- Over 4.5 lakh applications have come in for 1.18 lakh internship spots in the second pilot phase of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme.
- 71,000 internship offers have been made by 327 companies across 735 districts, and the joining process is underway.
- To apply, candidates should be between 18-24 years old and have qualifications ranging from 10th pass to graduate level; the first round saw a low joining rate.
PM internship scheme keeps opening opportunities for young people across India, offering many internships nationwide. Officially called the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, this scheme works to connect education with real work experience by teaming up with hundreds of companies. If you’re between 18 and 24 and want hands-on experience, you could be eligible. Let’s look at how this scheme works, who can apply, and recent updates on participation.
PM Internship Scheme 2025: Who Can Apply?
The scheme accepts applications from a wide range of educational backgrounds to keep it open and diverse. If you’ve completed your 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, or diploma courses, you can apply. Fresh graduates from non-premier colleges are also eligible for internships under this scheme.
Here are the specific education rules:
- ITI applicants: Need both a matriculation certificate and an ITI certificate in the relevant trade.
- Diploma holders: Should have finished intermediate education and have an AICTE-recognized diploma.
- Degree holders: Must have a bachelor’s degree from a university recognized by UGC or AICTE.
The age limit is between 18 and 24 years, but there are age relaxations for OBC, SC, and ST categories, making this scheme open to many young Indians.
How to Apply and Get the Most Out of Internship Opportunities
Applying for the PM internship scheme is easy and done online. Here’s what you do:
- Go to the official PM Internship Scheme website: Find the application link on the government site.
- Register yourself: Fill out your basic personal and education details to create a profile.
- Look for internships: Check the list of internships that match your qualifications and preferred location.
- Apply carefully: Send applications for internships that fit your skills and interests to improve your chances.
- Get ready to join: Stay in touch and watch for updates on offers and joining instructions.
To boost your chances, keep your profile updated regularly and read the internship details carefully before applying. Companies often want candidates with the right skills and correct papers, so having everything ready will help when you get accepted.
Second Round Highlights and Participation Stats
The recent second round of the PM Internship Scheme pilot, which started on January 9, 2025, saw impressive numbers:
| Detail | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Applications Received | 4,50,000+ |
| Internship Opportunities Offered | 1,18,000+ |
| Offers Made So Far | 71,000 |
| Partner Companies Involved | 327 |
| Districts Covered | 735 (All over India) |
The number of offers made shows a strong demand for internships even with so many applicants. Companies are slowly sending out offers, and candidates are accepting and joining as the scheme continues.
Challenges: Low Joining Rate in First Round
Details from the first pilot phase show some issues:
“Less than 15 percent of candidates who got internship offers actually joined the scheme in the first round.”
Reasons include lack of awareness, travel problems, or hesitation from applicants. Learning from this, efforts are now focused on better communication and support during the acceptance phase, making it easier for more interns to join in this and future rounds.
If you plan to apply, be quick in following up on offers and completing the joining process so you can take full advantage of this great internship platform.