2nd Phase of PM Internship Scheme has gained fresh momentum with the launch of a dedicated mobile app by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This development is part of a broader strategy to boost participation in the scheme, making the application process more accessible and convenient for youth across India. By leveraging mobile technology, the government seeks to eliminate barriers such as limited computer access, allowing more young Indians to register and benefit from this employment-enhancing initiative.
About PM Internship Scheme
The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) was envisioned as a nationwide effort to provide young individuals with practical work experience and training across sectors. Its core objective is to create 10 million internship opportunities over five years. This initiative is aimed at building a skilled workforce and improving the employability of India’s youth.
Interns under this scheme receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, along with a one-time grant of ₹6,000 for incidental expenses. The internship is not only a stepping stone to permanent employment but also serves as a learning opportunity to build essential workplace skills.
Launch of the Mobile App
A standout feature in the 2nd Phase of PM Internship Scheme is the launch of a mobile application, designed to simplify the registration and selection process. With a majority of India’s youth accessing the internet primarily via smartphones, this app bridges the digital divide. It reduces dependency on desktops or cybercafés, thereby streamlining access to information and application resources for a broader demographic.
Facilitation Centre in Kolkata
To ensure better execution of the scheme, a facilitation centre has been inaugurated in Kolkata, the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This centre is tasked with mobilising internship candidates, guiding them through the application process, and ensuring that they meet the required eligibility criteria.
Furthermore, CII’s 47 model career centres across India are being upgraded to integrate PMIS cells. These centres will serve as regional support hubs for the applicants, offering orientation sessions, application assistance, and follow-ups for those selected under the scheme.
National Outreach via IEC Events
The 2nd Phase of PM Internship Scheme also places a strong emphasis on social outreach. To that end, the MCA will conduct over 70 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) events nationwide. These events are designed to educate potential candidates about the scheme’s benefits, registration process, and eligibility.
By holding these events in rural and semi-urban areas, the government intends to reach young individuals who might otherwise miss out on such opportunities due to lack of awareness.
Targets for 2025
The first phase of the PMIS had already seen significant engagement, with 28,141 candidates accepting internship offers. The second phase is even more ambitious, aiming to place over 1,00,000 interns across 300 companies. The total target for the financial year 2025 stands at 1.25 lakh internships, which would mark a major milestone in the scheme’s implementation.
Eligibility Criteria for 2nd Phase of PM Internship Scheme
The scheme is open to youth aged between 21 and 24 years. Eligible candidates must have completed 10th and 12th grade, or hold a graduate degree, ITI certification, or other recognised technical qualifications. This inclusive eligibility ensures that both academic and vocational streams are catered to, enabling wider participation from various socio-economic backgrounds.
Future Outlook
The 2nd Phase of PM Internship Scheme demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to employment generation. With improved digital infrastructure, wider outreach, and solid public-private partnerships, the scheme is well-positioned to achieve its goal of bridging the skill gap in India’s workforce.
The central government’s focused efforts on skilling and reskilling underscore its commitment to transforming India into a human capital powerhouse. If implemented effectively, this internship scheme could serve as a model for similar programmes in other developing nations.