More than 1.55 lakh candidates register for PM Internship Scheme

The scheme, announced in this year's budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to address youth unemployment by connecting young people with companies seeking talent.

In Short

• 193 companies, including major firms, posted internships
• Internships span 24 sectors and 737 districts across India
• Government initiative seeks to address skill gaps and boost employment

Within a day of its launch, the Prime Minister Internship Scheme portal registered 1,55,109 candidates, according to government sources. The scheme, announced in this year’s budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to address youth unemployment by connecting young people with companies seeking talent.

So far, 193 companies have posted internship opportunities on the platform, including major private firms such as Jubilant Foodworks, Maruti Suzuki India, Larsen & Toubro, Muthoot Finance, and Reliance Industries. The initiative has received contributions from sectors such as Oil, Gas & Energy, Travel & Hospitality, Automotives, and Banking.

Opposition parties have been critical of the government on issues of unemployment. With this initiative, the government hopes to respond to those concerns by creating pathways for young people to gain work experience. “The scheme builds a bridge between companies looking for talent and youth looking for opportunities,” a government source said.

Internships are available across 24 sectors and more than 20 fields, including operations management, production, maintenance, and sales. The program has opportunities in 737 districts across 37 states and union territories.

As part of the scheme, top companies are offering positions that could help address skill gaps and boost employment. The government’s efforts are seen as an attempt to reduce unemployment and create long-term opportunities for youth in India’s growing industries.