The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is a strategic initiative by the Indian government aimed at bridging the gap between academic education and practical industry experience. Tailored for Indian youth between 21 and 24 years of age, this national internship program connects eligible students and graduates with top-tier companies across sectors like IT, energy, healthcare, telecom, media, and finance.
With over 25 industries participating and stipends co-funded by both the government and private sector, this initiative serves as a launchpad for those from non-elite educational backgrounds seeking meaningful industry exposure. Here’s a complete, updated guide to everything you need to know.
What Is the PM Internship Scheme 2025?
The PM Internship Scheme 2025, launched under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), facilitates structured, one-year internships with reputed private sector companies across India. The program is designed to boost employability, develop job-ready skills, and provide a stepping stone toward long-term careers for youth who are often underrepresented in India’s corporate talent pipelines.
Interns are selected through a centralized application process and matched with roles based on sector preference, location, and eligibility. All selected candidates receive a government-backed stipend and accidental and life insurance during the internship term.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
- Create equitable access to corporate internships for youth outside Tier-1 colleges
- Encourage industry-led skill development
- Provide income support through monthly stipends and grants
- Promote CSR participation among leading Indian businesses
- Strengthen India’s future workforce through real-world experience
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria Explained
The scheme is intended for candidates from modest academic and economic backgrounds. A strict eligibility filter ensures that it prioritizes those who are most likely to benefit.
Age Limit:
- Must be between 21 and 24 years as of the final application date.
Educational Qualification:
- Must have completed Class 10 or Class 12, OR
- Hold one of the following:
- ITI certification
- Polytechnic diploma
- Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BPharma)
Exclusions:
You are not eligible if:
- You are enrolled in a full-time degree or diploma program (online or distance courses are allowed).
- You hold professional or higher education degrees such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, MBA, MTech, or PhD.
- You graduated from elite institutions like IITs, IIMs, NLUs, NIDs, IISERs, or IIITs.
- Your family’s annual income exceeds ₹8 lakh in FY 2023–24.
- Any of your family members are regular or permanent government employees.
- You are a foreign national or NRI.
This selective filter aligns the program with social equity goals by prioritizing underserved but qualified Indian youth.
How to Apply for the PM Internship Scheme
Applications are to be submitted only through the official portal:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official portal and select the ‘Youth Register’ option.
- Verify your Aadhaar number through OTP authentication. Your personal details will auto-fill and cannot be edited later.
- Complete your application, entering details such as:
- Educational background
- Work experience (if any)
- Family income information
- Upload scanned documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- Final academic certificate or mark sheet
- Choose up to five internships based on your preferred sector, location, and company.
- Submit your form and download the acknowledgment copy.
No application fee is required. All communication will be through the official dashboard and email provided at registration.
Internship Duration and Structure
- The internship lasts for 12 months.
- Interns must spend at least 50 percent of the time in-person at the host company or approved hybrid/remote roles.
- Companies conduct quarterly assessments and maintain feedback logs through the internship portal.
- Interns who perform well may receive recognition, awards, or extended opportunities, depending on employer discretion.
Monthly Stipend and Financial Support
Interns are paid a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, broken into two components:
| Contributor | Amount |
|---|---|
| Central Government | ₹4,500 |
| Host Company | ₹500 (in-kind or cash, based on policy) |
Additional Financial Benefits:
- One-time incidental grant of ₹6,000 to support travel, meals, and essentials.
- Free insurance coverage under:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (Life insurance)
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (Accident insurance)
- Premiums paid by the government.
The financial design ensures a basic level of support without creating long-term liabilities for host companies.
Companies and Sectors Offering Internships
Over 25 industries are participating in the PM Internship Scheme 2025, with companies selected based on their CSR participation, geographic presence, and willingness to host interns with minimal onboarding costs.
Notable Sectors:
- Information Technology and Software
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- Telecommunications
- FMCG and Retail
- Renewable Energy
- Textiles and Apparel
- Media, Publishing, and Communication
- Automotive and Manufacturing
- Financial Services and Banking
- Logistics and Infrastructure
Key Participating Companies:
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
- Reliance Industries
- Hindustan Unilever
- ITC
- The Times Group
- Vedanta, Adani, L&T, Microsoft, Cognizant, among others
These companies are participating either directly or through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Performance Review and Future Opportunities
All interns are required to complete quarterly reviews conducted by supervisors and HR teams. These reviews track attendance, quality of work, soft skills, and initiative. Scores are recorded in the internship portal and accessible to interns for transparency.
