NITI Aayog invites applications for its Internship Scheme 2026 offering short-term policy exposure to students and research scholars across disciplines.
About NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India and plays a central role in shaping national development strategies through research-driven policymaking and cooperative federalism. Established to replace the Planning Commission, the institution functions as a platform for fostering innovation, monitoring flagship programmes, and supporting evidence-based governance initiatives across sectors.
The Prime Minister of India serves as the Chairperson of NITI Aayog. The current Vice Chairperson is Suman Bery. Its Ex-Officio Members include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Narendra Singh Tomar.
Through its various verticals and thematic divisions, NITI Aayog contributes to national policy formulation in areas such as economic planning, digital governance, sustainability, infrastructure, social development, innovation ecosystems, and regulatory reform. Interning with the institution offers valuable exposure to the functioning of India’s highest-level policy advisory body.
About the Internship Scheme
The NITI Aayog Internship Scheme 2026 provides an opportunity for undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and research scholars to gain short-term exposure to public policy formulation and governance processes at the national level.
Selected interns will be attached to specific divisions, verticals, or units within NITI Aayog based on their academic background and research interests. Interns will work closely with policy professionals and domain experts on assignments relating to developmental policy, programme monitoring, data analysis, and policy documentation.
The internship is designed as a structured learning opportunity that allows young academic talent to understand how policy decisions are conceptualised, analysed, and implemented within the Government of India framework.
Purpose of the Internship
The internship scheme aims to provide selected candidates with meaningful exposure to the functioning of government institutions engaged in policy formulation and developmental planning.
Interns will gain insights into how research inputs, empirical evidence, and stakeholder consultations contribute to the policymaking process. The programme also creates opportunities for participants to contribute to ongoing research assignments and thematic studies undertaken by NITI Aayog divisions.
The initiative supports mutual learning by enabling students to apply academic training to real-world governance challenges while contributing fresh perspectives to policy discussions.
Nature of Work Responsibilities and Exposure
Selected interns will work with assigned verticals and divisions of NITI Aayog on research-based assignments relating to national development priorities. These assignments may involve preparation of briefing notes, literature reviews, background policy documents, and analytical summaries supporting programme implementation frameworks.
Interns may contribute to empirical analysis projects and assist in drafting policy inputs relating to sectoral reforms, institutional coordination mechanisms, and monitoring strategies for government initiatives. Participation in such activities helps interns understand how policy frameworks evolve through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Depending on the division assigned, interns may also support preparation of policy papers, evaluation reports, and data-driven research outputs relevant to ongoing government programmes. Exposure to such work strengthens analytical reasoning and enhances understanding of public administration structures in India.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be bonafide students of recognised universities or institutions within India or abroad and meet the following requirements:
Undergraduate students must have completed or appeared in the term-end examinations of the second year or fourth semester of their bachelor’s degree programme and secured not less than 85% or equivalent marks in Class 12.
Postgraduate students must have completed or appeared in the term-end examinations of the first year or second semester of their postgraduate programme and secured not less than 70% or equivalent marks in graduation.
Research scholars enrolled in recognised institutions are eligible to apply.
Students who have completed graduation or postgraduate studies and are awaiting admission to higher education programmes may also apply, provided that they have secured at least 70% cumulative marks in all semesters and the gap between declaration of results and the proposed internship start date does not exceed six months.
Duration Mode Location and Stipend
Mode: On-site internship
Location: New Delhi
Duration: Minimum 6 weeks and up to 6 months
Interns who do not complete the prescribed duration of internship will not be issued completion certificates.
No stipend is specified under the standard NITI Aayog Internship Scheme.
Important Dates
Application deadline for April 2026 internship cycle: April 10, 2026
Applicants are advised to apply well before the deadline to ensure timely processing of their applications.
Who Should Apply
This internship is particularly suitable for:
Students interested in public policy and governance
Law students exploring regulatory and policy research careers
Candidates preparing for civil services or policy fellowships
Researchers working on development policy issues
Students interested in economic reform and institutional governance
Applicants seeking exposure to central government policymaking environments
Participation in the NITI Aayog Internship Scheme strengthens understanding of administrative structures and provides valuable experience for careers in public policy, legal research, regulatory advisory, and development planning.
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Click here for application instructions
Applicants should carefully review the official instructions before submitting their applications through the internship portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
