Context
The PM Internship Scheme has faced low participation, as only 20% of selected candidates accepted internship offers, and 20% of those who joined quit early, raising concerns about the scheme’s design and effectiveness.
What is the PM Internship Scheme?
- The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme provides graduates with practical exposure to the functioning of Central Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Institutions.
- Interns work on research, data analysis, field studies, project tracking, and documentation to understand policy implementation and administrative processes.
How the PM Internship Scheme Works?
- The scheme follows a national-level online application process, where students submit applications through a central portal.
- Candidates are shortlisted based on academic merit, motivation, and interest in public policy, assessed through submitted documents such as the Statement of Purpose.
- Selected interns are placed in Central Ministries, Government Departments, and Public Sector Institutions, depending on project requirements and availability.
- Interns work on tasks like research, data analysis, field surveys, documentation, and monitoring government projects, providing exposure to real administrative functioning.
- Each intern is assigned a mentor within the department to guide work and ensure structured learning.
- Interns receive a stipend for the duration of the programme, but the scheme does not guarantee a government job after completion.
- Interns are expected to work full-time during the internship period and may be posted to different locations or states depending on deployment needs.
- The internship duration and nature of work vary across departments and project themes.
Why is participation so low?
- Recent government data shows major concerns:
- Only 1 out of 5 shortlisted candidates accepted the internship.
- One in five interns exited the programme before completion, indicating dissatisfaction.
- Reasons for Low Offer Acceptance
- Low stipend that does not cover relocation and living costs in Tier-1 cities.
- Better private sector opportunities offering higher pay and career security.
- No assured government employment, reducing long-term appeal.
- Postings in distant locations causing relocation and financial strain.
- Reasons for Early Dropouts
- Mismatch between expectations and actual assigned tasks.
- Weak mentorship and limited structured learning support.
- Minimal participation in real decision-making
- Accommodation and logistical difficulties for out-station interns.
Implications
- If unresolved, the scheme may fail to attract talent, especially from rural and low-income backgrounds.
- Risk of losing potential young professionals, innovative thinking, and data-driven governance support for ministries.
- A weak internship pipeline limits efforts to strengthen youth engagement in governance and India’s demographic dividend.
Challenges and Way Forward
| Challenges | Way Forward |
| Low stipend and financial burden | Increase stipend, especially in Tier-1 cities |
| Weak learning structure and mentorship | Introduce strong orientation, assigned mentors, and scheduled learning modules |
| Mismatch of postings and academic background | Improve matching of interns with relevant departments |
| High dropout due to relocation issues | Explore hybrid / remote models and local placement options |
| Limited exposure to decision- making | Provide structured participation in policy discussions and field projects |
| No clear career pathway | Introduce certification, skill records, and preference in public hiring processes |
| Limited monitoring and evaluation | Adopt digital tracking systems and transparent evaluation frameworks |
Conclusion
The PM Internship Scheme can become a powerful tool for youth engagement in governance if supported by better financial support, strong learning frameworks, mentorship, and flexible implementation models. Effective reforms will help build a skilled public policy workforce and improve citizen-centric governance capacity.
| Ensure IAS Mains Question Q. Evaluate the challenges faced by the PM Internship Scheme and suggest reforms needed to improve youth participation and build capacity in public governance. (250 words) |
| Ensure IAS Prelims Question Q. Consider the following statements about the PM Internship Scheme: 1. The scheme provides hands-on experience in Central Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Institutions. 2. The internship guarantees government employment after completion. 3. Only about 20% of shortlisted candidates accepted the internship offer recently. 4. Financial constraints and low stipend are among the key reasons for low participation. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 3 only b) 1, 3 and 4 only c) 2 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: b) 1, 3 and 4 only Explanation Statement 1 is correct: The scheme places interns in Central Ministries, Government Departments, and Public Sector Institutions where they work on tasks such as research, data analysis, field assignments, and project tracking, providing hands-on administrative exposure. Statement 2 is incorrect: The internship provides experience and a stipend, but it clearly states that it does not guarantee government employment after completion, which reduces long-term career security for many participants. Statement 3 is correct: Recent official data shows that only about 20% of shortlisted candidates accepted internship offers, indicating low participation despite a national-level selection and screening process. Statement 4 is correct: Low acceptance and early dropout are linked to financial constraints, particularly low stipend levels that fail to cover living expenses and relocation costs, especially in Tier-1 cities. |
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