While there is no guaranteed job placement, host companies may choose to offer full-time roles based on performance. However, there is no employment obligation on either side.
Rules on Reapplication
- If you complete the full internship, you may apply again the following year.
- If you exit mid-way, you are barred from applying for 12 months from your original start date.
Upcoming Deadlines and Registration Timeline
| Application Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Round 1 Deadline | April 22, 2025 (closed) |
| Round 2 Opening | Expected from August 1, 2025 |
Note: These dates are based on media reports. Official confirmation will be posted on the PM Internship Portal.
Geographic Accessibility and Sector-Wide Reach
The scheme is national in scope with internship options available across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, and rural-industrial zones.
This ensures GEO-optimized accessibility for youth from both urban and semi-urban backgrounds, encouraging participation across regional clusters and emerging job corridors.
Why This Scheme Is a Game-Changer
- First-of-its-kind national internship model backed by government and private sector
- Focused on inclusive skill-building, not just elite employment
- Uses public infrastructure (Aadhaar, DBT) for smooth implementation
- Encourages local youth participation across India’s industrial belt
- Promotes CSR-linked hiring ecosystems with zero cost to interns
What to Do Next
- Check if you meet the age, education, and income criteria.
- Keep your Aadhaar card and educational certificates ready.
- Bookmark the official portal and prepare to register by early August 2025.
- Research sectors and companies in advance to make smart internship choices when applying.
Frequently Asked Questions: PM Internship Scheme 2025
What kinds of skills will I gain from this internship?
The internship helps participants build critical workplace skills like communication, collaboration, time management, problem-solving, and digital literacy. Interns also gain hands-on exposure to industry tools and workflows specific to their chosen sector.
Will I receive any certification after completing the internship?
Yes, interns who complete the full 12-month duration receive a digitally verifiable internship certificate issued jointly by the host company and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This certificate is nationally recognized and can be used to strengthen job or college applications.
How are candidates matched with companies?
After submitting their application and preferences, eligible candidates are shortlisted using a computerized random matching system. Preference is given to companies that have listed openings in sectors aligned with the candidate’s educational background.
Can I change my internship location after selection?
No, once an internship position is allotted and accepted, the location cannot be changed. Candidates are advised to select their preferences carefully, especially in terms of geographic proximity and travel feasibility.
How does the government ensure quality internship experiences?
All participating companies must register and submit a detailed internship plan, including the type of work, mentorship support, and skill outcomes. The government regularly monitors compliance and seeks feedback from interns to ensure the program maintains high standards.
What happens if I need to drop out mid-internship?
Interns who discontinue before completing 12 months must inform the host company and update their status on the portal. They will forfeit any remaining stipend and will be ineligible to reapply for one year from the date of dropout.
Can I pursue a part-time job while doing this internship?
While there is no formal restriction on part-time work, interns are expected to maintain full attendance and professional discipline throughout the 12-month period. Any outside commitments must not interfere with the internship schedule.
Will the stipend be enough to cover living costs?
The stipend is designed to support basic expenses, especially for those interning in their home city. For those relocating, the one-time incidental support can help offset local commuting and daily costs, but it’s not a full living allowance.
Are there any accommodations or travel reimbursements?
No hostel or travel arrangements are provided by the government or host companies. Candidates are expected to make their own arrangements. However, the incidental grant of ₹6,000 is intended to provide limited financial relief for such expenses.
Can I intern with a government organization under this scheme?
No, the PM Internship Scheme 2025 is designed exclusively for internships in private sector organizations. Government departments and PSUs are not participating entities in this initiative.
Is there any reservation or preference for underrepresented groups?
While there’s no formal reservation quota, the system prioritizes inclusion by targeting applicants from economically weaker backgrounds and regions with lower employment indicators. Equal opportunity is a core principle of the scheme’s design.