PM Internship Scheme Revamped: Higher Stipend, More Jobs & New Tech Sectors Added

The government has revamped the PM Internship Scheme with easing rules for both companies and candidates. This was Announced in March 2026 the updated scheme will now includes new-age sectors like semiconductors, renewable energy and global capability centres. Along with this it has also increasing the stipend and relaxing eligibility criteria. The move aims to address the earlier challenges like low participation and high drop-out rates and making scheme so more inclusive.

Key Changes in PM Internship Scheme 2026

The restructured scheme introduced the several significant reforms to improve the participation and outcomes. One of the major hurdles is the removal of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requirement for companies.

Earlier only firms with CSR obligations can participate. Now even companies without CSR commitments can join and this will significantly expand the number of participating organizations.

Another significant change is the inclusion of the emerging sectors such as semiconductors and renewable energy. This sectors participation shows the government’s focus on future-ready industries.

Eligibility Criteria Relaxed for Candidates

To make the scheme more inclusive and accessible the authority has relaxed eligibility norms. Now candidates with postgraduate degrees and MBAs are also eligible though which was not allowed earlier.

The age criteria has also been modified,

• Minimum age reduced from 21 to 18 years
• Maximum age increased from 24 to 25 years

This change will allows the broader group of young individuals, including fresh graduates and early professionals to benefit the scheme.

Increased Stipend to Boost Participation

Major concerns in earlier phases was low participation due to limited financial incentives. To address this issue the government has increased the monthly stipend limit from ₹5,000 to ₹9,000.

This rise is expected to,

• Encourage more candidates to apply
• Reduce drop-out rates
• Make internships financially viable for students from diverse backgrounds

Expansion of Participating Companies and Sectors

The scheme also witnessed a steady increase in corporate participation. From 280 companies in the first phase (October 2024) to the number has been grown up to 549 companies and it also surpassed the initial target of 500.

Major companies that have participated in the scheme are,

• Reliance Industries
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
• HDFC Bank
• Maruti Suzuki
• Larsen & Toubro
• Mahindra & Mahindra

With the removal of CSR restrictions and the new sectors also to participate and expand the opportunities to the beneficiaries.

Third Phase Targets and Opportunities

The third phase of the scheme is currently underway and it set the target of 1 lakh (100,000) internship opportunities.

So far the scheme has,

• Over 15,500 internship offers have been made
• Opportunities span across 19 sectors
• Coverage includes 32 states and regions

Question

Q. What is the revised monthly stipend under the PM Internship Scheme 2026?

A. ₹5,000
B. ₹7,000
C. ₹9,000
D. ₹10,000