Paid Internship Opportunity at CSEP – Stipend ₹10,000 Per Month

Paid Internship Opportunity at Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) – Stipend ₹10,000 Per Month | Apply by June 1, 2026 Students and young r

Paid Internship Opportunity at Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) – Stipend ₹10,000 Per Month | Apply by June 1, 2026

Students and young researchers interested in public policy, governance, law, economics, and judicial reform have an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on research experience through the Pendency Lab Internship offered by the Centre for Social and Economic Progress. The internship provides an opportunity to work on one of India's most significant governance challenges—judicial delay and court pendency—while learning directly from experts in policy research and institutional reform.

With a monthly stipend of ₹10,000, exposure to interdisciplinary research, and the possibility of working on impactful policy projects, this internship is particularly valuable for students and graduates interested in law, public policy, governance, economics, and judicial administration.

Internship Highlights

• Organization: Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP)

• Internship Program: Pendency Lab Internship

• Duration: 2 Months (Extendable up to 3 Months)

• Internship Period: June – August 2026

• Stipend: ₹10,000 Per Month

• Mode: Hybrid Preferred

• Location: Chennai

• Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

• Selection Process: Application Screening, Interview, and Possible Writing Exercise

About Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP)

The Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) is one of India's leading independent public policy think tanks. Formerly known as Brookings India, the organization conducts research and policy analysis on critical national and global issues.

The institution focuses on:

• Economic Growth and Development

• Energy and Sustainability

• Natural Resources

• Foreign Policy

• National Security

• Governance Reforms

• Public Institutions

Through evidence-based research and policy recommendations, CSEP contributes to informed decision-making and public discourse in India.

About the Pendency Lab Internship

The Pendency Lab is an ongoing research initiative examining judicial delays in India and evaluating how institutional and policy reforms affect the efficiency of courts and justice delivery systems.

The internship offers candidates the opportunity to participate in a knowledge-building exercise focused on improving the functioning of India's judicial system.

Interns will work under the supervision of Shubho Roy and contribute to research projects exploring various dimensions of judicial administration and governance.

The work combines perspectives from:

• Law

• Economics

• Public Policy

• Governance Studies

• Institutional Analysis

• Administrative Reforms

This interdisciplinary approach enables interns to develop a broader understanding of how legal institutions function in practice.

Areas of Research

Interns may contribute to projects in several important areas of judicial administration.

Court Management

Research may focus on:

• Court administration systems

• Case flow management

• Judicial efficiency

• Resource allocation

• Performance measurement

Understanding court management practices can help identify solutions to reduce case backlogs and improve service delivery.

Government Litigation

Government agencies are among the largest litigants in Indian courts.

Research in this area may involve:

• Litigation patterns

• Policy-related disputes

• Government legal strategies

• Administrative decision-making

• Dispute resolution mechanisms

The findings can help policymakers improve litigation management and reduce unnecessary court burdens.

Procedural Design

Procedural rules significantly influence the speed and efficiency of judicial proceedings.

Interns may examine:

• Court procedures

• Filing processes

• Hearing management systems

• Case scheduling methods

• Procedural bottlenecks

Research outcomes may contribute to recommendations for improving judicial efficiency.

Digitisation of Judicial Systems

Technology is transforming court administration worldwide.

Research projects may include:

• E-courts initiatives

• Digital case management

• Online dispute resolution

• Judicial technology adoption

• Digital governance frameworks

This area offers valuable insights into how technology can strengthen justice delivery.

Eligibility Criteria

The internship seeks candidates with strong analytical and research abilities.

Applicants should possess:

• Excellent research skills

• Strong writing ability

• Interest in governance and public policy

• Basic understanding of judicial institutions

• Curiosity about institutional reform

The program values intellectual rigor and independent thinking.

Preferred Candidate Profile

Strong applicants generally demonstrate several key qualities.

Interest in Institutional Systems

Candidates should be interested in understanding:

• How public institutions operate

• Administrative processes

• Governance mechanisms

• Decision-making structures

• Policy implementation challenges

Analytical Thinking

The internship requires the ability to examine complex issues critically.

