The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PM Internship Scheme) is a Government of India initiative designed to provide young people with practical work experience in leading companies. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world industry requirements by giving eligible youth an opportunity to work and learn in professional environments.
Under the scheme, eligible candidates can receive a 12-month internship with participating companies and financial assistance of ₹5,000 per month. In addition, the Government of India provides a one-time grant of ₹6,000 after the intern joins the internship.
The scheme is particularly useful for young people who have completed school, ITI, diploma or graduation but are looking for practical experience and better career opportunities.
What is the PM Internship Scheme?
The Prime Minister Internship Scheme, commonly known as PMIS, was introduced by the Government of India to provide internship opportunities to youth across different industries.
The programme focuses on practical exposure rather than only academic learning. Interns can work in areas such as IT and software development, banking and financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications, agriculture, retail, media, hospitality and several other sectors.
The government’s broader objective is to provide one crore internship opportunities to youth over five years.
Internships are offered through participating companies, with the programme initially focusing on India’s leading companies. The official portal also provides internship opportunities based on factors such as location, qualification, sector and role.
PM Internship Scheme 2026 – Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Prime Minister Internship Scheme |
| Short Name | PMIS |
| Government | Government of India |
| Internship Duration | 12 months |
| Monthly Assistance | ₹5,000 |
| One-Time Grant | ₹6,000 |
| Eligible Age | 21 to 24 years |
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Education | 10th, 12th, ITI, Diploma or Graduation, subject to opportunity requirements |
| Application Fee | No fee |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Portal | PM Internship Portal |
The exact internship opportunities, locations and company requirements can vary from one cycle to another. Candidates should therefore check the official portal before applying.
Who Can Apply for PM Internship Scheme 2026?
According to the current candidate FAQ, applicants must generally satisfy the following conditions:
1. Age Limit
Candidates should be between 21 and 24 years of age as on the last date for submitting the application. The official FAQ states that there is currently no age relaxation under the scheme.
2. Indian Citizenship
The applicant must be an Indian citizen. International candidates are not eligible.
3. Education Qualification
Candidates who have completed qualifications such as the following may be eligible, depending on the requirements of a particular internship:
- Secondary School Certificate (10th)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (12th)
- ITI certificate
- Polytechnic Diploma
- Graduation such as BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma and similar degrees
The internship listing will specify the minimum qualification required for each opportunity.
4. Employment and Education Status
The scheme is intended primarily for youth who are not currently in full-time employment or full-time education.
However, candidates enrolled in online, distance or correspondence programmes can be eligible.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Certain categories of candidates are excluded from the scheme. According to the official FAQ, applicants may be ineligible if:
- They are below 21 or above 24 years of age.
- They are currently in full-time employment.
- They are pursuing full-time education.
- They have graduated from specified institutions such as IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISER, NID or IIIT.
- They hold higher qualifications such as MBA, CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, PhD or certain master’s/higher degrees.
- They are already participating in certain Central or State Government skill, apprenticeship, internship or training programmes.
- They have already completed an apprenticeship under NATS or NAPS.
- The relevant family income exceeds ₹8 lakh for FY 2023-24.
- A family member is a permanent or regular government employee, subject to the scheme’s stated definition.
Applicants should carefully read the latest eligibility conditions on the official portal before submitting their profile.
How Much Money Will Interns Receive?
One of the biggest attractions of the PM Internship Scheme is the financial assistance provided during the internship.
Eligible interns receive ₹5,000 per month for the 12-month internship.
The amount is divided as follows:
- ₹500 per month is provided by the partner company from its CSR funds, subject to attendance and company policies.
- ₹4,500 per month is provided by the Government through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the intern’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
In addition, the Government provides a one-time ₹6,000 grant after the intern joins the internship.
Therefore, over a full 12-month period, the government and company assistance can amount to significant financial support, although the ₹500 company component is linked to the company’s applicable policies and attendance requirements.
Insurance Benefits
Interns are also covered under government insurance schemes mentioned in the PM Internship Scheme guidelines.
The Government provides insurance coverage under:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
The government bears the applicable premium for this coverage under the scheme. Companies may also provide additional accidental insurance coverage at their discretion.
Internship Duration
The PM Internship Scheme provides internships for 12 months.
At least six months of the internship must involve actual work experience in a working environment, rather than being spent entirely in classroom training. Companies are also required to provide relevant training and assign supervisors or mentors to interns.
This makes the programme different from a purely classroom-based training course.
What Types of Internships Are Available?
Internship opportunities can be available across a wide range of industries and functions.
Some major sectors include:
- IT and Software Development
- Banking and Financial Services
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceutical
- Telecom
- Infrastructure and Construction
- Retail
- FMCG
- Agriculture and Allied Activities
- Oil, Gas and Energy
- Aviation and Defence
- Media and Entertainment
- Education
- Travel and Hospitality
- Textile Manufacturing
- Gems and Jewellery
- Consulting Services
The actual opportunities available to a candidate depend on the internship listings and their eligibility.
