As the deadline for Round 2 of the PM Internship Scheme approaches on March 31, 2025, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) hosted a Candidate Open House to address queries and concerns from prospective applicants.
The interactive session, held on March 27, 2025, provided valuable insights into the application process, eligibility criteria, and sector-specific opportunities.
With over 1.18 lakh internships available across 735 districts, the scheme aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, empowering India’s youth with practical experience.
Key Highlights of the Open House for PM Internship Scheme
The Open House witnessed active participation from 684 attendees, including MCA officials, industry experts, and current interns.
More than 1,765 questions were submitted online and addressed live during the session.
Queries ranged from selection criteria and eligibility requirements to employment prospects post-internship and the availability of IT sector opportunities.
Panel Insights: Industry expert Don Lewis, Head of Skill Development & Education at Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Division, emphasized the importance of internships in enhancing employability. He encouraged candidates to be proactive during the selection process and regularly check the portal for updates. Don highlighted how internships in top companies can significantly boost career prospects.
Intern Stories: Three current interns shared their experiences, showcasing the transformative impact of the scheme. Ankit Kumar, a painter intern at Mahindra & Mahindra in Nashik, discussed overcoming language barriers and gaining hands-on learning on the shop floor. Shweta Joshi, an associate software intern at Tech Mahindra, shared her journey of learning new tools like SQL and AWS CloudWatch.
Addressing Candidate Concerns
Several attendees raised concerns about the scheme’s age limit, job prospects, and limited IT sector openings.
- Age Limit: Candidates requested an extension of the upper age limit from 24 to 25 years, citing challenges in securing opportunities within the existing framework. Officials reiterated that the age limit is unlikely to be revised.
- Job Prospects: Questions about employment post-internship were addressed, with officials clarifying that the scheme does not guarantee job placements. Instead, it aims to enhance employability through a year-long internship and a completion certificate.
- IT Sector Opportunities: Attendees highlighted the disproportionate number of IT sector openings compared to other industries. Officials acknowledged the issue and assured efforts to engage more IT companies in the program.
PM Internship Scheme Overview and Benefits
The PM Internship Scheme offers internships across 25 sectors, including IT, banking, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and agriculture. Key features include:
- Duration: 12 months, including six months of hands-on training.
- Stipend: ₹5,000 per month, with ₹4,500 contributed by the government and ₹500 by partner companies.
- One-Time Grant: ₹6,000 upon onboarding.
- Insurance Coverage: Under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
Eligible candidates must be aged 21-24 years, unemployed, and from households with an annual income of less than ₹8 lakh.
The application process is entirely online, with candidates able to apply for up to three internships.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates, Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
