This flagship scheme is designed for students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities who often lack access to high-end corporate networking. By providing a 12-month structured experience, it transforms "graduates" into "employable professionals."
1. Financial Benefits & Incentives
The scheme offers a robust financial support package to ensure that interns can focus on their training without financial stress:
- Monthly Stipend: A total of ₹5,000 per month.
- ₹4,500 is provided by the Government of India via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- ₹500 is contributed by the host company from its CSR funds.
- One-Time Joining Grant: A lump sum of ₹6,000 is credited upon joining to cover incidental expenses like travel or formal attire.
- Insurance Cover: Every intern is covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, with premiums paid by the government.
2. Eligibility Criteria (Jan 2026 Update)
To keep the scheme accessible to those who need it most, the eligibility rules are specific:
- Age Limit: 21 to 24 years (as of the application deadline).
- Educational Qualification: Open to those who have completed Class 10, Class 12, ITI, Polytechnic Diploma, or Graduation (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma, etc.).
- Student Status: Candidates must not be in full-time education or full-time employment. However, those enrolled in online or distance learning programs are eligible.
- Exclusions: Graduates from premier institutes (IITs, IIMs, NLUs) and those with professional designations (CA, CS, MBBS, MBA, or any Master's degree) are currently excluded to prioritize undergraduate and diploma holders.
3. How to Apply: The Digital Process
The application process is entirely paperless and handled through the central portal.
- Portal Registration: Visit pminternship.mca.gov.in and register using your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Profile Completion: Use DigiLocker for seamless e-KYC. Fill in your educational details and skills.
- Resume Generation: The portal will automatically generate a professional resume based on your inputs.
- Preference Selection: You can apply for up to 5 internship opportunities based on your preferred location (any of India’s 700+ districts), sector, and functional role.
PM Internship Scheme At-A-Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 12 Months (Minimum 6 months on-the-job) |
| Total Stipend | ₹60,000 (Annual) + ₹6,000 (Joining Grant) |
| Partner Companies | Top 500 (Reliance, Tata, HDFC, Maruti, etc.) |
| Application Fee | ₹0 (Entirely free for students) |
| Current Status | Round 3 Pilot (January 2026) |
Reference Links
- Official PM Internship Portal - Ministry of Corporate Affairs
- PM Internship Scheme: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply - myScheme
- Third pilot of PM Internship Scheme likely this month - Business Today
- PM Internship Scheme 2026: Stipend and Application Details - ClearTax