PM Internship Programme Faces Operational Setbacks

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme has come under scrutiny after official data showed very low participation:

• Only 1 in 5 selected candidates accepted the internship offer, and
• 20% of those who did join eventually dropped out before completion.

This has raised serious concerns regarding the scheme’s design, incentives, and implementation.

Overview of the PM Internship Scheme

• The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme aims to provide young graduates with practical exposure to the functioning of Central Ministries, Departments, and public institutions.
• Interns gain experience in:
  • Research & analysis
  • Project monitoring
  • Field surveys
  • Data management
  • Governance documentation
• Selection is merit-based, with a national-level application process.
• The internship provides a stipend, fixed tenure, and structured work roles.
• It does not guarantee government employment, which remains a key criticism.

Key Findings: Low Acceptance & Premature Dropouts

Acceptance Rate: Only 20%

Despite rigorous shortlisting, only one-fifth of selected applicants accepted the internship.

Dropout Rate: 20%

A significant number of interns quit mid-way, pointing to systemic shortcomings.

Why Did Many Candidates Decline the Offer?

1. Low Stipend / Financial Pressure

• Stipend often fails to cover living costs in Delhi or Tier-1 cities.
• Relocation burdens disproportionately affect students from rural or low-income backgrounds.

2. Better Private Sector Prospects

• Corporate internships offer higher pay and clearer career pathways.

3. No Job Guarantee

• Since the scheme does not lead to government recruitment, students often deprioritise it.

4. Geographic Mismatch

• Many interns are posted far from home, increasing financial and logistical burdens.

Reasons for Early Dropouts

• Mismatch between expectations and reality of work
• Limited mentorship, leading to poor learning outcomes
• Monotonous or clerical tasks instead of meaningful policy exposure
• Accommodation & logistical difficulties
• Lack of structured training modules

These issues undermine the scheme’s original goals.

Government Response & Proposed Improvements

1. Revising Stipend Structures

• Discussions underway to increase allowances, especially for Tier-1 postings.

2. Strengthening Mentorship Systems

• Plans for structured orientation, supervisor training, and a defined learning roadmap.

3. Better Matching of Interns & Departments

• Efforts to align interns’ academic backgrounds with relevant ministries.

4. Robust Monitoring Mechanisms

• Digital dashboards for attendance, task tracking, and learning milestones.

5. Exploring Hybrid / Remote Internship Models

• To encourage wider participation, especially from smaller towns.

Broader Significance: Why the Scheme Matters

• Enhances youth participation in governance
• Strengthens understanding of public administration
• Creates a pipeline of trained policy professionals
• Encourages innovation and tech-driven governance
• Offers ministries fresh perspectives and additional research capacity

For students, it provides:

• Exposure to national policy mechanisms
• Networking with civil servants
• Analytical and administrative skills

Challenges Ahead

• Low perceived career value
• Competition from private sector internships
• Accessibility barriers for rural, female, and low-income applicants
• Need for strict assessment, certification, and defined competencies
• Need to create meaningful, non-clerical work opportunities

Unless reforms address these issues, participation levels may remain low.