National Institution for Transforming India has officially released the guidelines for the NITI Ayog Internship Scheme. The NITI Ayog Internship invites applications from students pursuing Under Graduate, Graduate, Post Graduate degrees or Research Scholars enrolled in recognized institutions within India or abroad. The NITI Ayog Internship provides exposure to various Verticals/Divisions/Units of NITI Aayog and aims to supplement policy analysis through empirical work.
Interns can apply online during the 1st to 10th of every month. The scheme is on an unpaid basis, with a minimum duration of six weeks and a maximum of six months. Successful interns will receive an experience certificate upon completion.
NITI Aayog Internship 2026: Overview
The NITI Internship Scheme offers a unique opportunity for students and researchers to engage with the policy-making process at the highest level of the Government of India. Below is a detailed overview.
| Organization | NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | NITI Internship Scheme |
| Nature | Unpaid Internship |
| Application Window | 1st to 10th of every month (Online only) |
| Who Can Apply | UG/PG Students & Research Scholars |
| Internship Duration | Min. 6 Weeks, Max. 6 Months |
| Selection Process | Scrutiny by concerned Vertical/Division Heads |
| Certificate Issued By | Adviser of the concerned Subject Division |
| Logistics Provided | Working space, Internet facility |
| Official Portal | https://www.niti.gov.in |
NITI Aayog Internship Areas/Domains 2026
Internships are offered across a wide range of policy domains. Applicants must select only one area of interest during application.
- Agriculture
- Data Management and Analysis
- Economics
- Education/Human Resources Development
- Energy Sector
- Foreign Trade / Commerce
- Governance
- Health, Nutrition, Women & Child Development
- Industry
- Infrastructure Connectivity
- Mass Communications and Social Media
- Mining Sector
- Natural Resources, Environment & Forests
- Programme Monitoring and Evaluation
- Project Appraisal and Management
- Public Finances/Budget
- Public Private Partnership
- Rural Development and SDGs
- Science and Technology
- Skill Development & Employment
- Social Justice and Empowerment
- Sports and Youth Development
- Tourism and Culture
- Urbanization/Smart City
- Water Resources
NITI Aayog Internship Eligibility 2026
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria as per the guidelines.
Academic Eligibility (Percentage Criteria):
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students | Must have completed/appeared in the term-end exams of the second year/4th semester. Must have secured not less than 85% or equivalent in 12th class. |
| Graduate Students/Research Scholars | Must have completed/appeared in the term-end exams of the first year/2nd semester of PG or be pursuing research/PhD. Must have secured not less than 70% or equivalent in Graduation. |
| Fresh Graduates/Post Graduates | Students who have just completed their final exams and are awaiting higher studies admission are eligible, provided they have 70% or more cumulative marks and apply within six months of their result declaration. |
General Eligibility & Conditions:
- Must be a bonafide student of a recognized University/Institution in India or abroad.
- A candidate can apply only once during a financial year.
- Applications can be made six months in advance but not later than two months before the desired internship start month.
- Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory during the internship.
- Interns must bring their own laptops.
Also Read: Google Paid Internship Opportunities 2026
How to Apply for NITI Aayog Internship 2026?
Candidates must apply online only through the NITI Aayog website during the specified window. No other mode of application is accepted.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure:
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official NITI Aayog website (https://www.niti.gov.in) and navigate to the ‘Internship’ section. |
| 2 | Click on the application link available from the 1st to the 10th of every month. |
| 3 | Register and carefully fill the online application form with all required details. |
| 4 | Key Details to Fill: Name (as per 10th certificate), Father’s Name, Address, Contact Number, Email ID, Date of Birth, Educational Qualifications, Marks in Percentage, and Area of Interest. |
| 5 | Ensure all academic percentage details are accurately entered. CGPA/Grades must be converted to equivalent percentage. |
| 6 | Review all details before final submission. Note down the Registration Number generated for future reference. |
| 7 | Do not send any printouts or supporting documents unless specifically asked after selection. |
| 8 | Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the respective Vertical/Division for further process, including submission of NOC. |
Selection Process & Modalities
- Applications are made available online to the Heads of Verticals/Units/Divisions, OSDs, Senior Consultants, and Consultants for scrutiny.
- Each Vertical/Division can take a maximum of 3 interns at a time (relaxable with CEO’s permission).
- The decision of the Adviser regarding the suitability of a candidate is final.
- Selected candidates will be asked to submit a soft copy of NOC from their Head of Department/Principal. The NOC must confirm that the student will not have any course requiring attendance during the internship period.
- The original NOC and mark sheets must be verified at the time of joining. Any discrepancy will lead to cancellation.
- The list of selected candidates is uploaded on the NITI Aayog website.
Certificate & Outcomes
- Upon successful completion, an experience certificate is issued by the Adviser of the concerned Subject Division.
- Interns are required to submit a brief report/paper about their learning experience.
- Interns may get opportunities to participate in seminars/presentations.
- The internship aims to generate policy inputs like empirical analysis, briefing reports, and policy papers.
Important Notes & Disclaimers
- The internship is unpaid. No stipend, TA/DA, or accommodation is provided.
- NITI Aayog reserves the right to fix eligibility criteria, limit applicants, and decide the screening mode.
- No correspondence regarding change of application details will be entertained.
- The scheme may be reviewed by NITI Aayog at any time.
- The CEO, NITI Aayog has the power to relax any condition for a deserving candidate.
- For technical issues, contact: nic-niti@gov.in.
[Refer to Official NITI Aayog Website for Latest Guidelines]
NITI Aayog Internship – FAQs
Q1. What is the application window for the NITI Aayog Internship?
Ans: Applications are accepted online only from the 1st to the 10th of every month.
Q2. Is the NITI Aayog Internship paid?
Ans: No, the internship is on an unpaid basis.
Q3. What is the minimum duration of the internship?
Ans: The minimum duration is six weeks, and the maximum is six months.
Q4. What is the eligibility for undergraduate students?
Ans: UG students must have completed/appeared in the 2nd year/4th-semester exams and must have 85% or above in 12th class.
Q5. Is an experience certificate provided?
Ans: Yes, a certificate of successful completion is issued by the concerned Adviser, subject to a minimum of 75% attendance and completion of the assigned work.
Q6. How many areas of interest can I select?
Ans: You must select only one area of interest from the given list of 25 domains during the application.
Q7. What documents are required after selection?
Ans: Selected candidates need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their institution and original mark sheets for verification at the time of joining.
