NHRC Winter Internship Programme 2026
Stipend ₹12,000 + Travel Allowance | Approximately 80 Seats
Four-Week Offline Human Rights Internship in New Delhi
Internship Dates: 14 December 2026 to 8 January 2027
Mode: Offline / In-Person
Venue: New Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has announced its Winter Internship Programme (WIP) 2026 for eligible university and college students. The four-week in-person internship will be conducted from 14 December 2026 to 8 January 2027 in New Delhi.
The programme provides students with an opportunity to gain practical exposure to the functioning of India's national human rights institution, human rights law, research, field visits, institutional mechanisms and contemporary human rights issues.
According to the NHRC's current internship information, approximately 80 interns are selected for the four-week Summer/Winter in-person internship. Selected interns who successfully complete the programme receive a ₹12,000 stipend along with travel assistance.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
The National Human Rights Commission of India is a statutory public body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Commission works towards the protection and promotion of human rights in India.
The NHRC was established on 12 October 1993. One of its statutory functions is to promote human rights literacy and awareness among different sections of society.
The Commission regularly conducts internship programmes for university students to help them understand human rights issues from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
The NHRC's official internship page states that it has been conducting internship programmes since 1998 with the objective of spreading awareness among university students about the protection and promotion of human rights.
NHRC Winter Internship Programme 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India |
| Programme | Winter Internship Programme (WIP) 2026 |
| Mode | Offline / In-Person |
| Duration | Four Weeks |
| Starting Date | 14 December 2026 |
| Ending Date | 8 January 2027 |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Approximate Seats | 80 interns |
| Stipend | ₹12,000 |
| Travel Allowance | 3rd AC train fare to and from Delhi, subject to programme conditions |
| Application Deadline | 15 October 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Official Website | National Human Rights Commission |
NHRC Winter Internship Programme 2026 Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 15 October 2026 |
| Reporting / Programme Start | 14 December 2026 |
| Programme End | 8 January 2027 |
The NHRC homepage currently lists the Winter Internship Programme 2026 and specifies the application deadline as 15 October 2026 at 18:00 hours.
Who Can Apply for NHRC Winter Internship 2026?
The NHRC's current internship guidelines provide eligibility routes for students from law and several other disciplines. The programme is therefore not restricted only to students pursuing a five-year integrated law course.
1. Students Pursuing 3-Year LL.B.
Students who have completed their first year and are pursuing the second or third year of a three-year LL.B. programme can be considered for the in-person internship.
2. Students Pursuing 5-Year Integrated Law Course
Students who have completed three years or Semester VI of an integrated five-year law course and are pursuing the fourth or fifth year can apply.
This category is particularly relevant for students pursuing courses such as BA LL.B., BBA LL.B., BCom LL.B. and other integrated five-year law programmes.
3. LL.M. Students
Students pursuing an LL.M. course are also eligible under the NHRC's in-person internship criteria.
4. Human Rights and Social Science Students
The NHRC also considers students pursuing programmes such as:
- PG Diploma in Human Rights
- MA in Human Rights
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Social Work / MSW
- Criminology
- Public Administration
- Rural Development
- History
- Economics
- Commerce
- Anthropology
- Mass Communication
- International Relations
- Other disciplines of Social Sciences
The NHRC states that preference may be given to students in their final year in the relevant social-science disciplines.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must satisfy the academic requirements specified by NHRC. The current NHRC internship guidelines state that applicants should have secured a minimum of 60% marks in Class XII and in the first six semesters of attended degree programmes.
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Class XII | Minimum 60% |
| Degree Performance | Minimum 60% in the first six semesters of attended degree programmes, as applicable |
| University | Regular course at a UGC-recognised university |
| Age | Not exceeding 28 years under the current NHRC internship guidelines |
Age Limit for NHRC Winter Internship 2026
The current NHRC internship guidelines specify that applicants for the four-week in-person internship should be not more than 28 years of age.
Applicants should therefore verify their age eligibility carefully before applying. The final advertisement applicable to the Winter Internship 2026 should be treated as the controlling document if there is any subsequent amendment or clarification.
Is NHRC Winter Internship Offline or Online?
The Winter Internship Programme 2026 is an offline, in-person internship. Selected students are required to participate in the programme in New Delhi.
The NHRC separately conducts an Online Short-Term Internship Programme (OSTI). That is a different programme with different duration, eligibility and stipend.
| Programme | Mode | Duration | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer/Winter Internship | Offline | 4 weeks | ₹12,000 |
| Online Short-Term Internship | Online | 2 weeks | ₹2,000 |
Stipend for NHRC Winter Internship 2026
One of the major attractions of the programme is that selected interns who successfully complete the internship receive a ₹12,000 stipend.
