PM Internship Scheme 2024 with 6.5 Lakh Applicants Sets a Record

The inaugural phase of the PM Internship Scheme is making waves across the nation, offering transformative opportunities to India's youth. Designed to provide one crore individuals with practical on-the-job training over five years, the initiative has already attracted 6.5 lakh applications in its first cycle. This program, backed by 280 leading corporations including Tata Steel, ITC Limited, ICICI Bank, and Mahindra Group, aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing hands-on experience across diverse sectors.

A major highlight of the scheme is its financial appeal. Each intern is set to receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, funded jointly by the participating companies and the government. Companies will allocate ₹500 per intern from their CSR funds, while the government will directly transfer ₹4,500 into the interns' Aadhaar-linked accounts. New interns will also receive a one-time grant of ₹6,000 to cover incidental expenses, making it an attractive option for candidates like Kratika Verma, a 22-year-old JNU graduate who sees this as a stepping stone toward her academic and civil service aspirations.

The scheme offers flexibility, allowing applicants to apply for up to five internships that match their interests and academic backgrounds. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have emerged as hotspots with the highest number of available internships, showcasing the program's expansive geographical reach. This diversity ensures opportunities are available across a variety of sectors, catering to India's heterogeneous workforce.

While many youths have embraced the scheme enthusiastically, some have raised concerns. For instance, students like 19-year-old Ravikant Tiwari from Delhi find the stipend insufficient to cover living costs for a year. Others are exploring alternate opportunities, such as Delhi University's Vice-Chancellor Internship Scheme, which offers a slightly higher stipend.

What's Next?

With the application window closing on November 15, the selection process is set to kick off shortly, and the internships are scheduled to commence on December 2. Applicants are encouraged to stay updated via the official portal for announcements about the selection process.