In a major boost to youth employment and skill development, around 193 companies are offering over 90,000 internships via the PM Internship Scheme portal. This platform will be open for applicants starting the evening of October 12. The initiative is part of a pilot project launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), which aims to create more than 1.2 lakh internship opportunities during the current financial year.

Diverse Internships Across Major Industries

To date, 90,849 internship opportunities have been posted by these companies, which include well-known names from various industries. The internships are designed to provide young talent with valuable work experience. The MCA is managing the scheme and plans to expand its reach following a successful pilot phase. Insights from this period will help the ministry finalize the scheme and seek Cabinet approval for further enhancements.

Opportunities Across Various Sectors

Internships are available across 24 major sectors, with a significant number concentrated in the oil, gas, and energy industries. Other key sectors include travel and hospitality, automotives, banking and financial services, telecommunications, and information technology. This variety ensures that young people from diverse educational backgrounds can find relevant opportunities.

Internships are offered in over 20 specialized fields, such as operations management, production and manufacturing, maintenance, sales and marketing, IT and software development, human resources, and research and development. These areas cover critical industries where skilled professionals are in high demand, allowing interns to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience.

Geographical Reach of the Program

A notable feature of the PM Internship Scheme is its extensive geographical coverage. Internship opportunities are available in 737 districts across 37 states and Union Territories, ensuring access for students and young professionals from all regions. This initiative addresses the skill gap in less industrialized areas by providing placements in both urban and rural settings, aligning with the government's goal of promoting inclusive growth.

The PM Internship Scheme is part of a larger initiative announced in the July Budget, aiming to provide one crore internships to Indian youth. The program seeks to bridge the skill gap faced by many young professionals entering the job market by offering practical experience in their chosen fields. By providing internships at this scale, the government aims to enhance employability and prepare India's youth to compete in the global workforce.

Given the rapidly changing job market, where employers increasingly favor candidates with hands-on experience, the PM Internship Scheme is expected to play a crucial role in helping young people develop the skills needed to succeed across various industries. This support is vital for the country’s economic growth and development.

As a pilot project, this current phase of the PM Internship Scheme aims to test its implementation and gather feedback from interns and employers. Based on these learnings, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs plans to finalize the scheme and submit it for Cabinet approval. Once approved, a significant expansion is anticipated, with a wider range of industries and companies participating.

In the long run, the PM Internship Scheme is expected to be a key element in addressing youth unemployment and fostering skill development. By providing large-scale internship opportunities, the government is not only helping young people gain essential work experience but also contributing to the development of a skilled and competitive workforce necessary for India’s ongoing economic growth and global competitiveness.

This initiative aligns with India’s vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy, prioritizing innovation and skill development to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress across various sectors.

MORE...