The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, has opened applications for its prestigious Internship Programme 2026 – Term II (October 2026 to March 2027). This is an excellent opportunity for eligible students and recent graduates interested in international affairs, diplomacy, and public policy to gain hands-on exposure to India’s foreign policy formulation and implementation.
The programme aims to provide meaningful value to interns while promoting gender inclusivity and diversity in qualifications, domicile, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Duration: 1 to 3 months (within the October 2026–March 2027 window)
Intake: Maximum 30 interns per term
Location: MEA Headquarters, New Delhi
Honorarium: ₹10,000 per month
Travel Support: One-time to-and-fro economy-class airfare (subject to ceiling) between Delhi and the candidate’s domicile state capital or college/university location
Board & Lodging: To be arranged by the interns themselves
Eligibility Criteria
Indian citizen
Graduate degree from a recognised university at the time of applying, OR
Currently in the final year of an undergraduate programme where internship is a mandatory part of the curriculum
Age: Not exceeding 25 years as on 31 December 2026
States/UTs Covered in Term II (October–March):
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal
Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Puducherryinternship.
Priority is given to candidates from Transformation of Aspirational Districts Programme (TADP) districts and those belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories at different stages of selection. A minimum of 30% seats may be filled by women candidates.
Interns are assigned specific tasks by the concerned Head of Division. These may include research, analysis of evolving developments, report writing, or other work related to foreign policy. At the end of the internship, interns submit a detailed report (and may be required to present it). All intellectual property remains with the MEA, and confidentiality must be maintained.
This programme offers rare first-hand exposure to the working of India’s foreign policy establishment. It is particularly valuable for those aspiring to careers in diplomacy, international relations, public policy, civil services, or related fields. The stipend and travel support make it more accessible to talented candidates from diverse backgrounds across the country.