PM Internship Scheme 2026: Eligibility, Stipend, Benefits and How to Apply

Getting a first job is not easy. Many companies ask for work experience, but freshers often do not get a chance to gain that experience. This leaves young candidates in a difficult situation. They may have the required education, but they are not familiar with office work, company rules or practical responsibilities.

The PM Internship Scheme has been started to address this problem. It gives young people an opportunity to work with established companies and understand how a professional workplace functions. Selected candidates also receive monthly financial assistance, which makes it easier for them to complete the internship without depending completely on their families.

What Is the PM Internship Scheme 2026?

The Prime Minister Internship Scheme, or PMIS, is an initiative of the Government of India. It is managed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

The scheme connects eligible young people with internship opportunities offered by leading companies. The aim is to help candidates gain practical skills that are difficult to learn only through books or classroom lectures.

During the internship, candidates may work with a company’s regular team, assist with daily tasks and learn about professional responsibilities. The type of work will depend on the company and the internship role. Some interns may work in offices, while others may get experience at factories, project locations, retail units or operational centres.

The government plans to provide one crore internship opportunities over a period of five years. The larger purpose is to make young people more confident, skilled and prepared for future employment.

How Many Opportunities Are Available in the PM Internship Scheme?

The PM Internship Scheme is not limited to a few companies or major cities. According to the latest information displayed on the official portal, the scheme has offered 2,13,233 internship opportunities.

These opportunities cover 34 sectors, 36 States and Union Territories, and 737 districts. Internships are available for candidates from six broad qualification categories. Companies are also posting new opportunities on an ongoing basis.

This wide coverage can be especially helpful for candidates who live outside large cities. Depending on availability, they may find opportunities in their own district or a nearby location instead of moving far away.

Candidates can search for internships based on their state, district, qualification, preferred sector and type of work. However, the number of available positions can change as applications close and companies add new roles.

Who Can Apply for the PM Internship Scheme?

The scheme is open to Indian citizens between 18 and 25 years of age. The candidate’s age is checked on the date of submitting the application.

An applicant should not be employed in a full-time job. Candidates who are already working part-time may need to check the individual conditions mentioned on the portal.

Students engaged in regular full-time education are generally not eligible, but there are some important exceptions. Students studying through online, distance or correspondence courses can apply. Final-year students enrolled in full-time graduation or postgraduate programmes are also eligible.

Candidates may apply after completing Class 10, Class 12, ITI, a Polytechnic diploma, graduation or an eligible postgraduate course. Accepted courses can include BA, BSc, BCom, BCA, BBA, BPharma, BE, BTech, MA, MSc, MCom, MCA and MTech.

An individual company may ask for a particular qualification. Therefore, being eligible for the scheme does not automatically make a candidate eligible for every internship listed on the portal.

Final-year students may also have to submit a No Objection Certificate from their college or university. It should confirm that the internship will not interfere with their studies or academic requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible for the Scheme?

Candidates studying or working full-time are usually not eligible, except for the student categories specifically allowed under the scheme.

Those who have completed their education from institutions such as IITs, IIMs, IIITs, IISERs, NIDs, National Law Universities or IISc cannot apply. People holding professional or advanced qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBA, MBBS, BDS, MD, MS, MPhil or PhD are also excluded.

A candidate cannot apply if they are already taking part in another internship, apprenticeship, skill course or training programme supported by the Central or State Government. Candidates who have completed training under NATS or NAPS are also not eligible.

The family income condition is equally important. If the annual income of the applicant, parents or spouse was more than ₹12 lakh in the previous financial year, the application will not be accepted.

Similarly, the applicant, parent or spouse should not be a permanent government employee. This includes regular employees working under the Central Government, State Government, public sector organisations, statutory bodies or local authorities. Contractual government employees are not covered by this restriction.

How Much Money Will an Intern Receive?

Selected candidates receive ₹9,000 per month during the internship.

Out of this amount, the partner company pays ₹900 every month. The government provides up to ₹8,100 through Direct Benefit Transfer. The government’s payment is sent directly to the intern’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account after the company updates the required details on the portal.

Monthly payment is linked to the candidate’s internship status. Interns should maintain proper attendance and follow the rules of the company. Payment may not be provided for a period when the candidate is on a break, has left the internship or has been removed from the programme.

Apart from the monthly amount, the government provides a one-time incidental grant of ₹6,000. It is released in two instalments of ₹3,000. The first instalment is generally initiated after the company confirms the candidate’s joining. The second is paid after completing three months, subject to the required conditions.

Some companies may provide extra benefits such as meals, transportation or additional financial support. These facilities are not compulsory. Candidates can check the “Additional Benefits” section of an internship listing before applying.

How Long Does the Internship Continue?

Under the updated guidelines, a PMIS internship may continue for six months or nine months. The duration depends on the company, sector and type of role.

Candidates who joined during earlier pilot rounds may continue with the previous 12-month duration.

Which Sectors Offer Internships?

Opportunities are available in several industries, so the scheme is not meant only for engineering or management students.

Candidates may find internships in information technology, banking, financial services, manufacturing, automotive, retail, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, telecom, energy, mining, construction and infrastructure.

Other sectors include agriculture, hospitality, aviation, defence, textiles, chemicals, media, education, consumer goods and consulting services.

The work assigned to an intern will depend on the role. For example, an intern may assist with customer service, data entry, office records, sales, production, quality checking, inventory, software support or day-to-day business operations.

How to Apply Online for the PM Internship Scheme?

Applications must be submitted through the official PM Internship Scheme portal. The complete registration and application process is free.

Start by registering as a candidate and completing Aadhaar authentication or e-KYC. After that, enter your personal, contact and educational details. You may also have to upload your educational and skill certificates.

Once the profile is complete, search for internships according to your qualification, preferred location and sector. Do not apply only after looking at the company’s name. Read the responsibilities, location, duration and qualification requirements properly.

After applying, check your dashboard regularly. Shortlisting, company offers and joining-related updates are provided through the portal.

Applicants should never pay money to an agent for registration or selection. No person can guarantee an internship under the scheme.

Conclusion

The PM Internship Scheme can be a good starting point for young people who have qualifications but little or no work experience. It offers practical exposure along with ₹9,000 in monthly financial assistance and an additional grant of ₹6,000.

With more than 2.13 lakh opportunities across 34 sectors and 737 districts, candidates have a chance to explore roles in different industries and locations. Interested applicants should visit the official portal regularly because companies continue to post new internships.

FAQs

Also, read – LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Amount, Last Date and Online Application