The NHRC's official internship page confirms a ₹12,000 stipend for the four-week in-person internship.
Travel Allowance for NHRC Winter Internship
Selected interns travelling from outside Delhi may receive travel assistance. The current NHRC information specifies 3rd AC train fare to and from Delhi from the place of the educational institution, subject to the applicable programme conditions.
This makes the programme comparatively accessible to eligible students from different parts of India because the internship is conducted in New Delhi and selected outstation interns may receive the specified railway travel reimbursement.
What Will Interns Do During NHRC Winter Internship?
The Winter Internship Programme is designed to provide students with exposure to different dimensions of human rights work. The programme generally combines classroom learning, interaction with NHRC officials, research and practical exposure.
Classroom Sessions
Interns attend structured classroom sessions covering important human rights concepts, constitutional protections, statutory safeguards, institutional mechanisms and contemporary human rights issues.
Interaction With NHRC Officials
Students may interact with the Chairperson, Members and senior officers of NHRC. These sessions provide an opportunity to understand how a statutory human rights institution operates.
Research Project
Interns undertake research on human rights issues. The project component provides practical exposure to legal research, writing, analysis and presentation.
Book Review
The programme includes a book-review activity. Students are expected to read and critically analyse a selected book and submit their review within the prescribed timeline.
Human Rights Films and Discussions
The programme may include screenings of films dealing with human rights themes followed by discussions. Topics can include child labour, anti-trafficking, rights of elderly persons, health, education and other social issues.
Field Visits
Field visits are an important practical component. Depending on the programme schedule, interns may visit institutions such as:
- Police Stations
- Jails
- Non-Governmental Organisations
- Parliament House
- National Commission for Women
- National Commission for Minorities
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
- National Green Tribunal
- National Legal Services Authority
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
- Supreme Court of India
Structure of NHRC Winter Internship Programme
| Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Classroom Sessions | Learn about human rights law, institutions and contemporary issues. |
| Interaction Sessions | Interact with NHRC Chairperson, Members and senior officers. |
| Research Project | Conduct research and prepare a project on a human rights issue. |
| Book Review | Critically analyse a prescribed or selected book. |
| Film Screening | Understand human rights issues through films and discussions. |
| Field Visits | Gain practical exposure to institutions and organisations. |
| Project Presentation | Present research findings before the programme authorities. |
Research Project and Awards
The research component is an important part of the NHRC Winter Internship. Interns work in groups on human rights-related research topics and are required to submit and present their work.
As stated in the programme information provided for the Winter Internship, prize money is awarded to the top research projects:
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| First | ₹15,000 |
| Second | ₹10,000 |
| Third | ₹5,000 |
The research project is therefore not merely an academic exercise. It can also provide students with practical experience in collaborative research, legal writing, presentation and analysis.
Book Review Awards
The programme also recognises strong performance in the Book Review activity.
The top five interns in the Book Review are eligible to receive books of their choice, subject to a maximum value of ₹1,000 per book.
If the selected book costs more than ₹1,000, the intern is required to bear the additional amount as per the programme conditions.
Declamation Contest Awards
The Winter Internship also includes a Declamation Contest. The top three performers are rewarded with books.
Each selected book can be priced up to ₹1,000. Any amount above the stipulated limit is to be borne by the concerned intern.
Certificate and Performance During Internship
The internship certificate is linked to successful participation and completion of the programme. Attendance, punctuality, discipline, participation in sessions, project presentation, project report and book review are among the important components of the programme.
Students should therefore treat the internship as a full academic programme rather than simply an opportunity to obtain a certificate.
| Performance Area | Importance |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Regular attendance is required. |
| Punctuality | Interns are expected to report on time. |
| Discipline | Professional conduct is expected. |
| Participation | Active participation in sessions and activities is required. |
| Research Project | Project work and presentation form an important part of assessment. |
| Book Review | Must be completed and submitted within the prescribed timeline. |
Documents Required for Application
Applicants should carefully prepare the documents required by the NHRC before starting the online application. Incomplete applications or applications missing mandatory documents may be rejected.
The application requirements include academic mark sheets and a Statement of Purpose. A recommendation from the concerned academic authority may also be required in the prescribed format.
Important Documents
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Mark sheets of all completed semesters/years of graduation
- Mark sheets of the presently pursuing course
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Recommendation letter/email from HOD, Dean or Principal, as prescribed
- Any other document specifically requested in the official application form
Statement of Purpose (SOP) for NHRC Internship
The Statement of Purpose is an important component of the application. The current NHRC internship guidelines state that applicants should submit a 300–500 word SOP explaining their reason for joining the NHRC internship.
A strong SOP should be specific rather than generic. Students can discuss their interest in human rights, constitutional law, social justice, criminal justice, women's rights, child rights, prison reform, environmental rights or another relevant area.
