Centre launches internship scheme for youth: registration details and key highlights

The Indian government has officially rolled out a significant internship scheme to address youth unemployment and enhance skill development among young individuals. This initiative, announced in the Union Budget 2024, will commence on December 2 and is projected to support 1.25 lakh candidates in its first financial year, ending March 2025.

Financial support structure

Under the pilot project, estimated to cost around ₹ 800 crore, each selected intern will receive a total annual financial assistance of ₹ 66,000. This includes a monthly stipend of ₹ 5,000, with ₹ 4,500 provided by the government and ₹ 500 contributed by the participating companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. Additionally, interns will receive a one-time grant of ₹ 6,000 for incidental expenses upon starting their internships.

Registration process of internship scheme

Candidates can register on the dedicated online portal, www.pminternship.mca.gov.in from October 12 to 25. The registration process involves submitting basic details, after which applicants will be shortlisted on October 26. Selected candidates can accept company offers between November 8 and 15. Each candidate may receive up to three internship offers.

Emphasis on practical experience

The scheme emphasizes practical, hands-on experience, requiring interns to spend at least half of their internship duration in actual job environments. This approach aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.

Inclusivity and eligibility criteria

The initiative is designed to be inclusive, adhering to existing reservation policies to ensure equitable access to opportunities. Candidates from families earning more than ₹ 8 lakh annually will be excluded from participation, allowing support to focus on economically disadvantaged youth. 

Eligible participants include those with educational qualifications ranging from high school diplomas to various degree holders (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, B.Pharma), as well as ITI and Polytechnic graduates.

Insurance coverage and company participation

Interns will be provided with insurance coverage under the Union government’s schemes, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, with the government covering the premium costs. Participation from companies is voluntary, and the top 500 firms have been identified based on their average CSR expenditure over the past three years.

Companies will bear the costs associated with the training of interns, ensuring a comprehensive internship experience. A dedicated dashboard on the portal will allow partner companies to post internship opportunities, detailing requirements, locations, and available facilities.

Monitoring and support mechanisms

To ensure effective implementation, participating companies will have designated nodal persons for addressing any issues that arise during the internship period. This will help maintain the quality of internships and provide necessary support for interns.

The scheme aims to cover diverse sectors, including those that are currently under-represented among major corporations, further enhancing the variety of opportunities available to candidates.

By combining financial assistance, practical experience, and a broad eligibility framework, the Centre’s Internship Scheme represents a pivotal move towards empowering India’s youth and fostering a more skilled workforce for the future.

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