About the Organization

NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. It plays a central role in formulating strategies for India’s development, focusing on cooperative federalism, sustainable growth, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking.

NITI Aayog’s Internship Scheme is one of the most prestigious opportunities for students and research scholars, giving them exposure to government functioning and developmental policy issues while contributing to real-time policy formulation.

About the Event

The NITI Internship Scheme seeks to engage undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate students, and research scholars from recognized universities/institutions in India and abroad as “interns.”

Interns are given opportunities to:

• Work with different verticals, divisions, and units of NITI Aayog
• Collect, analyze, and collate data for empirical policy analysis
• Prepare briefing reports, policy papers, and evaluations
• Gain exposure to developmental policy issues and government decision-making

This internship helps students enhance their professional skills, understand public policy challenges, and contribute meaningful insights to the policy ecosystem of India.

Event Timeline

• Application Window: 1st to 10th of every month
• Start of Internship: Based on availability of divisions/units
• Duration: Minimum 6 weeks to maximum 6 months
• Result Announcement: Selected candidates’ names are uploaded on the official NITI Aayog website

Format and Structure

• Application Process: Candidates must apply online through the NITI Aayog Internship Portal. Applications can be made up to six months in advance but not later than two months before the desired month of internship.
• Selection: Applications are scrutinized by respective verticals/divisions. Each vertical can take up to three interns (more with CEO’s approval).
• Evaluation: Interns are required to submit a brief report/paper on their learning and contributions at the end of the internship. Successful interns will receive an Internship Completion Certificate signed by the concerned Adviser.

Location and Mode

• Venue: NITI Aayog Headquarters, New Delhi (specific verticals/divisions/units)
• Mode: Offline, in-person internship (interns must be physically present)

Additional Highlights

• Stipend: Unpaid (voluntary internship opportunity)
• Perks: Exposure to India’s top policy think tank, research opportunities across multiple domains, certificate of internship, mentorship from senior consultants and advisers
• Domains Available: Agriculture, Economics, Data Management, Education, Energy, Governance, Health, Infrastructure, Industry, Finance, Environment, Rural Development, Tourism, Urbanization, Skill Development, Social Justice, Technology, and more (full list in Annexure A)
• Eligibility:
  • Undergraduate students (after completing 2nd year/4th semester with at least 85% in 12th)
  • Graduate students (after completing 1st year/2nd semester of PG with at least 70%)
  • Research Scholars/PhD students
  • Recent graduates (within 6 months of result declaration with 70% or more cumulative marks)
• Registration Fee: Free of cost
• Team/Individual: Individual participation only

FAQs

Q1: Who is eligible to apply?
A: UG, PG, and research students from recognized universities in India or abroad, meeting the academic criteria. Recent graduates (within 6 months) are also eligible.

Q2: Is prior experience required?
A: No, freshers are welcome. Academic performance and domain interest are key selection criteria.

Q3: What is the stipend offered?
A: This is an unpaid internship. No stipend will be provided.

Q4: Will a certificate be provided?
A: Yes, on successful completion (minimum 75% attendance and submission of report), an Internship Certificate will be issued by NITI Aayog.

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Q5: Is there an application/registration fee?
A: No, the application process is completely free.

Q6: Can international students apply?
A: Yes, international students enrolled in recognized institutions abroad are eligible.

Q7: What is the duration of the internship?
A: A minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.

Important Links

• Registration Form – Apply Here
• General Information (PDF) – Download
• Internship Guidelines – Download
• Official Website – NITI Aayog

Downloadables

[Sample Cover Letter (PDF)]

Contact

NITI Aayog
Sansad Marg, New Delhi – 110001
Email: internship-niti@gov.in (as per portal communication)

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