New Delhi: The government’s ambitious Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS), announced in the 2024-25 Budget, is set to provide one crore internship opportunities over five years, targeting youth across the nation. As part of its initial rollout, a pilot project was launched on October 3, 2024, aiming to offer 1.25 lakh internships in the financial year 2024-25.
The scheme partners with the top 500 companies, identified based on their average Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure over the past three years. These companies, along with banks and financial institutions approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), are hosting internship opportunities. The complete list of participating organizations is available on the scheme’s official portal, https://pminternship.mca.gov.in.
Implemented through an online portal, the PMIS allows both companies and applicants to engage seamlessly. As of now, 1.27 lakh internship opportunities have been posted, attracting approximately 6.21 lakh applications. The selection process is currently underway, with businesses actively shortlisting candidates.
The scheme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, providing interns with hands-on training and exposure to real-world business environments. This experience is expected to enhance their employability and prepare them for the competitive job market.
In addition to the top 500 companies, the scheme is open to other organizations, subject to approval by the MCA. The ministry aims to include underrepresented sectors and areas to broaden the scheme’s reach and impact.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra, highlighted the scheme’s potential to empower youth with industry-relevant skills. He reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing a skilled and job-ready workforce.