What Should You Mention in the SOP?
- Your academic background.
- Your interest in human rights.
- Why you want to intern at NHRC.
- Your preferred human rights areas of study.
- Relevant research, moot court or academic experience.
- What you expect to learn from the programme.
- How the internship connects with your future academic or professional plans.
NHRC Internship Selection Process
The NHRC's current internship guidelines state that selection for the four-week in-person programme is based on academic performance and the Statement of Purpose.
| Selection Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Class XII | 30 marks |
| Graduation / Degree Performance | 40 marks |
| Statement of Purpose | 30 marks |
| Total | 100 marks |
The Commission also indicates that preference may be given to candidates demonstrating research potential in the field of human rights.
Can Previous NHRC Interns Apply Again?
The current NHRC internship guidelines state that students who have previously attended the regular one-month Summer/Winter Internship Programme organised by NHRC are not eligible to apply again for the same regular programme.
Applicants should therefore carefully check their previous participation history before submitting an application.
How to Apply for NHRC Winter Internship 2026?
Eligible candidates should apply through the official NHRC/HRCNet online application system before the deadline.
The official NHRC website currently provides an online application route for the Winter Internship Programme 2026 and lists the last date as 15 October 2026 at 18:00 hours.
Apply Online Official NHRC WebsiteStep-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official NHRC/HRCNet application portal.
- Open the Winter Internship Programme 2026 application.
- Read the eligibility conditions carefully.
- Enter your personal and academic details.
- Upload the required mark sheets and documents.
- Prepare and upload the Statement of Purpose in the prescribed format.
- Upload the required recommendation document, wherever applicable.
- Review every detail before final submission.
- Submit the application before 6:00 PM on 15 October 2026.
- Save the application confirmation/acknowledgement for future reference.
Important: Incomplete Applications May Be Rejected
Applicants should not wait until the final day to collect their documents. The application requires multiple academic records, and the recommendation component may also require coordination with a HOD, Dean or Principal.
Before submitting the application, candidates should check that:
- All required mark sheets are readable.
- The uploaded documents are properly attested where required.
- The SOP meets the prescribed word limit.
- The recommendation is in the prescribed format.
- The applicant satisfies the academic requirements.
- The applicant satisfies the age requirement.
- All information entered in the online form is accurate.
- The application is submitted before the deadline.
NHRC Winter Internship 2026: Application Deadline
The last date to submit the application is:
The NHRC website currently confirms the application deadline as 15 October 2026 at 18:00 hours.
NHRC Winter Internship 2026: Seats
The current NHRC in-person internship page states that approximately 80 interns are selected for the four-week programme.
Applicants should rely on the final official advertisement for any last-minute change in the number of seats or waiting-list arrangements.
Why Should Law Students Consider This Internship?
For law students interested in Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law, Criminal Law, Public Law, Child Rights, Women's Rights, Prison Law and Social Justice, the NHRC internship provides exposure to areas that are difficult to understand fully through classroom study alone.
The programme combines legal and policy discussions with research and institutional visits. Students can observe how human rights issues are considered by public institutions and organisations.
Possible Learning Benefits
- Understanding the functioning of a statutory human rights institution.
- Exposure to human rights legislation and constitutional principles.
- Improvement in legal research and writing skills.
- Experience in preparing research projects.
- Interaction with senior officials and legal professionals.
- Exposure to courts, tribunals, commissions and other institutions.
- Understanding practical human rights issues.
- Improvement in presentation and communication skills.
- Opportunity to study contemporary human rights problems.
Important Human Rights Areas for Research
Students selected for the programme may encounter a wide range of human rights themes. Some possible research areas include:
| Area | Possible Topics |
|---|---|
| Child Rights | Child labour, child protection, trafficking, education and online safety |
| Women's Rights | Violence against women, workplace rights and access to justice |
| Prison Rights | Conditions of prisoners, custodial safeguards and rehabilitation |
| Police & Custody | Custodial violence, arrest safeguards and accountability |
| Right to Education | Access, equality and educational opportunities |
| Health Rights | Access to healthcare and vulnerable populations |
| Environmental Rights | Environment, dignity, health and sustainable development |
| Rights of Elderly Persons | Social security, healthcare and dignity |
| Human Trafficking | Prevention, victim protection and rehabilitation |
NHRC Winter Internship 2026 for BA LL.B. Students
Students pursuing a five-year integrated law programme such as BA LL.B. can be eligible once they have completed the required academic stage and are pursuing the fourth or fifth year.
This means students in the earlier years of a five-year integrated course should carefully check their year/semester before applying.
The NHRC's current guidelines specifically refer to students who have completed three years or Semester VI of a five-year integrated law course and are pursuing the fourth or fifth year.
