Senior officers from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs interact virtually with the first cohort and their supervisors

The Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme (PMIS) has achieved a significant milestone as interns from 656 districts have embarked on their internship journeys with top companies across 34 states and UTs. This inaugural cohort marks the beginning of a transformative initiative aimed at channelling India’s demographic dividend into a formidable developmental force. To support the interns, the disbursement of  ₹6,000 one-time grant under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has been initiated. India’s top companies have also enthusiastically welcomed their respective interns across locations and have started their training process.

Empowering the youth

The Pilot Project of the PM Internship Scheme aims to provide 1.25 lakh internship opportunities to youth between 21-24 years of age. Interns will get an allowance of ₹5000 per month for of 12 months.

Interaction between PMIS interns and supervisors and MCA officials

PMIS interns with Wipro COO, Sanjeev Jain at Chennai campus

Top companies embrace PMIS interns

As interns across the country embarked on their professional journeys under the PM Internship Scheme, senior officers from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs virtually interacted with the first cohort and their supervisors. This included interns across companies and locations, including Emcure in Jammu, ONGC in Jorhat, Assam; MOIL Ltd in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh; Vedanta in Jharsuguda, Odisha; Mannapuram Finance in Raichur, Karnataka; Muthoot Finance in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu; IOCL in Andaman and Nicobar Islands; DCM Shriram in Ajbapur, Uttar Pradesh; Alkem Labs in Daman and Diu; Maruti Suzuki and Bajaj Finance in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh; Jubilant Foods in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh; NMDC in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh; Titan in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu; NTPC in Barauni, Bihar, and Raigarh, Chhattisgarh; and Avanti Feeds in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Candidates across locations were keen and excited at the prospect of starting their internship journey.

Internships under PMIS aim to provide interns with hands-on experience and enhance the employability of India’s youth. PMIS is emblematic of the Government of India’s vision of inclusive growth, ensuring that our youth contribute and benefit from the nation’s progress.

Meet the PMIS Interns

Smt. Karnakula Varalakshmi  (Kakinada Andhra Pradesh)

Smt. Karnakula Varalakshmi, aged 23, has embarked on her internship journey as a Processing Worker at Avanti Feeds Limited in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Married and a mother to a two-year-old boy, Varalakshmi chose to pursue this internship not out of necessity, but to affirm her individuality and personal ambition. Her training focuses on Quality Control, a critical area in agriculture and allied production. When asked about her motivation, she shared, "I want to work for myself, to achieve something of my own." Her story exemplifies the power of determination and self-belief.

Ms. Naina Prajapati (Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh)

Hailing from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, Ms. Naina Prajapati, aged 22, has just started her internship training at Alkem Laboratories Limited's Technical Training Academy in Daman. The company facilitated Naina’s journey from Mirzapur to Daman, which included her first-ever flight experience, a moment she described as both daunting and exhilarating. "I was scared initially but ended up thoroughly enjoying the experience," she said, reflecting on how this opportunity has broadened her horizons both personally and professionally. She is currently undergoing her one-month training under the in-house Technical Training Academy of Alkem Labs.

Ayush Tiwari (Kheri, Uttar Pradesh)

Ayush Tiwari, aged 21, a 2024 B. Tech Graduate in Biotechnology from B N College of Engineering and Technology Lucknow, took the bold decision to let go off a full-time job opportunity in Gujarat to take up an internship under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme. Now an Environment Executive Intern at DCM Shriram Limited in Ajbapur, Uttar Pradesh, Ayush is gaining hands-on experience in effluent treatment processes. When asked about his choice, Ayush explained, "As a fresher, relevant learning is the most important things for me. To add to it, I could move back closer to home.”

Holistic support from companies

To ensure a smooth transition and a successful internship experience, companies participating in the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme are going above and beyond to provide holistic support to interns. Many companies, like ONGC, are offering accommodation to interns traveling from different districts, along with training in soft skills and computer proficiency. Maruti Suzuki has designed a comprehensive 30-day induction program, while Alkem Laboratories’ Technical Training Academy includes an intensive one-month technical training module. Companies like EMCURE provide health insurance and an initial 10-day stay in guest houses, ensuring health and comfort during the early days. Avanti Feeds offers in-house dormitory accommodations and access to a canteen, while Vedanta extends full-fledged housing support. Transport facilities are also being arranged by DCM Shriram and EMCURE, making daily commutes hassle-free.

 

This marks the commencement of internships under the Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme, with the youth and companies actively participating in this endeavour. A total of 6,21,962 applications have been received and the companies are currently in the process of selecting candidates, under the pilot scheme. 

Internship Scheme benefits expand youth employability through paid internships and one-time grant under direct benefit transfer. The Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme pilot provides structured industry internships with a monthly stipend and a one-time grant disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer, while employers select candidates and provide induction, technical and soft-skills training plus logistical support such as accommodation, transport and health insurance. The scheme targets large-scale placements across states and union territories, with administrative engagement between ministry officials, interns and supervisors and ongoing applicant selection by participating companies.