The NITI Aayog Internship Program is a prestigious opportunity for students and research scholars to gain firsthand experience in policymaking and governance. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of eligibility criteria, the application process, important deadlines, stipend details, and more.
Overview of the NITI Aayog Internship Program
The NITI Aayog, the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, offers an internship program to students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate programs. The objective is to provide students with exposure to various departments and enable them to contribute to policy formulation through empirical research, data collection, and analysis.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the internship, candidates must meet the following conditions:
1. Educational Qualification
- Undergraduate students: Must have completed/appeared in term-end exams of the second year (or 4th semester) of a Bachelor’s degree program and secured at least 85% marks in Class 12.
- Graduate students: Must have completed/appeared in the first-year/2nd semester of a postgraduate program or be pursuing Ph.D./research work, with at least 70% marks in graduation.
- Recent Graduates: Students who have recently completed their graduation/post-graduation and are awaiting admission to higher studies may also apply, provided they have scored 70% or above in all semesters.
- The time between the declaration of final results and the internship start date should not exceed six months.
2. Other Conditions
- Applicants must be bona fide students of a recognized university/institution in India or abroad.
- Candidates can apply only once per financial year.
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the institution is required at the time of joining.
Internship Duration
- The minimum duration of the internship is six weeks.
- The maximum duration of the internship is six months.
- Interns who do not complete the required tenure will not receive a certificate.
Stipend and Benefits
- Unpaid Internship: The NITI Aayog internship program is not a paid opportunity.
- Interns will receive work space, internet access, and necessary resources from NITI Aayog.
- A certificate of completion will be provided upon successful completion of the internship.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Online Registration
- The application process is conducted online.
- The registration link is available on the NITI Aayog website from the 1st to the 10th of every month.
- Apply Link: https://workforindia.niti.gov.in/intern/InternshipEntry/PCInternshipEntry.aspx
2. Filling the Application Form
Candidates need to provide:
- Personal details
- Educational qualifications
- Preferred domain/area of interest
- Resume/CV upload
3. Submission and Selection
- Applications are reviewed by the relevant NITI Aayog divisions.
- Each division can select up to three interns at a time (subject to exceptions approved by the CEO of NITI Aayog).
- Selected candidates must submit an original NOC and mark sheets before receiving their offer letter.
4. Confirmation and Joining
- The final list of selected candidates will be uploaded on the NITI Aayog website.
- Interns must report as per the schedule provided in their offer letter.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Application window: 1st to 10th of every month.
- Applications can be submitted up to six months in advance.
- Applications must be submitted at least two months before the intended internship start date.
For example:
- If a candidate wants to start an internship in July 2025, they can apply anytime between January 2025 and May 2025.
Internship Areas/Domains
Interns can work in various fields, including but not limited to:
- Agriculture
- Data Management and Analysis
- Economics
- Education & Human Resources Development
- Energy Sector
- Foreign Trade & Commerce
- Governance & Public Policy
- Health, Nutrition, Women & Child Development
- Infrastructure Development
- Public Finance & Budgeting
- Science & Technology
- Social Justice & Empowerment
- Urbanization & Smart Cities
- Water Resource Management
Selection Process
- Shortlisting is done by division heads based on academic performance and relevance to the chosen domain.
- Selected applicants are required to submit their original documents (mark sheets, NOC, etc.) before the final offer is issued.
- Interns must maintain at least 75% attendance; otherwise, they will not receive the completion certificate.
Internship Completion and Certificate
At the end of the internship, interns must:
- Submit a report detailing their work and learning experience.
- Participate in presentations or seminars organized by the division head.
- Receive a certificate of completion signed by the respective division advisor.
Key Takeaways
- Highly competitive program offering exposure to policy formulation.
- Open to Indian and international students from recognized institutions.
- Unpaid opportunity but provides valuable government experience.
- Application deadline is the 10th of every month.
- Minimum six weeks commitment required.
- Interns must have a personal laptop for work.
- No attendance below 75% will be accepted for certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for more than one domain?
No, applicants can apply for only one domain per financial year.
2. Is there a possibility of employment after completing the internship?
No, this internship does not guarantee any future employment with NITI Aayog.
3. How will I know if my application has been selected?
Selected candidates will be notified via email, and the list will be uploaded on the NITI Aayog website.
4. What if I miss the application deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you will have to wait for the next month’s application window.
5. Can international students apply?
Yes, as long as they are from a recognized university and meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Apply
To apply for the NITI Aayog Internship Program, visit the official NITI Aayog website and submit your application between the 1st and 10th of the month.
For any technical issues, contact: nic-niti[at]gov[dot]in.