Nirmala Sitharaman Introduces Mobile App to Expand Internship Access
PM Internship Scheme : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman officially launched the PM Internship Scheme App, a digital platform designed to simplify access to internship opportunities for young professionals. During the launch, she encouraged more industries to join the initiative and contribute to skill development and employment generation.
The app, developed with a user-friendly interface, provides seamless navigation for applicants. Eligible candidates can register effortlessly using Aadhaar-based face authentication. Once registered, they can explore internships based on location, industry, and specific preferences. The app also offers real-time notifications for new opportunities and a dedicated support team to assist users throughout the application process.
Empowering Youth with Industry-Oriented Skills
Addressing the event, Sitharaman highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. She emphasized that the PM Internship Scheme will significantly enhance employability by providing hands-on training in real-world corporate environments. She also urged private sector companies to actively participate in the initiative, as their involvement would not only develop a skilled workforce but also support the country’s economic growth.
Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra noted that the app would enhance accessibility and help connect students with leading organizations. He emphasized that the platform would open new avenues for skill enhancement, career growth, and professional exposure.
Exciting Referral Program for Candidates
A referral program has also been introduced to encourage more participation. Under this initiative, candidates who are already registered on the PM Internship Scheme portal can refer other eligible youth and receive incentives. This feature aims to expand the scheme’s reach and bring more aspiring professionals into the program.
A Transformative Initiative: Key Highlights of the PM Internship Scheme
Announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, the PM Internship Scheme aims to provide internship opportunities to one crore youth in India’s top 500 companies over the next five years. The initiative started as a pilot project on October 3, 2024, with a target of 1.25 lakh internship placements for the financial year 2024-25.
Internship Benefits and Duration
- Internships will last between 6 to 12 months.
- Participants will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000.
- An additional one-time financial assistance of ₹6,000 will be provided.
- The scheme is specifically designed for youth aged 21-24 years who are not currently enrolled in full-time academic programs or employed full-time.
Successful Implementation of the Pilot Phase
The first round of the pilot project, conducted between October and December 2024, witnessed overwhelming participation:
- 1.27 lakh internship opportunities were listed across 745 districts.
- 280 companies from 25 industries provided internship roles.
- Over 82,000 internship offers were extended to candidates.
Building on this success, Round II of the pilot project was launched in January 2025, with even greater participation:
- 327 companies have posted 1.18 lakh internship opportunities.
- Opportunities are available for graduates, ITI certificate holders, diploma holders, 12th-pass, and 10th-pass candidates.
- Internships are offered across various industries, including automobile, banking, finance, sales, marketing, IT, travel, and hospitality.
Enhancements in Round II: Expanded Reach and Greater Impact
To increase accessibility, several new initiatives have been introduced in the second phase:
- A revamped PMIS portal dashboard provides detailed insights into available roles.
- 80+ outreach programs have been organized in collaboration with state governments, industry bodies, and educational institutions.
- Industry representatives have actively participated in Rozgar Melas and career fairs to guide students about internship opportunities.
Additionally, a performance evaluation framework has been introduced to assess states’ implementation of the scheme. This will encourage more regions to participate and ensure widespread benefits for youth across the country.
How to Apply for the PM Internship Scheme?
The application process for Round II of the scheme is open until March 31, 2025. Interested candidates can apply through:
- The newly launched mobile app
- The official PMIS portal: https://pminternship.mca.gov.in/
With these initiatives, the PM Internship Scheme is set to become a milestone in India’s youth empowerment journey, fostering skill development, employment, and career growth for the nation’s future workforce.