How to Apply for PM Internship Scheme 2026?
The application process is online through the official PM Internship Scheme portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Candidates should visit the official PM Internship Scheme portal and create their profile.
Official PM Internship Scheme Portal
Step 2: Complete Registration
Candidates need to complete the registration process and provide the required personal and educational information.
A DigiLocker account is required for candidate registration and profile creation according to the official FAQ.
Step 3: Complete Your Profile
After registration, candidates should complete their profile with accurate information about:
- Education
- Skills
- Location preferences
- Other required details
The portal uses this information to generate a candidate CV and identify suitable opportunities.
Step 4: Search for Internship Opportunities
Candidates can search opportunities using filters such as:
- State/UT
- District
- Qualification
- Sector
- Role
- Location
For example, candidates can search for roles such as Data Entry Operator, Technician, Sales and Marketing, Finance and Accounting and other available positions.
Step 5: Select Your Preferences
Candidates can select up to five internship opportunities in one cycle according to their preferred location, sector, role and qualification.
Step 6: Selection Process
After candidates submit their preferences, the portal shortlists suitable candidates based on the internship requirements and the scheme’s objective of promoting diversity and inclusion.
Companies then make the final selection according to their own selection criteria.
Is There Any Application Fee?
No.
The official FAQ states that there is no registration or application fee for the PM Internship Scheme.
Candidates should be careful about websites or individuals asking for money in exchange for registration or selection.
Always use the official PM Internship Scheme portal for registration and application.
Is a Job Guaranteed After the Internship?
No. Completing the PM Internship Scheme does not guarantee a permanent job.
The main purpose of the scheme is to provide practical industry experience, professional skills and exposure to workplace environments.
However, companies may choose to offer employment or further opportunities to interns who perform exceptionally well.
Therefore, candidates should consider the internship as an opportunity to build their skills, experience and professional network rather than as a guaranteed government or private-sector job.
Documents Required
Candidates should generally keep the following documents ready while completing registration:
- Aadhaar Card
- Educational certificates
- Relevant qualification certificates
- DigiLocker account
- Recent passport-size photograph, if required
The official FAQ states that educational certificates should be available for uploading and that candidates should ensure the documents meet the portal’s technical requirements.
Important Benefits of PM Internship Scheme
The PM Internship Scheme can provide several advantages to young people.
Practical Work Experience
Candidates get exposure to real workplace environments, helping them understand how companies operate.
Monthly Financial Assistance
Eligible interns receive ₹5,000 per month during the 12-month internship.
Additional ₹6,000 Grant
A one-time ₹6,000 government grant is provided after joining.
Industry Exposure
Interns can gain experience across multiple sectors and business functions.
Skill Development
The internship is designed to improve technical, professional and employability skills.
Professional Networking
Working with established companies can help candidates build professional relationships and understand industry expectations.
Internship Certificate
Candidates who successfully complete the internship can receive a certificate of completion from the partner company.
Things Candidates Should Remember
Before applying, candidates should carefully verify their eligibility. In particular, check the age requirement, education status, employment status and family-income conditions.
Candidates should also understand that the PM Internship Scheme is not the same as a permanent government job. The ₹5,000 monthly amount is internship assistance, not a regular salary.
The availability of specific companies, roles, locations and application cycles can change. Therefore, applicants should always check the latest information on the official portal rather than relying on old social-media posts or unofficial websites.
Conclusion
The PM Internship Scheme 2026 is an important initiative for young Indians who want to gain practical work experience and improve their employability. Eligible candidates can receive a 12-month internship, ₹5,000 monthly financial assistance, a one-time ₹6,000 grant and government-backed insurance coverage.
The scheme covers a wide range of industries, giving candidates an opportunity to explore careers beyond traditional classroom education. Since the programme does not guarantee employment, candidates should focus on learning, developing skills and gaining meaningful workplace experience during the internship.
Those interested in applying should check their eligibility carefully and complete registration through the official PM Internship Scheme portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PM Internship Scheme?
The PM Internship Scheme is a Government of India programme that provides eligible youth with paid internship opportunities and practical work experience in participating companies.
How much stipend is given under PM Internship Scheme?
Eligible interns receive ₹5,000 per month for the 12-month internship. This includes ₹4,500 from the government through DBT and ₹500 from the partner company, subject to applicable conditions.
What is the age limit?
The current age requirement is 21 to 24 years as on the last date of application.
Is PM Internship Scheme free?
Yes. There is no registration or application fee.
Can 10th-pass candidates apply?
Yes, candidates with 10th qualification can be eligible for internship opportunities where 10th is the minimum qualification. The specific requirements depend on the internship listing.
Is there a permanent job after the internship?
No. The scheme does not guarantee employment after completion.
How long is the internship?
The internship duration is 12 months, and extensions are not permitted under the scheme.
Where can I apply?
Candidates can register and check available opportunities through the official PM Internship Scheme portal.