The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) provides young Indians aged 21–24 with the opportunity to pursue paid, year-long internships at top companies. Designed to strengthen skills, expand networks, and support career development, the scheme uses a transparent, multi-stage selection process to identify eligible candidates. Participants can gain valuable work experience and boost their employability, especially as they prepare for future opportunities and financial planning such as when they later check their business loan eligibility. This guide outlines the eligibility requirements, selection stages, and key benefits to help young professionals make the most of this career-building opportunity.
What is the PM Internship Scheme?
The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, follows a multi-step selection process that starts with online registration and concludes with placement in a partner company. The program is designed to offer Indian youth aged 21 to 24 a paid, year-long internship in leading organizations across diverse sectors—an experience that may also be beneficial when individuals eventually check their pre-approved business loan offer as they explore entrepreneurial pathways.
Eligibility criteria of PM Internship Scheme
To qualify for the internship, applicants must satisfy all of the following criteria:
Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible.
Age limit: Applicants must be between 21 and 24 years old, with age relaxations available for SC/ST and OBC candidates.
Educational background: Candidates should have completed at least Class 10/12, an ITI certification, a polytechnic diploma, or an undergraduate program such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, BBA, BCA, or B.Pharma.
Enrollment status: Applicants should not be engaged in full-time employment or full-time studies. Those enrolled in online or distance-learning programs may apply.
Family income: The total annual family income must be under Rs. 8 lakh.
Ineligible groups: Individuals who graduated from top-tier institutions (such as IITs, IIMs, or NLUs) or those holding professional qualifications like an MBA, PhD, CA, or MBBS are not eligible for the scheme.
Selection process of PM Internship Scheme
The selection process is carried out through the official online portal and includes the following steps:
- Online registration:
Applicants begin by signing up on the official PM Internship portal: pminternship.mca.gov.in.
They must enter their personal and educational information and complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification. - Profile creation
After registering, candidates must fill out their profile and upload the required documents, including educational certificates.
Based on the submitted information, the portal automatically generates a resume. - Applying for internships
Candidates can explore the list of available internship positions on the portal.
They may apply for up to five opportunities per cycle, depending on their qualifications and interests.
Some applications may include additional questions about skills, interests, or motivations. - Portal-based shortlisting
The system creates a shortlist of eligible candidates for each internship.
Preference may be given to applicants with lower employability to support social inclusion.
These shortlisted profiles are then sent to the respective companies. - Company-level selection
Participating companies review the shortlisted candidates using their own evaluation criteria.
They may conduct interviews or other assessments before finalizing their choices.
Selected candidates receive internship offers via the PMIS portal. - Offer acceptance and onboarding
Candidates who receive an offer can accept it directly on the portal.
After the intern joins, the company confirms the start date on the portal, which initiates the release of the initial grant and the monthly stipend.
Step-by-Step guide to applying for PM internship scheme 2025
Visit the official portal
Go to the official PM Internship Scheme website: pminternship.mca.gov.in.
(This is the only platform through which applications are accepted.)
Complete online registration
- Click on the registration link and create an account.
- Fill in your basic personal and educational details.
- Complete the Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification to activate your profile.
Create and update your profile
- After registration, log in and complete your full profile.
- Upload the required documents such as:
- Educational certificates
- ID proof
- Income-related documents (if required)
- The portal will automatically generate a resume using the information you provide.
Browse internship opportunities
- Explore the list of companies and available internship roles displayed on the portal.
- Review eligibility requirements, sector, location (if applicable), and job description.
Apply for internships
- You can apply for up to 5 internships in one application cycle.
- While applying, you may be asked to answer questions related to:
- Skills
- Interests
- Motivation
- Career goals
Portal shortlisting
- The system automatically shortlists candidates based on eligibility.
- Social inclusion criteria may give preference to applicants with lower employability.
- Shortlisted profiles are forwarded to the respective companies.
Company-level evaluation
- Companies review applications and may conduct:
- Telephonic or video interviews
- Skill assessments
- Additional screening steps
- Selected candidates receive internship offers through the portal.
Accept your offer
- If selected, log in to the portal and accept your internship offer.
- Once you accept, you’ll receive instructions for onboarding.
Start your internship
- After joining, the company confirms your start date on the portal.
- This confirmation triggers:
- Release of the initial grant
- Monthly stipend payments
Conclusion
In conclusion, the PM Internship Scheme provides a unique opportunity for young Indians to gain valuable experience in top companies across various sectors. With its structured selection process, the scheme ensures transparency and equal opportunity for all candidates. For those looking to further their career or explore potential avenues, a business loan could be an additional step to support entrepreneurial ventures or further education after the internship experience.
