminternship.mca.gov.in/), complete their profiles, generate their CVs, and submit up to five internship preferences. The shortlisting emphasizes diversity and inclusion.
Which documents are required during registration?
Keep the following documents ready:
Aadhaar card
Educational certificates (including completion or final exam certificates)
Recent passport-size photograph (optional)
Additional self-declarations may be acceptable.
Aadhaar card
Educational certificates (including completion or final exam certificates)
Recent passport-size photograph (optional)
Additional self-declarations may be acceptable.
How many internship options can I apply for?
You may select and apply for up to five internship options in one application cycle.
Can I modify my internship preferences?
Yes. Preferences can be updated multiple times before the application deadline. Once submitted, however, no further changes can be made.
What if I’m not selected for any of my five choices?
You may reapply in subsequent cycles if none of your preferences result in an offer.
What is the maximum number of offers I can receive?
A candidate can receive a maximum of two internship offers.
What if I decide not to accept an offer?
You can reject the offer. However, if you do so, you will only be eligible to reapply in future cycles.
How will I receive my final offer letter?
The final offer letter will be uploaded on the PMIS portal and sent to your registered email address.
OTHER ASSISTANCE
Does PMIS guarantee employment after the internship?
No. While PMIS significantly boosts your skills and employability, it does not guarantee a job after the internship.
Can the internship be extended beyond 12 months?
No, the duration is fixed at 12 months with no extensions allowed.
Can I take leaves during my internship?
Yes, leave policies are determined by the partner company’s guidelines.
Will I receive holidays?
Yes, you will be entitled to holidays as per the company’s official holiday schedule.
What should I do in case of a medical or personal emergency?
In emergencies, you may be granted a sabbatical of up to two months, subject to the company’s policies.
Can I rejoin the internship after a sabbatical?
Yes, if your break is less than two months, you can rejoin and complete the remaining duration.
What if my sabbatical exceeds two months?
You will have to discontinue your internship and may reapply in the next cycle.
Will I receive a certificate if I take a brief sabbatical?
Yes, if the sabbatical is under two months, you will still receive your internship certificate upon completion.
Can I request a sabbatical for reasons other than emergencies?
Sabbaticals are typically only granted for urgent personal or medical emergencies. Requests outside these circumstances are subject to company discretion.
What happens if I need to leave the internship early?
You must inform your supervisor and program coordinator. Early withdrawal means you will not receive a completion certificate.
Will I get a certificate if I drop out early?
No, interns who leave before completing the program will not receive a certificate.
Can I apply for another internship after leaving one early?
No, if you drop out, you cannot apply for another PMIS internship for one year from your original joining date.
Can I reapply after one year if I dropped out?
Yes, you may reapply for the scheme after a one-year gap.
Is any pre-internship training provided?
Yes, you may reapply for the scheme after a one-year gap.
Are performance evaluations conducted during the internship?
Yes, interns are evaluated periodically on performance, attendance, and adherence to company policies, with feedback provided for professional growth.
What type of projects will I work on?
Your projects will depend on the company’s requirements and your individual skills.
What is the expected dress code?
You are expected to dress professionally according to the company’s guidelines.
Will I receive a certificate after successful completion?
Yes, upon fulfilling the program requirements, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from the partner company.
How does the Ministry recognize exceptional intern performance?
The Ministry will use a transparent process to identify and award interns based on innovation, exceptional performance, and other relevant criteria.
How are grievances or queries resolved?
Grievances can be submitted via the PMIS portal’s redressal tools, including chatbots and a multilingual call center, ensuring real-time tracking and resolution.
FOR INDUSTRY/COMPANY PARTICIPATION
CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPATION
What criteria are used to shortlist the Top 500 companies?
Companies are chosen based on factors such as their average CSR expenditure over the last three years.
My company isn’t in the initial list—can we still participate?
Yes, companies outside the initial list may participate after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which considers sector and regional representation.
What if my company cannot offer internships directly?
Companies that cannot directly offer internships can still participate by partnering with entities in their supply chain or affiliated group companies.
INTERNSHIP DETAILS
Can the internship be extended beyond 12 months?
No, the internship is fixed at 12 months.
Is it mandatory for companies to provide training?
Yes, companies must provide relevant training and ensure that at least 6 months of the internship is spent in a working environment.
Are supervisors or mentors assigned to interns?
Yes, every intern must have an assigned supervisor or mentor from the company.
Do interns qualify as employees under current labor laws?
No, PMIS clarifies that interns do not qualify as employees and no employer-employee relationship is established under this scheme.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INTERNS
What is the breakdown of the monthly financial assistance?
Interns receive ₹5,000 per month for 12 months:
₹500 is released by the company (subject to attendance and performance)
₹4,500 is transferred by the government through DBT to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account
Companies may also provide additional support from their own funds.