NHRC Winter Internship 2026 for 3-Year LL.B. Students
Students enrolled in a three-year LL.B. programme can be considered after completing the first year and while pursuing the second or third year.
This makes the programme relevant to students who enter law school after completing a bachelor's degree.
NHRC Winter Internship 2026 for LL.M. Students
Students pursuing LL.M. are also included in the eligibility criteria for the four-week in-person programme.
LL.M. students can particularly benefit from the research-intensive structure of the internship, including the group research project, book review and interaction sessions.
NHRC Winter Internship 2026: Contact Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National Human Rights Commission of India |
| Location | Manav Adhikar Bhavan, New Delhi |
| Phone | 011-24663371 |
| internships.nhrc@gov.in | |
| Working Days | Monday to Friday |
| Working Hours | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
NHRC Winter Internship 2026: Quick Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the internship? | NHRC Winter Internship Programme 2026 |
| Duration? | Four weeks |
| Mode? | Offline / In-Person |
| Location? | New Delhi |
| Internship dates? | 14 December 2026 to 8 January 2027 |
| Approximate seats? | 80 |
| Stipend? | ₹12,000 |
| Travel allowance? | 3rd AC train fare to and from Delhi, subject to applicable conditions |
| Minimum Class XII marks? | 60% |
| Age limit? | Not exceeding 28 years under current guidelines |
| Last date? | 15 October 2026, 6:00 PM |
NHRC Winter Internship 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
It is a four-week offline internship conducted by the National Human Rights Commission in New Delhi to provide students with practical exposure to human rights law, research and institutional mechanisms.
The programme is scheduled from 14 December 2026 to 8 January 2027.
Selected interns who successfully complete the programme receive a stipend of ₹12,000.
The current NHRC internship page states that approximately 80 interns are selected for the four-week in-person programme.
The last date is 15 October 2026 at 6:00 PM.
No. The Winter Internship is an offline/in-person programme in New Delhi. NHRC separately conducts an online short-term internship programme.
Yes, eligible students in the fourth or fifth year of a five-year integrated law course can apply, subject to the prescribed academic and other conditions.
Yes. Students who have completed the first year of a three-year LL.B. and are pursuing the second or third year can be considered.
Yes. Students pursuing an LL.M. course are included in the eligibility criteria.
The current NHRC guidelines specify a minimum of 60% in Class XII.
The current NHRC internship guidelines state that the applicant should be not more than 28 years of age.
Yes. The current NHRC page specifies 3rd AC train fare to and from Delhi from the place of the educational institution, subject to the applicable conditions.
Applicants should keep their Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, degree/semester mark sheets, current course records, SOP and required recommendation documents ready.
The current NHRC guidelines state a 300–500 word Statement of Purpose explaining the reason for joining the NHRC internship.
The current NHRC guidelines state that students who have already attended the regular one-month Summer/Winter Internship organised by NHRC are not eligible to apply again for that regular programme.
Exam-Oriented One-Liners
- NHRC full form: National Human Rights Commission.
- NHRC established: 12 October 1993.
- Parent law: Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- Winter Internship 2026: Four-week offline programme.
- Location: New Delhi.
- Internship dates: 14 December 2026 to 8 January 2027.
- Stipend: ₹12,000.
- Approximate selection: 80 interns.
- Minimum Class XII marks: 60%.
- Current age limit: Not exceeding 28 years.
- Application deadline: 15 October 2026 at 6:00 PM.
- SOP: 300–500 words under current NHRC guidelines.
- Mode: Offline / In-person.
Final Checklist Before Applying
| Checklist | Status to Verify |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Check course/year and academic percentage |
| Age | Confirm age is within the prescribed limit |
| Class XII Mark Sheet | Ready |
| Class X Mark Sheet | Ready |
| Graduation/Degree Mark Sheets | All required semesters ready |
| Current Course Mark Sheets | Ready |
| SOP | 300–500 words |
| Recommendation | Obtain from concerned academic authority if required |
| Application | Submit online |
| Deadline | 15 October 2026, 6:00 PM |
Conclusion
The NHRC Winter Internship Programme 2026 is a four-week offline internship designed to give eligible students practical exposure to human rights law, research and the functioning of public institutions. The programme will be conducted in New Delhi from 14 December 2026 to 8 January 2027.
The current NHRC information states that approximately 80 interns are selected, with a ₹12,000 stipend and specified travel assistance for eligible interns travelling to Delhi. Students from three-year LL.B., five-year integrated law courses, LL.M. and several relevant social-science disciplines can be considered subject to the prescribed eligibility requirements.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the academic requirements, age limit, SOP, recommendation documents and mark sheets before submitting the form. The official NHRC website currently lists 15 October 2026 at 6:00 PM as the application deadline.
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