The NITI Aayog, Government of India, has invited applications for its Internship Scheme 2026 for the January cycle. The internship offers eligible students and research scholars an opportunity to gain short-term, structured exposure to public policy formulation and governmental functioning at the national level.
The internship is conducted on-site at New Delhi and is open to undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and research scholars from recognised institutions in India and abroad.
About NITI Aayog
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India. It functions as the nodal agency responsible for catalysing economic development, fostering cooperative federalism, and providing strategic and technical advice to the Central and State Governments.
The Prime Minister of India serves as the Chairperson of NITI Aayog, with the institution comprising a Vice-Chairperson, full-time Members, ex-officio Members from the Union Council of Ministers, and a professional administrative structure. Through its verticals, divisions, and thematic units, NITI Aayog undertakes policy research, evaluation, and advisory work across sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, climate change, governance reforms, and economic development.
About the NITI Aayog Internship Scheme
The NITI Aayog Internship Scheme is designed to provide short-term exposure to selected candidates by attaching them to various Verticals, Divisions, or Units of the institution. Interns work under the supervision of officers and domain experts and are assigned research-oriented and analytical tasks aligned with ongoing policy initiatives.
Interns are required to apply online through the official application portal, and selection is based on eligibility criteria and institutional requirements.
Purpose of the Internship
The primary purpose of the internship is to:
- Allow short-term exposure of selected candidates to the working of NITI Aayog
- Provide hands-on experience in public policy research and governmental processes
Objectives of the Internship
The internship scheme aims to:
- Associate young academic talent with the work of NITI Aayog for mutual benefit
- Enable interns to understand government functioning and developmental policy issues
- Allow interns to contribute to policy formulation through:
- Empirical analysis
- Briefing notes
- Research inputs
- Policy papers and reports
Mode of Internship
- Mode: On-site (Physical)
- Location: New Delhi
Eligibility Criteria
Bonafide students from any recognised University or Institution, in India or abroad, may apply subject to the following conditions:
For Undergraduate Students
- Must have completed or appeared in the term-end examination of the second year / 4th semester of the bachelor’s degree
- Must have secured not less than 85% marks or equivalent in Class XII
For Postgraduate Students / Research Scholars
- Must have completed or appeared in the term-end examination of the first year / 2nd semester of the postgraduate programme, or
- Must be pursuing PhD / research, and
- Must have secured not less than 70% marks or equivalent in graduation
For Recently Graduated Students
- Students who have completed final examinations of graduation or postgraduation and are awaiting admission to higher studies may apply
- Must have secured 70% or more cumulative marks across all years/semesters
- The gap between declaration of final results and the desired internship month must not exceed six months
Duration of the Internship
- Minimum Duration: 6 weeks
- Maximum Duration: 6 months
Interns who do not complete the approved internship duration will not be issued a certificate.
Location
- New Delhi
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the official NITI Aayog internship portal.
- Applications are accepted only through the online mode
- Applicants must carefully follow the instructions provided on the portal
Application Deadline
- Last date to apply: 10 January 2026
Contact for Technical Issues
For technical difficulties related to online submission:
- Email: nic-niti[at]gov[dot]in
Why This Internship Is Relevant
The NITI Aayog Internship provides exposure to:
- National-level policy formulation
- Government research processes
- Interdisciplinary policy analysis
- Evidence-based governance
This opportunity is particularly relevant for students interested in public policy, governance, economics, law, social sciences, and development studies.
Key Information at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | NITI Aayog, Government of India |
| Internship Type | On-site |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Duration | Minimum 6 weeks |
| Eligibility | UG / PG / Research Scholars |
| Deadline | 10 January 2026 |
