Explore top government internship programs for law students in India, featuring opportunities across judiciary, legislative, and human rights bodies.
Introduction
Government internships offer law students invaluable exposure to legislative drafting, judicial processes, policy formulation, and statutory implementation. Unlike general internships, these positions provide hands-on experience with governance, research, and legal drafting at the national level—making them highly prestigious and career-defining.
This guide compiles the most coveted government internship programs for law students—covering eligibility, duration, benefits, and application timelines—to help you plan strategically and enhance your professional journey.
Why Government Internships Matter for Law Students
- Direct Access to Legal Institutions: Get front-row exposure to courts, commissions, and ministries.
- Specialized Experience: Engage in drafting legislation, conducting legal research, or policy analysis.
- Conversions & Certificates: Internships often come with official certificates, stipends, or recommendation letters.
- Networking and Career Leverage: Boost your resume and open doors for placements.
Top Government Internship Programs for Law Students
1. Supreme Court of India Internship
- Duration: 4–8 weeks (twice a year)
- Focus: Case briefs, judgment analysis, court observation
- How to Apply: Via law school nomination through the Supreme Court portal.
2. High Court Internships (e.g., Delhi, Bombay, Madras)
- Structured programs (like Delhi’s 4-week rotation or Bombay’s observership)
- Offers judicial exposure and bench-level experience Lawfer
3. Law Commission of India
- Focus: Research, drafting consultation papers, comparative law
- Apply: 3–4 months in advance with research samples and academic records.
4. LAMP Fellowships (Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament)
- Timeline: Applications open Feb–Mar
- Involves: Legislative research, policy drafting, parliamentary work.
5. NITI Aayog Internship
- Duration: 6 weeks to 6 months; rolling monthly applications
- Scope: Policy research, governance support, remote/in-person options.
6. Competition Commission of India (CCI)
- Duration: Up to 1–3 months, stipend ₹15,000/month
- Focus: Competition law projects and hearings.
7. NHRC (National Human Rights Commission)
- Summer & winter internships: 30 days, stipend ₹8,000, certificate included
- Activities: Field visits, research, human rights awareness.
8. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- Duration: 1–3 months; prestigious exposure to foreign policy
- Offers certificates, no stipend PathLegalThe Internship
9. Ministry of Law & Justice (Legislative Department)
- Duration: 4–6 weeks; drafting principal legislation
- Requires SoP and recommendation; no stipend.
10. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Sessions: Summer & Winter, stipend ₹10,000/month
- Focus: Trade policy and regulation.
11. SFIO (Serious Fraud Investigation Office)
- Duration: 1–2 months; stipend ~₹7,000/month
- Centers on corporate fraud investigations.
12. Department of Legal Affairs / Department of Justice
- Duration: ~1 month; stipend ₹1,000 (DOLA) or ₹5,000 (Justice dept)
- Offers legal research, e-Courts exposure RedditLegal SyncBuddy4Study
13. Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)
- Internship duration: up to 12 months; stipend ₹5,000/month + insurance
- Fields: Corporate policy, industry research
- Rolling rounds—Round 2 applications opening soon WikipediaThe Times of India+1
14. NHRC and Other Specialized Internships
- NHRC short-term (15-day) and NGT internships in environmental law are also available.
15. OIC (Odisha Information Commission) Program
- Recently organized student internships with hands-on RTI hearings, enhancing practical knowledge—an excellent regional opportunity The Times of India
Comparison Table
| Internship | Duration | Stipend | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court / High Courts | 1–2 months | Unpaid | Judgments, judicial procedures |
| NITI Aayog | 6 wks–6 mths | Unpaid | Policy analysis, governance |
| CCI | 1–3 months | ₹15,000/month | Competition law |
| NHRC | 15–30 days | ₹2,000–8,000 | Human rights, field visits |
| MEA | 1–3 months | Unpaid | Foreign policy, diplomacy |
| Legislative Dept/Justice/DOLA | ~1 month | ₹1,000–5,000 | Drafting, e-Courts, legal work |
| DGFT | 1–2 months | ₹10,000/month | Trade law |
| SFIO | 1–2 months | ₹7,000/month | Fraud investigations |
| PMIS | Up to 12 mos | ₹5,000 + grant | Industry diplomacy, CSR |
FAQs
Q1: How do I apply for Supreme or High Court internships?
You’ll need a nomination from your law school and apply through the Court’s official portal during the prescribed application windows.
Q2: Are stipends always provided?
Not always. Some internships come with stipends (CCI, NHRC, DGFT, SFIO), others provide only certificates and exposure.
Q3: What’s the DOLA internship like?
Offered by the Department of Legal Affairs, it’s a month-long program with a ₹1,000 honorarium, focused on research and court law exposure.
Q4: What is the PMIS and why isn’t uptake high?
It’s a scheme offering industry internships with small stipends. Despite its scale, student response has been low due to mismatch in expectations and limited clarity. The Times of India
Q5: Are regional internships like OIC valuable?
Yes! State initiatives (like Odisha’s RTI program) offer practical insight into niche areas and build strong portfolios. The Times of India
Conclusion
Government internships serve as a launchpad for law students aspiring to careers in legislation, judicial practice, public policy, and legal reform. Whether you’re drafting legal frameworks at the Law Ministry, researching policy at NITI Aayog, or observing court proceedings at NHRC or the Supreme Court—each helps sharpen your legal skills.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead, tailor your applications, and prioritize internships aligned with your career goals. Lawfer’s Internships & Career Guidance section is your next stop for application timelines and ready-to-use resources.
Also Read
- Paid Legal Internship at HS&NS Law Office (HS&NS), Gurugram | September 2025: Apply Now!
- Internship Programme at Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) | Multiple Locations | September 2025: Apply Now!
