The Chambers of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Mehta, Judge, Supreme Court of India, have invited applications for in-person, full-time judicial internships for the period January 2026 to March 2026. The internship programme is offered on a rolling basis and is open to eligible law students from recognised institutions across India.
Judicial internships at the Supreme Court level are designed to provide law students with structured exposure to constitutional adjudication, judicial research, and the functioning of the highest court in the country. Through close engagement with court proceedings and legal materials, interns gain insight into the judicial decision-making process and the institutional role of the Supreme Court within India’s constitutional framework.
About the Internship Programme
The internship offered by the Chambers of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Mehta is a full-time, in-person engagement intended for law students seeking academic and practical exposure to Supreme Court practice. Interns are expected to work closely with the Chambers during the allotted period and participate in legal research-oriented tasks associated with judicial work.
The internship is structured to familiarise students with:
- The functioning of the Supreme Court at the institutional level
- Judicial research methodologies
- Interpretation of statutes and constitutional provisions
- Analysis of pleadings, case records, and judgments
- Court procedures and judicial administration
This opportunity is primarily academic and learning-oriented in nature. It is not a recruitment programme and does not imply future employment.
Duration and Internship Slots
The internship is available for the following fixed slots between January and March 2026:
- 4 January 2026 to 31 January 2026
- 1 February 2026 to 28 February 2026
- 7 March 2026 to 31 March 2026
Each slot is treated as a separate internship period. Applicants interested in more than one slot must submit separate applications for each preferred duration, as applications are considered independently.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following academic requirements at the time of application:
- Students enrolled in the 4th or 5th year of a 5-year integrated LL.B. programme (B.A. LL.B./B.B.A. LL.B. or equivalent), or
- Students enrolled in the 3rd year of a 3-year LL.B. programme
Only students pursuing their law degree from recognised universities or institutions are eligible to apply. The internship is intended for students who have already completed foundational law subjects and are capable of engaging with advanced legal materials.
Nature of Work and Learning Exposure
While the precise scope of work may vary depending on court schedules and judicial requirements, judicial internships at the Supreme Court typically involve research-oriented and academic assistance. Interns may be exposed to:
- Reading and analysing case briefs and pleadings
- Conducting legal research on constitutional, statutory, and procedural questions
- Studying prior judgments and legal precedents
- Assisting with compilation of legal materials for reference
- Observing court proceedings, subject to court norms
Interns are expected to maintain confidentiality and adhere strictly to professional and ethical standards during the internship period.
Mode and Location
- Mode: In-person / Physical
- Nature: Full-time
- Location: Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
The internship requires physical presence throughout the internship duration. Applicants should ensure availability for the entire period applied for and make their own arrangements for accommodation and logistics.
Application Deadline and Timeline
Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the desired internship slot.
For example:
- Applicants seeking the January 2026 slot must apply no later than mid-December 2025
- Applicants seeking the February 2026 slot must apply by mid-January 2026
- Applicants seeking the March 2026 slot must apply by mid-February 2026
Late applications may not be considered.
Selection Process
The selection process is conducted internally by the Chambers and involves the following stages:
- Screening of Applications
Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, academic background, and overall suitability. - Shortlisting
Shortlisted candidates are informed approximately two weeks before the start of the selected internship slot. - Communication of Selection
Selected candidates are contacted via email or phone.
If an applicant does not receive any communication two weeks prior to the start of the preferred slot, the application may be treated as not shortlisted.
Due to the competitive nature of the internship and the volume of applications received, individual feedback or application status queries may not be provided.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Applications must be submitted strictly in accordance with the prescribed process.
- Separate applications are required for each internship slot.
- No internship applications or queries will be entertained through informal channels.
- Applicants are advised not to contact the Chambers through unofficial means.
- Compliance with all instructions is mandatory for consideration.
Inclusivity Statement
Applications are encouraged from individuals belonging to diverse backgrounds. The internship programme follows an inclusive approach and welcomes applications irrespective of gender, caste, disability, or socio-economic background, in line with constitutional values.
Why Judicial Internships Matter
Judicial internships play a significant role in bridging academic legal education with constitutional practice. They allow students to understand:
- How legal arguments are evaluated by courts
- The role of precedent in judicial reasoning
- The procedural dimensions of litigation at the Supreme Court level
- The institutional responsibility of judges within India’s democratic framework
Such exposure can be academically enriching for students interested in litigation, constitutional law, public law, or judicial careers.
Key Takeaways
- Internship Type: Judicial Internship
- Court: Supreme Court of India
- Mode: In-person, full-time
- Eligibility: 4th/5th year (5-year LL.B.) or 3rd year (3-year LL.B.)
- Duration: January–March 2026 (fixed slots)
- Application Deadline: At least 2 weeks before preferred slot
