NITI Aayog Invites Applications for 2026 Internship; Deadline Apr 10

NITI Aayog has announced the continuation of its Internship Programme for 2026, inviting applications from students and research scholars across India.
The initiative is designed to provide first-hand exposure to the functioning of government and the process of public policy formulation, while also bringing new ideas and academic perspectives into the policy ecosystem.
Who Can Apply
The NITI Aayog Internship 2026 is open to undergraduate students who have completed at least the second year (or fourth semester) with a minimum of 85% marks in Class 12, as well as postgraduate and PhD students who have completed the first year (or second semester) with at least 70% marks in graduation.
Applicants must be pursuing disciplines relevant to NITI Aayog’s work, including economics, law, management, engineering, public policy, development studies, and other social science streams.
Flexible Duration and Structure
The internship is offered throughout the year on a rolling basis, enabling students to apply at their convenience. The duration ranges from a minimum of six weeks to a maximum of six months.
Selected candidates are assigned to various verticals, divisions, or cells within NITI Aayog, where they work closely with senior officials and gain insights into real-time policymaking processes.
Interns are actively involved in ongoing assignments and projects. Their responsibilities include conducting research, analyzing data, drafting reports, preparing policy briefs, and delivering presentations.
The programme focuses on experiential learning, allowing participants to connect academic knowledge with practical governance challenges.
Although the internship is unpaid, participants who complete the programme successfully receive a certificate of completion, which adds value to their academic and professional profiles.
Application and Selection Process
Applications must be submitted online through the official NITI Aayog internship portal. As the process is conducted on a rolling basis, candidates can apply throughout the year.
However, applications are accepted monthly, with the deadline for each cycle being the 10th of the preceding month.
For instance, candidates seeking to join the May internship must submit their applications by April 10.
A selection committee evaluates applications based on academic merit, relevance of the applicant’s field of study, and the quality of the statement of purpose.
Bridging Academia and Governance
Over time, the internship scheme has evolved into a valuable platform for students aspiring to understand governance from within.
By engaging young talent in real-world policy challenges, NITI Aayog continues to strengthen its commitment to building a future-ready and participative governance framework for India.
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