PM Internship Scheme Pilot May Be Extended by Two Months

As per the news reports, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is examining a proposal to extend the ongoing pilot of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) by one to two months. The extension would allow more time to assess outcomes before placing the scheme for Cabinet approval.

Scheme Overview

The PMIS pilot began in October 2024. Its stated goal is to provide one-year internships to 10 million youth over five years in India’s top 500 companies. The MCA has prepared an expenditure finance committee note, while a Cabinet note for the full rollout is being finalised.

Progress in First Round

During the initial phase, over 82,000 internship offers were made to 60,000 candidates. About 28,000 accepted the offers, but only 8,700 eventually joined. The gap between acceptance and joining was attributed to factors such as location, duration, and higher education commitments.

Second Round Developments

The second pilot round began on January 9, 2025. By August 12, 2025, in total, 82,110 offers had been made, with 24,131 candidates accepting. Interns started joining in July. The deadline for acceptance, originally set for August 30, may now be extended if the pilot is prolonged.

Feedback and Adjustments

Stakeholder inputs from industry, state governments, and associations highlighted issues of stipend adequacy, accessibility, and eligibility. These points are to shape changes in the scheme’s final design, including possible stipend revisions.

Parliamentary Committee Report

The Standing Committee on Finance recommended periodic independent evaluations and relaxed norms for economically weaker and marginalised groups. It also stressed the need for financial support to help candidates from remote areas cover living costs. The panel called for broader participation from SMEs, startups, and regional employers.

The scheme was allotted ₹2,000 crore in the FY25 Budget, later revised to ₹380 crore. For FY26, allocations rose to ₹10,831 crore, reflecting plans for wider rollout.

Read more: Final Deadline to Opt for UPS Under NPS for Central Govt Employees and Retirees: September 30, 2025!

Conclusion

The pilot’s extension would give the government additional data to refine the scheme. The nationwide rollout will depend on these findings and stakeholder feedback.

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