Useful skills include:

• Problem-solving

• Logical reasoning

• Evidence evaluation

• Policy analysis

• Critical thinking

Research Methodology Skills

Candidates should be comfortable working with:

Qualitative Research Methods

Such as:

• Literature reviews

• Interviews

• Policy analysis

• Case studies

• Institutional assessments

Quantitative Research Methods

Such as:

• Data analysis

• Statistical interpretation

• Survey analysis

• Dataset management

• Evidence-based research

Strong Writing Skills

Effective communication is essential.

Candidates should be able to:

• Write clearly

• Present arguments logically

• Summarize research findings

• Draft policy-related content

• Communicate complex ideas effectively

Educational Background

The internship is particularly suited for candidates with backgrounds in:

• Economics

• Law

• Public Policy

• Political Science

• Governance Studies

• Development Studies

• Public Administration

Although master's-level economics students may be particularly well-suited, strong undergraduate candidates are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities of Interns

Selected interns will actively contribute to ongoing research projects.

Policy Research

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing academic literature

• Studying policy documents

• Examining institutional frameworks

• Supporting policy analysis

Data Collection

Interns may assist with:

• Gathering datasets

• Collecting institutional information

• Organizing research materials

• Compiling evidence

Data Analysis

Research activities may involve:

• Interpreting data

• Identifying trends

• Evaluating outcomes

• Supporting analytical projects

Drafting and Research Writing

Interns may help prepare:

• Research notes

• Background papers

• Policy briefs

• Analytical summaries

• Project documentation

These activities provide valuable practical experience in professional policy research.

Internship Duration

The internship will run for:

• Two months initially

• June 2026 to August 2026

Based on performance and project requirements, the internship may be extended for:

• Up to three months

This provides additional opportunities for learning and professional development.

Internship Mode

The preferred mode of engagement is hybrid.

Interns are expected to work primarily from:

• Shiv Nadar University School of Law

• Chennai

However, exceptional candidates may be considered for remote arrangements depending on circumstances and project needs.

Stipend and Benefits

Selected candidates will receive:

• ₹10,000 per month stipend

Additional benefits include:

• Exposure to policy research

• Mentorship from experienced researchers

• Practical research training

• Understanding of judicial reform initiatives

• Professional networking opportunities

• Experience with interdisciplinary projects

Why This Internship Is Valuable

The Pendency Lab Internship offers exposure to one of India's most important governance challenges.

Participants gain experience in:

• Judicial administration research

• Public policy analysis

• Institutional reform studies

• Governance evaluation

• Data-driven policymaking

• Legal system analysis

These skills are highly valuable for careers in:

• Public Policy

• Law

• Government Research

• Think Tanks

• Academia

• Civil Services

• Development Organizations

• International Institutions

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Interested candidates should apply before:

June 1, 2026

Early applications are encouraged since interviews may begin before the final deadline.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Updated Resume

• Brief Cover Letter explaining:

  • Interest in the internship

  • Relevant academic background

  • Research experience

  • Skills and qualifications

Email Subject Line

Applicants should use:

Application for Pendency Lab Internship

Email Address

Applications should be sent to:

pendencylab@csep.org

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for:

• Personal Interview

• Research Discussion

• Writing Assessment Exercise

The writing exercise may be used to evaluate:

• Analytical ability

• Research aptitude

• Clarity of expression

• Policy reasoning skills

Conclusion

The Pendency Lab Internship at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) is an outstanding opportunity for students and young researchers interested in law, governance, economics, and public policy. With a stipend of ₹10,000 per month, mentorship from experienced policy researchers, and involvement in meaningful research on judicial reforms and court efficiency, the internship provides valuable practical exposure to India's policy ecosystem.

Candidates with strong research abilities, excellent writing skills, and a genuine interest in understanding institutional systems are encouraged to submit their applications before June 1, 2026 and take advantage of this rewarding learning opportunity.