The PM Internship Scheme is a chance for young students to intern with the government and understand how things operate in a nation. The scheme allows students from diverse backgrounds to work in different government ministries and departments. They can acquire hands-on experience in governance, which implies learning about how the nation operates and how decisions are made. 

The PM Internship Scheme is important for UPSC preparation. In General Studies Paper II, it links to governance and how the government functions. This scheme is a practical example of how governance works and can be useful for both UPSC Prelims and Mains exams.

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The PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) is currently in the news for several key reasons:

• Extension of Application Deadline: The deadline for the second round of the PMIS has been extended to April 15, 2025. This gives more time for eligible students to apply. The previous deadline was March 31, 2025.

• Significant Budget Allocation: The central government has increased the budget allocation for the scheme to ₹10,831.07 crore in the financial year 2025-26. This is a very large increase from the revised estimate of ₹380 crores.

What is the PM Internship Scheme?

The PM Internship Scheme 2024 is a chance for students to work in government departments and ministries. The program enables them to work on actual government projects, understand the process of making policies, and gain practical experience in administration. Students from all over India can apply, and they have the opportunity to work on projects that impact the nation. It is an enriching experience that can enable students to learn how the government functions.

The scheme is open to students from all academic backgrounds, and the work assigned depends on the department or ministry they are placed in. This helps students gain knowledge about different areas of governance, whether it's the economy, health, education, or the environment.

Objectives of the PM Internship Scheme

The PM Internship Scheme has a number of objectives that intend to benefit the students as well as the government. They include:

• The program lets students learn through practice. They will be employed on government projects and acquire the knowledge of how policies are executed.
• It enlightens students as to the tasks performed by the government ministries and how they transform individuals' livelihoods.
• Students will be able to use what they learn in their studies in real government jobs. It will help them understand how their academic knowledge applies in the real world.
• The scheme encourages young people to participate in governance and policymaking, which helps in nation-building.
• Interns will be able to conduct research and think of new ideas that could help improve government work and policies.

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The PM Internship Scheme has several important features that make it a unique and beneficial opportunity for students:

• The scheme is open to students who are currently in undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD programs, or who have recently completed their studies.
• Internships can last from 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on the project and department.
• Students who are selected for the internship will receive a stipend as a token of appreciation for their work.
• Interns will be involved in research, data collection, analysis, and helping in policy-making. They will gain knowledge of the opportunities and challenges in working in government.
• Each of the interns should have a mentor within the government department to assist them and ensure they are effective both in learning and contributing.
• Upon completion of the internship, students will receive a certificate, which will be beneficial in their future professional life.

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To apply for the PM Internship Scheme, students need to meet certain requirements. Here’s who can apply:

• PM Internship Scheme Age Limit: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
• Education: Students who are currently enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, or those who have recently graduated, are eligible to apply.
• Skills: Interns should have strong research and communication skills. They must be capable of performing in a team and have an interest in public administration.
• Selection Process: Admission is done according to the background of the student, interest in government service, and aptitudes. Interviews in some departments could be a part of the selection process.

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How to Apply for the PM Internship Scheme?

Follow the below mentioned steps to apply online for the PM Internship Scheme:

• Go to the Official Website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

• Click on the registration link given on the homepage.

• Enter a valid phone number and authenticate it using the OTP sent to your mobile phone.

• Give the personal information, educational qualifications and the internship choices.

• Upload the required documents and submit your application.

Significance of the PM Internship Scheme 2024

The PM Internship Scheme 2024 is significant for several reasons:

• This scheme helps young people learn about how the government works and how they can be a part of decision-making processes. It empowers them to understand governance better.
• The scheme helps create a pool of young leaders who will be ready to contribute to public service and governance in the future.
• By involving interns, the government can get fresh ideas and perspectives. This helps improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government work.
• Students will get a chance to work on real government projects, which will help them understand how policies are made and implemented.
• Students will gain valuable experience that can help them in their future careers, whether in the public or private sector. The certificate they receive will also help in their job applications.

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Issues Associated with the Implementation of the PM Internship Scheme

Although the PM Internship Scheme offers many benefits, there are some challenges in its implementation:

• There are only a limited number of slots available for the internship, which means not all applicants will be selected.
• Many students may not know about the scheme or how to apply, reducing the overall participation.
• Some government departments may not have enough resources to properly guide and mentor all the interns effectively.
• The quality of experience may vary depending on the department, and some interns may not be assigned impactful tasks.

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