New Delhi, August 20, 2025 — The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), launched as a pilot initiative in October 2024, has drawn a tepid response from students despite an ambitious rollout and a large number of internship offers by partner companies. Official data tabled in Parliament reveals that out of over 1.53 lakh offers extended under the scheme, only about 6% of candidates eventually joined the organisations.

In a written reply, Union Finance Minister confirmed that the offer acceptance rate stood at 33%, while the actual joining rate remained significantly lower. Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, cited several reasons behind the low uptake, including unfavourable location of postings, duration of internships, and students opting to pursue higher studies.

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, tasked with implementing the scheme, conducted comprehensive feedback exercises—ranging from surveys and outbound calls to consultations with industry bodies, students, and state governments—to better understand the barriers. Officials have emphasized that insights from these pilot rounds will be crucial in shaping the programme’s national expansion.

Announced in the Union Budget 2024–25, the PMIS aims to facilitate 1 crore internship opportunities for Indian youth across the country’s top 500 companies over the next five years.

Low Conversion Despite High Interest

In the first round of the pilot (October 2024), 280 companies listed over 1.27 lakh internship openings. The scheme drew 6.21 lakh applications from 1.81 lakh students, resulting in 82,000 offers. However, only 28,000 accepted, and a mere 8,700 actually joined the roles.

The second round, launched in January 2025, saw 327 companies post 1.18 lakh opportunities. Around 4.55 lakh applications were received from 2.14 lakh students. Over 82,000 offers were extended, with 24,000 acceptances so far. Final joining data for this round is still being compiled.

Across both rounds, student registration crossed 6.8 lakh, but the conversion from application to actual internship has remained modest.

Future Course Depends on Evaluation

Officials have reiterated that the PMIS will undergo further evaluation and refinement before a nationwide rollout. Adjustments to internship terms, better alignment with student expectations, and improved geographic accessibility are among the key areas under review.

“The scheme holds strong potential to bridge the gap between academia and industry, but its design must resonate with students' aspirations and realities,” said an official familiar with the matter.

As the government takes stock of the pilot’s outcomes, the next phase of PMIS is expected to incorporate these lessons to ensure greater participation and impact.