In 2024, the Government of India launched the PM Internship Scheme — one of the most significant policy interventions for student employment in decades. For aviation students, this scheme is particularly relevant: it provides a government-backed monthly stipend to eligible interns, on top of any stipend paid by the host organisation.
This guide explains how the scheme works, who qualifies, how the stipend reaches you, and how InternAVIA-placed students can benefit.
What Is the PM Internship Scheme?
The PM Internship Scheme (launched under the Union Budget 2024-25 initiative) is a government programme designed to provide structured internship opportunities to Indian youth across top companies and sectors. The scheme aims to place 10 million interns over five years across India's leading industries — including aviation, hospitality, logistics, and airport operations.
Key features of the scheme:
- Monthly stipend of ₹5,000 directly from the Government of India
- One-time payment of ₹6,000 for incidental expenses on joining
- Insurance cover under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana
- Duration: 12 months (government scheme duration; actual airport internship duration 3–6 months under InternAVIA)
Who Is Eligible?
The PM Internship Scheme targets a specific demographic. To qualify:
- Age: 21 to 24 years
- Education: Must have passed Class 10 or higher; currently NOT enrolled in full-time education OR have completed education but not be currently employed full-time
- Income: Annual household income below ₹8 lakh
- Exclusions: IIT, IIM, NLU graduates; those with CA/CMA/CS qualifications; Central Government employees or their children are not eligible
Many BBA Aviation and B.Sc. Aviation students — particularly those from Tier 2 and Tier 3 universities — fall squarely within this bracket, especially if they have just completed their degree and are seeking their first industry placement.
How Does the Stipend Reach You?
The ₹5,000 monthly stipend is paid directly by the Government of India into your Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). You do not receive it through InternAVIA or the host organisation — this is a direct government disbursement.
This is important to understand: the government stipend is separate from any stipend your host airport organisation may pay. InternAVIA airport placements come with an employer stipend on top of the government contribution (where the host organisation has agreed to provide one under their MOU).
How InternAVIA Placements Align with the Scheme
InternAVIA's airport internship programme is designed to be compatible with PM Internship Scheme placements. Here is how the two interact:
- InternAVIA handles the matching, documentation, placement, and performance tracking
- Eligible students apply to the PM Internship Scheme portal separately using their placement details
- The government stipend is disbursed directly to the student's bank account
- Any additional employer stipend (as per the MOU with the host airport) is paid by the host organisation directly
Your placement offer letter from InternAVIA serves as supporting documentation when applying for the scheme benefit.
What Documents Do You Need for the PM Scheme Application?
- Aadhaar card (linked to active mobile number and bank account)
- Bank account details (must be Aadhaar-linked)
- Educational qualification certificates
- Income declaration or BPL/family income proof
- Offer letter or internship confirmation from host organisation
A Note on Stipend Expectations
It is important not to confuse the PM Internship Scheme's government stipend with an employment salary or a guaranteed earnings figure. The scheme is designed as a supplementary support for interns — not a replacement for employment income. Treat the government stipend as a support allowance; your actual earnings depend on the terms in your offer letter.
How to Get Started
The fastest path for aviation students is to first secure your airport placement through InternAVIA, then use your offer letter to apply for the PM Internship Scheme benefit. Our team guides enrolled students through both processes.
Secure your placement first. Register on InternAVIA, get your offer letter, then apply for the scheme benefit.
Register free →