About NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog, the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, plays a vital role in driving economic growth and promoting cooperative federalism. With the Prime Minister as its Chairperson, it functions as a policy advisory body, formulating strategic plans for national development. The institution is presently led by Vice Chairperson Suman Bery, with Ex-Officio Members Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Narendra Singh Tomar. As a key policy-making entity, NITI Aayog works to design and implement innovative solutions for India’s socio-economic challenges, making it an ideal platform for students aspiring to understand governance and policy-making processes.
About the NITI Aayog Internship
The NITI Aayog Internship Scheme offers undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as research scholars from recognized institutions in India and abroad, a unique opportunity to work closely with NITI Aayog’s verticals, divisions, and cells. Selected interns get to contribute to policy formulation through research, empirical analysis, and policy papers. The internship is designed to provide practical exposure to real-time government functioning and developmental policy issues. Applications must be submitted online through the official registration form, and selected candidates will be placed in specific verticals based on their academic background and interests.
Purpose
The purpose of the internship scheme is to provide short-term exposure to selected candidates by associating them with different verticals and divisions of NITI Aayog. Through this initiative, students gain first-hand experience of working on crucial projects related to national development. This exposure equips them with a deeper understanding of government processes and the policy-making ecosystem in India. The programme bridges the gap between academic learning and practical policy implementation, enabling students to contribute meaningfully to various government initiatives.
Objective
The internship aims to engage young academic talent with NITI Aayog’s ongoing projects for mutual benefit. Interns will learn about the functioning of the Government of India, while also contributing to policy research through briefing reports, empirical studies, and policy papers. The programme helps students develop analytical and policy-oriented thinking, while NITI Aayog benefits from their fresh perspectives and research insights. It provides a platform for students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world policy formulation and gain exposure to the challenges of governance and development.
Mode of Internship
The internship will be conducted in on-site mode, requiring students to work physically from NITI Aayog’s office in New Delhi. Working on-site ensures that interns gain direct exposure to real-time policy discussions, stakeholder interactions, and collaborative work with government officials. This setup allows interns to experience the practical challenges of policy-making and governance while engaging with a network of experienced policymakers and experts.
Eligibility Criteria
Students from recognized universities or institutions in India or abroad are eligible to apply if they meet any of the following conditions:
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Undergraduate students who have completed or appeared for second-year (4th semester) exams and have secured at least 85% marks in Class 12.
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Postgraduate students who have completed or appeared for the first-year (2nd semester) exams and have secured at least 70% marks in graduation.
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Recent graduates/postgraduates awaiting admission to higher studies, provided they scored at least 70% cumulative marks.
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The internship must be started within six months of declaration of the final exam results.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates can apply by filling out the online registration form available through the official link provided at the end of this post. Applications submitted through any other means will not be considered. Students are advised to carefully read the eligibility requirements before applying to ensure successful submission.
Location
The internship will take place at NITI Aayog’s headquarters in New Delhi. Interns will have the opportunity to work closely with senior officials and experts involved in policy formulation at the highest level.
Duration
The internship will be for a minimum of six weeks and can extend up to six months. Interns who fail to complete the minimum required duration will not be issued a certificate of completion.
Deadline
The last date to apply is 10th August 2025. As the internship is highly competitive, students are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.
Contact
For any technical issues related to online submission, candidates can contact NIC at nic-niti@gov.in.
