A Historic Independence Day Honour: HDFC Bank Interns at the Red Fort

August 15, Red Fort, New Delhi.

This Independence Day was not just another celebration at the Red Fort; it was a moment that made history.

The Honourable Prime Minister of India extended a rare invitation to HDFC Bank’s interns, granting them the unique opportunity to be part of the nation’s grand Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort. For HDFC Bank, this recognition is not only about its interns, it is a national acknowledgment of its leadership in shaping talent pipelines.

Standing Out Among 550+ Companies

The Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme (PMIS), launched on October 3, 2024, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has a bold mission: to provide 1 crore internship opportunities across India’s top 500 companies within 5 years.

In its very first year, out of 550+ companies participating, only 9 organizations were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the program. HDFC Bank emerged as the only bank in India to be honored and to receive the Prime Minister’s invitation for its interns to attend the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.

This moment positions HDFC Bank as a benchmark for corporates who wish to leverage PMIS for workforce development at scale.

Why this matters:

This recognition demonstrates how policy, corporate intent, and expert implementation can align to deliver outcomes at scale.

For HDFC Bank, it means being recognized nationally for investing in talent pipelines.
For corporate leaders, it is proof that PMIS isn’t just an internship program, it’s a strategic lever for building the workforce of the future while strengthening CSR and compliance alignment.

Building Future Leaders Through PMIS

The recognition goes beyond prestige. It is a reflection of HDFC Bank’s active commitment to talent development through PMIS.

With over 600 active interns at HDFC Bank already gaining hands-on exposure, the results are visible:

Fresh talent aligned with banking skills.
Youth from marginalised communities getting meaningful access.
Stronger employer branding through national recognition.

For companies, this is proof that PMIS can be a tool for both social impact and business advantage.

Why HDFC Bank x 2COMS Works

Expert implementation by 2COMS

As India’s No.1 TPA for apprenticeship implementation, 2COMS plays a crucial role in the success of the PMIS. They run the end-to-end PMIS playbook, handling screening, onboarding, compliance, attendance, grievance handling, and payroll coordination, ensuring that the host company gets seamless, at-scale operations.

What that looks like in practice

From multi-stage candidate screening and documentation to portal-based stipend processing and ongoing support, 2COMS keeps the engine humming, so interns stay engaged and outcomes stay measurable.

Who can apply (at a glance):

The internship program is open to Indian citizens aged 21–24, with a minimum of Class 10 education, and not in full-time employment or full-time education. Distance/online learners are also eligible to apply.

The PMIS Advantage for Youth

The PMIS isn’t just about internships; it’s about empowering young Indians with financial stability and career growth.

1.25 lakh internship opportunities in FY 2024–25
₹6,000 one-time joining allowance
₹5,000 monthly stipend (with additional top-ups from host companies)
Insurance coverage by the Government of India
Real-world industry experience & clear career pathways

For businesses, PMIS is a chance to align with a national mission while securing tomorrow’s talent.

Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Leaders

The sight of HDFC Bank interns at the Red Fort was more than symbolic. It showed that youth talent, when supported by corporate commitment and government policy, can stand on the nation’s most prestigious stage.

For companies, the message is clear:
Adopting PMIS is not just an HR initiative, it’s a step toward national leadership in talent development.