The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is inviting applications for its Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for May 2026. This programme is designed to provide students with an opportunity to engage with key issues relating to the protection and promotion of human rights in India.
About the Organisation
The National Human Rights Commission is a statutory body constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is mandated to promote awareness, safeguard civil liberties, and address violations of human rights across the country. Over the years, NHRC has played a crucial role in shaping discourse and policy around human rights through investigations, recommendations, research, and educational initiatives. The Commission has also been actively conducting internship programmes since 1998 to sensitize students and encourage academic engagement in this field.
About the Opportunity / Internship
The Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for May 2026 is a two-week structured academic engagement scheduled from May 18 to May 29, 2026. This internship aims to provide participants with a foundational understanding of human rights issues, institutional mechanisms, and policy frameworks in India.
Interns can expect to engage in research-oriented activities, attend lectures by domain experts, and participate in discussions on contemporary human rights challenges. The programme also emphasizes analytical thinking and encourages students to explore interdisciplinary perspectives on rights-based issues. Participants may be required to prepare assignments, presentations, or reports as part of the learning process.
The internship serves as an opportunity to gain exposure to the functioning of a national-level statutory body while also strengthening research, writing, and critical analysis skills. It is particularly beneficial for students interested in public policy, law, governance, and social justice.
Eligibility Criteria
Students in their third year and above of any integrated five-year postgraduate course are eligible to apply. Additionally, students in the third or final year of a graduation programme may apply. Candidates pursuing postgraduate degrees, postgraduate diploma courses, or those enrolled as research scholars in any discipline are also eligible.
Applicants must have secured a minimum of 60% marks in Class XII as well as in the first four semesters of their graduation or integrated course. Candidates are required to clearly convert their CGPA/SGPA into percentage using an appropriate formula and mention it in the application. Failure to do so may result in rejection.
Applicants must also submit a 250-word Statement of Purpose explaining their interest in the programme and their inclination towards human rights research. Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating research potential and relevant academic or co-curricular experience such as moot courts, internships, or research projects.
Mode
This is a fully online internship programme.
Duration
The internship will be conducted from May 18 to May 29, 2026.
Stipend
No stipend details have been specified.
Important Date / Deadline
Deadline to Apply is 7 May 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official application link provided below.
