The CM Punjab Tourism Internship Program 2026 is a major career development initiative launched by the Government of Punjab to empower young graduates with practical, real-world experience in the tourism and heritage sector. Introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, this program aims to bridge the long-standing gap between academic education and professional industry requirements.
With 1,000 paid internships and a generous monthly stipend of Rs. 60,000, the program has quickly become one of the most attractive government-backed internship opportunities for youth in Punjab. It is managed by the Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums Department of Punjab and focuses on skill development, professional exposure, and economic growth through tourism development.
What Is the CM Punjab Tourism Internship Program 2026?
The CM Punjab Tourism Internship Program 2026 is a structured, short-term professional training initiative designed for fresh graduates who want hands-on experience in tourism management, heritage conservation, marketing, and digital promotion.
The program is not limited to office-based learning. Interns are placed in tourism offices, museums, heritage sites, and district-level departments, where they work on real projects under professional supervision.
The first batch of 250 interns is scheduled to begin in March 2026, while the remaining positions will be filled in later phases. Applications are submitted online through the official government portal.
Purpose and Vision Behind the Program
Punjab has vast tourism potential, ranging from historical landmarks and archaeological sites to cultural heritage and natural beauty. However, the lack of trained human resources has long been a challenge.
The Tourism Internship Program 2026 was launched to address this issue by:
- Preparing skilled, job-ready graduates
- Improving service quality in the tourism sector
- Promoting sustainable and responsible tourism
- Creating employment opportunities for youth
- Strengthening Punjab’s local economy
By investing in young professionals, the government aims to build a strong foundation for long-term tourism growth.
Key Objectives of the Tourism Internship Program 2026
Skill Development and Practical Training
Interns receive hands-on training in areas such as tourism promotion, heritage site management, digital media, documentation, and project coordination. These skills are highly valued but often missing from traditional university education.
Bridging Education and Industry
The program helps graduates transition smoothly from academic life to professional environments by exposing them to real workplace challenges, deadlines, and responsibilities.
Financial Support for Youth
With a stipend of Rs. 60,000 per month, the internship provides financial relief while allowing interns to focus on skill-building rather than financial pressure.
Economic Growth Through Tourism
Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide. By training a skilled workforce, Punjab strengthens its position as a competitive tourism destination.
Key Features of CM Punjab Tourism Internship Program 2026
- Total Internships: 1,000
- First Batch: 250 interns (starting March 2026)
- Duration: 3 months
- Monthly Stipend: Rs. 60,000
- Department: Tourism, Archaeology & Museums Department
- Work Locations: Tourism offices, museums, heritage sites, and districts
- Attendance System: GPS-based mobile application
- Dress Code: Formal
- Leave Policy: Limited, with strict monitoring
This structured framework ensures transparency, discipline, and professionalism throughout the internship period.
Eligibility Criteria for CM Punjab Tourism Internship Program 2026
General Requirements
- Age Limit: 21 to 28 years
- Domicile: Punjab
- Graduation Period: Between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have 16 years of education from an HEC-recognized institution in one of the following disciplines:
- Tourism & Hospitality Management
- History
- Archaeology
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Information Technology (IT)
Important Restrictions
- Degrees completed before January 2023 are not eligible
- Candidates already enrolled in another paid internship cannot apply
Required Documents for Application
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Valid CNIC
- Punjab domicile certificate
- Graduation degree or academic transcripts
- Recent passport-size photograph
Providing accurate and complete documents helps avoid application rejection.
How to Apply for CM Punjab Tourism Internship Program 2026
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official internship portal
- Register using your CNIC and active mobile number
- Create your online profile
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload required documents
- Review all information carefully
- Submit the application
- Save the tracking ID for future reference
Applicants are advised to check the portal for updates regarding shortlisting and selection regularly.
Benefits of the Tourism Internship Program 2026
Paid Professional Experience
Interns earn a respectable monthly stipend while gaining professional exposure.
Industry-Based Learning
Participants work directly in tourism offices, museums, and heritage sites, gaining practical insight into operations and management.
Skill Enhancement
The program focuses on communication skills, teamwork, leadership, digital marketing, reporting, and project execution.
Networking Opportunities
Interns interact with government officials, tourism experts, and professionals, helping them build valuable connections.
Career Growth
Although the internship does not guarantee a permanent job, it significantly improves employability in both public and private sectors.
Rules and Guidelines for Selected Interns
- Attendance is recorded via a GPS-enabled mobile app
- Only two leaves per month are allowed with prior approval
- Excessive absences may result in stipend deduction or termination
- Formal dress code must be followed
- Confidentiality of official work is mandatory
- Stipends are transferred through bank accounts
- All official materials must be returned after completion
Why This Internship Program Matters for Youth
The CM Punjab Tourism Internship Program 2026 is more than a short-term opportunity. It is a career-building platform that prepares youth for long-term success. By combining training, financial support, and real-world exposure, the program helps graduates gain confidence and clarity about their professional future.
For students interested in tourism, culture, history, business, marketing, or IT, this initiative offers a strong starting point.
Conclusion
The CM Punjab Tourism Internship Program 2026 is a powerful initiative aimed at empowering young graduates through skills, experience, and financial support. With 1,000 paid internships, professional supervision, and exposure to Punjab’s tourism ecosystem, the program opens new doors for career development.
If you are a motivated graduate looking to gain real-world experience and contribute to Punjab’s tourism growth, this internship is an opportunity worth applying for.