Expanded Eligibility for Prime Minister's Internship Scheme: A New Opportunity for Students

The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme has expanded its eligibility to include final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 to 25. This initiative aims to enhance student employability and skill development, allowing them to gain valuable work experience while studying. With a target of providing internships to 10 million young people over the next five years, participants will receive a monthly stipend of ₹9,000 and a joining incentive of ₹6,000. This program aligns with India's National Education Policy and is currently in its pilot phase, with numerous companies offering diverse internship roles.

By Ambika Singh Apr 23, 2026, 09:47 IST

Overview of the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme

The eligibility criteria for the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS) have been broadened to include final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students. Now, students aged between 18 and 25 can apply for paid internships at leading companies through the PMIS portal.

Alignment with National Education Policy

These modifications to the PMIS are in line with India's National Education Policy (NEP), aimed at improving student employability and skill enhancement. This initiative is designed to facilitate a smoother transition from academic life to professional environments. Currently, between 300 and 500 companies are collaborating with the government to provide diverse internship roles across various sectors. The scheme is in its pilot phase, with the third round actively ongoing, as companies regularly update their internship listings.

Benefits for Students

Who stands to gain from this initiative?

This scheme is particularly advantageous for college students who often face challenges in finding jobs post-graduation due to insufficient practical experience. The internships allow students to acquire valuable work experience while still pursuing their studies, and they will receive a stipend for their contributions. With the new eligibility criteria, final-year students aged 18 to 25 can now access paid internships at top firms through the PMIS portal.

Target Audience and Financial Support

How many young individuals will benefit?

The government aims to offer internship opportunities to 10 million (1 crore) young individuals over the next five years. This initiative was unveiled during the Union Budget for 2024-25 and officially launched on October 3, 2024. Participants will receive a monthly stipend of ₹9,000, along with a one-time joining bonus of ₹6,000 from the government upon starting their internship.