₹500 is released by the company (subject to attendance and performance)
₹4,500 is transferred by the government through DBT to an Aadhaar-seeded bank account
Companies may also provide additional support from their own funds.
Can a company contribute more than ₹500 from its CSR funds?
Yes, companies can contribute additional funds if they wish.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Are companies required to provide insurance coverage to interns?
No, insurance is provided by the Government of India under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY). Companies may offer extra coverage at their discretion.
How can companies post internship opportunities?
Partner companies can post openings directly via a dedicated dashboard on the PMIS portal.
INTERNSHIP POSTING
What details should be included in an internship posting?
Postings should specify: Internship location
Roles and responsibilities
Minimum educational qualifications
Any facilities provided (e.g., accommodation, transportation, food)
Can companies edit or remove posted opportunities?
Roles and responsibilities
Minimum educational qualifications
Any facilities provided (e.g., accommodation, transportation, food)
Can companies edit or remove posted opportunities?
Can companies edit or remove posted opportunities?
Yes, changes can be made within the specified window if any errors are found.
What type of roles can be posted?
Only roles that contribute to skill development should be posted. Non-skill-related tasks (e.g., cleaning, porter work) are not permitted.
How do companies confirm an intern’s participation?
Once an intern joins, the company must confirm their participation on the PMIS portal.
Is there a mechanism to address issues like misbehavior or absenteeism?
Yes, interns sign a declaration acknowledging that repeated misbehavior or absenteeism may result in termination, with a designated nodal officer to manage such cases.
Are companies required to monitor and evaluate interns?
Yes, companies should establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess intern performance and provide feedback.
From where do companies recruit interns?
Interns are recruited exclusively through the PMIS portal, which provides a list of potential candidates based on the company’s job requirements.
Does an internship offer create an employer-employee relationship?
No, it does not establish any such relationship between the Ministry, the company, and the intern.
Can an internship offer be considered a promise of future employment?
No, an internship offer is solely for skill development and experience, not a guarantee of future employment.
Are interns required to adhere to company rules?
Yes, interns must comply with all company policies, including work timings, dress code, leaves, and conduct.
RECOGNITION OF PERFORMANCE
How can companies recognize outstanding interns?
Companies can acknowledge exceptional interns by featuring their achievements on company platforms, awarding them, or offering further developmental opportunities.
How will the Ministry recognize companies for their performance?
A transparent process will be established by the Ministry to honor companies based on innovation, performance, and effective management of the internship program.
CASES OF DROP-OUTS
What happens if an intern drops out?
If an intern withdraws, the company must mark their status as “Dropout” on the PMIS portal, which will halt further disbursements.
What criteria define an intern as a dropout?
An intern may be classified as a dropout if they suddenly cease participation without valid reasons, fail to respond to communications, or explicitly indicate an unwillingness to continue.
INTERNSHIP MODALITIES
Are leave policies governed by company guidelines?
Yes, the leave policies applicable to interns are determined by the partner company.
Can interns take a sabbatical?
Interns may be granted a sabbatical (break) of up to two months in exceptional circumstances, such as medical or family emergencies, subject to company policies.
Will financial assistance continue during a sabbatical?
No, financial assistance is paused during any sabbatical period.
What if the sabbatical exceeds two months?
Should the sabbatical exceed two months, the intern must discontinue the internship and may reapply in the next cycle.
Are companies required to provide additional facilities like accommodation?
Companies are not obligated to offer extra facilities, but they may choose to do so if they wish.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Do companies provide a Certificate of Completion?
Yes, once an intern successfully completes the 12-month program, the partner company will issue a Certificate of Completion.
PORTAL QUESTIONS
Which user types can access the industry/company portal?
The portal is accessible to:
Company Admins
Nodal Officers
HR representatives
Supervisors/Mentors
Company Admins
Nodal Officers
HR representatives
Supervisors/Mentors
What is the role of a Nodal Officer?
The Nodal Officer is the primary contact for all communications regarding the PM Internship Scheme, manages the internship plan, and addresses grievances.
What is the recommended intern-to-HR ratio?
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) recommends one HR for every 100 interns.
What is the recommended intern-to-HR ratio?
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) recommends one HR for every 100 interns.
Can network entities post internships on behalf of the parent company?
No, only the parent company or its authorized division can post internship opportunities.
How can Company Admins view grievances registered by candidates?
Company Admins can access a dedicated grievance dashboard on the PMIS portal to monitor and resolve candidate queries.
Can HR users see the number of supervisors created for their company?
Yes, HR users have visibility into the count of supervisors assigned within their organization via the portal.
This rewritten FAQ article for the PM Internship Scheme 2025 is intended to provide clear, comprehensive information to candidates and companies. By addressing all aspects—from eligibility and application procedures to financial assistance and post-internship details—it aims to ensure transparency and promote an inclusive, skill-enhancing environment for India’s youth.
Feel free to refer to this document for any clarification regarding the scheme’s processes and policies.