The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS), launched in October 2024, aimed to provide industry exposure to university students across India. However, the actual implementation reveals challenges.
Scheme Overview
- Target: 1.25 lakh internships annually across private and public sectors.
- Aim: Improve industry readiness among students while addressing the skill gap.
Outcome So Far
- 4.55 lakh applications received from 2.14 lakh students.
- 71,000 internship offers made by companies.
- Only 22,500 students accepted offers (33% acceptance rate).
- Merely 8,700 students joined, accounting for just 6% of total offers.
Reasons for Low Participation
- Mismatch of Expectations – Students often found offered roles misaligned with their academic specialization.
- Stipend & Location Issues – Many offers were unpaid or required relocation, discouraging students.
- Awareness & Readiness – Students lacked clarity about the application process or did not have required skill sets.
Implications
The scheme highlights the need for stronger career counseling, better alignment between companies and educational programs, and incentivized participation. It also reflects that offering internships alone does not guarantee student participation; support infrastructure is equally critical.
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