The NITI Aayog has invited applications for its prestigious Internship Scheme 2026. This internship provides students and research scholars with an op

Internship Opportunity at NITI Aayog 2026

The NITI Aayog has invited applications for its prestigious Internship Scheme 2026. This internship provides students and research scholars with an opportunity to gain practical exposure to public policy formulation, governance, economic development, and policy research at India's premier policy think tank.

Students from recognized universities and institutions in India and abroad can apply online before June 10, 2026.

About NITI Aayog

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) is the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India.

Established to replace the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog plays a vital role in:

• Policy formulation

• Economic development planning

• Cooperative federalism

• Innovation and entrepreneurship promotion

• Sustainable development initiatives

• Research and policy analysis

The organization works closely with Central Ministries, State Governments, experts, and stakeholders to drive India's development agenda.

About the Internship

NITI Aayog launched its Internship Scheme in 2015 to provide students and research scholars with hands-on experience in policy-making and governance.

Interns are attached to various divisions of NITI Aayog based on their academic background and area of interest. During the internship, participants get exposure to:

• Public policy analysis

• Government projects

• Research assignments

• Data collection and analysis

• Economic and social sector studies

• Governance initiatives

The internship offers a unique opportunity to understand how government policies are designed and implemented.

Duration of Internship

The internship period can range from:

Minimum Duration

6 Weeks

Maximum Duration

6 Months

The exact duration may vary depending on the requirements of the division and the availability of the candidate.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are invited from bonafide students enrolled in recognized universities or institutions within India or abroad.

For Undergraduate Students

Applicants must:

• Have completed or appeared in the term-end examinations of the 2nd Year or 4th Semester of their Bachelor's Degree program.

• Have secured at least 85% marks or equivalent grade in Class 12.

For Postgraduate Students

Applicants must:

• Have completed or appeared in the term-end examinations of the 1st Year or 2nd Semester of their Postgraduate Program.

• Have secured at least 70% marks or equivalent CGPA in Graduation.

For Research Scholars

Students pursuing:

• Research Programs

• Ph.D. Programs

are also eligible to apply if they meet the prescribed academic criteria.

Recent Graduates and Postgraduates

Candidates who:

• Have completed Graduation or Postgraduation

• Are awaiting admission for higher studies

may also apply provided:

• They have secured at least 70% cumulative marks.

• The gap between declaration of results and internship start date does not exceed six months.

Areas of Work

Interns may work on projects related to:

• Economic Policy

• Public Administration

• Governance

• Education

• Health

• Agriculture

• Technology

• Innovation

• Sustainable Development

• Social Sector Reforms

Applicants are required to mention their preferred area of interest while applying.

Benefits of the Internship

Policy Exposure

Gain firsthand experience of public policy development at the national level.

Research Experience

Work on meaningful projects under experienced officers and policy experts.

Government Working Environment

Understand the functioning of India's premier policy advisory institution.

Skill Development

Develop skills in:

• Policy Analysis

• Research Methodology

• Report Writing

• Data Interpretation

• Public Administration

Professional Networking

Interact with government officials, researchers, policy professionals, and domain experts.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates must submit applications online through the official NITI Aayog Internship Portal.

Important Application Rules

• Applications can be submitted up to six months in advance.

• Applications must be submitted at least two months before the desired internship month.

• Candidates must clearly specify their area of interest.

• A candidate can apply only once during a financial year.

Documents Required at Joining

Selected candidates must produce:

• Original Mark Sheets

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their College or Institution

Failure to submit these documents at the time of joining may result in cancellation of candidature.

Last Date to Apply

June 10, 2026

Candidates interested in the internship should complete their applications before the deadline.

Contact Information

For additional clarification or queries:

Email: nic-niti@gov.in

Official Notification: Click Here

Why You Should Apply

The NITI Aayog Internship is one of the most prestigious government internship programs available to students in India. It provides unparalleled exposure to policymaking, governance, and national development initiatives.

Students interested in careers in:

• Public Policy

• Law

• Economics

• Public Administration

• Governance

• Research

• Civil Services

can greatly benefit from this internship. The opportunity to work alongside policymakers and contribute to projects that influence national development makes this internship a valuable addition to any academic or professional profile.

With limited internship opportunities available each year, eligible students should apply well before the June 10 deadline.