New Delhi: The deadline for the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) has been extended to April 15, 2025, offering aspiring candidates additional time to apply for this government-backed initiative. The scheme, first announced in the Union Budget 2024–25, aims to provide one crore internships over five years to youth aged 21–24 years from economically weaker backgrounds. Launched in October 2024, the pilot phase of PMIS saw over six lakh applications in its first round. Encouraged by the response, the government has now opened Round 2, giving fresh applicants a chance to participate.
Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 for 12 months, along with a one-time financial grant of Rs 6,000. They will also be covered under government insurance schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), with possible additional insurance support from partner companies.
To be eligible for the PMIS, applicants must meet specific criteria: they must be between 21 and 24 years old, have completed at least Class 10, and their family income must not exceed Rs 8 lakh per annum. Notably, graduates from premier institutions like IITs and IIMs, as well as professionals such as Chartered Accountants (CAs) and Cost Management Accountants (CMAs), are ineligible. Furthermore, applicants must not be employed in a full-time job, although those with training from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) or Kaushal Kendras are eligible. Individuals with family members in government service are also disqualified.
The application process is straightforward: candidates can visit the official portal at pminternship.mca.gov.in, click on ‘Register’ on the homepage, fill in the application form, upload relevant documents, and submit to generate an auto-resume. They can apply for up to five internships based on their preferences. The portal confirmed that shortlisting and selections began on April 1, and applicants are advised to monitor their email and dashboard regularly for updates. Importantly, there is no application fee for PMIS.
The PMIS is designed to equip young individuals with real-world work experience. It allows selected candidates to intern with some of India’s top 500 companies, gaining valuable industry exposure to support their professional growth. The internship duration is set for 12 months, which includes six months of hands-on training.
Among the top recruiters participating in the scheme are well-known companies such as Maruti Suzuki, L&T, HDFC Bank, Mahindra, and others. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to enhancing employability among the youth and providing them with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive job market.
In addition to the financial support, the PMIS aims to create job opportunities for one crore youths in the country over the next five years, focusing on providing 'employable' skills. As part of this initiative, the government has partnered with leading companies across various sectors, including technology, finance, and manufacturing.
To further facilitate applications, the government has made the process user-friendly. Candidates can complete their registration online, ensuring that they have access to all necessary resources and support. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster skill development in India, particularly among young people who may not have access to traditional employment pathways.
As the deadline approaches, interested candidates are encouraged to take advantage of this extended timeline and submit their applications promptly. The PMIS represents a significant opportunity for young individuals looking to gain practical experience and financial support as they begin their careers.
Overall, the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme is a vital step towards bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping the youth with the skills and experience needed to succeed in today's dynamic job market. With the extension of the application deadline to April 15, 2025, the government is reiterating its commitment to youth empowerment and skill development.
