Internships with key government bodies in India such as the NITI Aayog, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) offer unmatched opportunities to work on policy, governance, economics, and diplomacy. These internships are prestigious, highly competitive, and provide invaluable exposure for students and young professionals.

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In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria for these government internships in 2025, helping aspiring candidates prepare in advance.



1. NITI Aayog Internship 2025 Eligibility

The NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) offers internships under its internship scheme to allow students to engage with the government’s policy think tank.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification:

    • Applicants must be undergraduate, postgraduate, or research students from recognized universities/institutions in India or abroad.

  • Academic Performance:

    • Candidates should have secured at least 70% marks in the last semester or equivalent CGPA.

  • Age Limit: There is no specific age limit, but typically, students are expected to be between 18–30 years.

  • Field of Study:

    • Students from a wide range of disciplines such as Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Law, Science, Technology, and Management are encouraged to apply.

  • Duration:

    • Minimum: 6 weeks
    • Maximum: 6 months

  • Important Notes:

    • Interns will not be paid, but a certificate is awarded upon successful completion.
    • Applications are accepted online throughout the year; selection is based on merit and availability.

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2. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Internship 2025 Eligibility

The Ministry of External Affairs offers the MEA Internships Program to provide young Indian nationals with exposure to diplomacy and international relations.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Nationality: Only Indian citizens are eligible.

  • Educational Qualification:

    • Final-year students of undergraduate programs OR
    • Students pursuing post-graduation OR
    • Recently graduated (within the past year) in fields like International Relations, Political Science, Law, History, or Economics.

  • Minimum Academic Performance:

    • Applicants should have consistently strong academic records, generally with at least 60% aggregate marks.

  • Age Limit:

    • Typically between 21 to 30 years.

  • Additional Requirements:

    • Strong communication skills
    • Demonstrated interest in diplomacy, public service, or global affairs

  • Duration:

    • Usually 1 to 3 months

  • Selection Process:

    • Based on academic performance, statement of purpose, and sometimes an interview.

  • Important Notes:

    • The MEA internship is unpaid.
    • Interns may be posted at various divisions of the ministry, including foreign policy, regional cooperation, and multilateral affairs.


3. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Internship 2025 Eligibility

While the PMO does not regularly offer public internships, when openings arise, they attract wide attention. These are among the most prestigious internship positions in the country.

Eligibility Criteria (Typical Requirements When Available):

  • Educational Background:

    • Students enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs in fields related to Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Law, or related disciplines.

  • Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.

  • Academic Performance:

    • High academic excellence and leadership potential are expected. CGPA of 8.0 or higher (or equivalent) is often considered competitive.

  • Age Limit: Generally, between 21–30 years.

  • Other Desirable Traits:

    • Strong writing and research abilities
    • Understanding of India’s governance structure
    • Commitment to public service

  • Duration: Varies, usually 8–12 weeks

  • Selection Process:

    • Shortlisting based on CV, academic records, and Statement of Purpose
    • Interviews may be conducted

  • Important Notes:

    • Interns are usually unpaid
    • Highly competitive; not advertised every year


4. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Internship 2025 Eligibility

The RBI Internship Scheme is ideal for students of economics, finance, banking, or statistics who want to explore monetary policy and regulatory frameworks.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification:

    • Full-time students pursuing post-graduate studies or PhDs in areas such as Economics, Finance, Banking, Statistics, or related fields.

  • Institutions:

    • Preference is given to candidates from Ivy League institutions, IITs/IIMs, ISIs, or universities of similar repute.

  • Academic Performance:

    • Outstanding academic records, typically with at least 70% marks or a CGPA of 7.5 or above.

  • Age Limit: Generally between 21–28 years.

  • Other Requirements:

    • Strong quantitative and analytical skills
    • Research orientation and a good grasp of Indian economic frameworks

  • Duration:

    • 6 weeks to 3 months (usually during summer)

  • Stipend:

    • A stipend of Rs. 20,000 – 30,000 per month may be provided.

  • Selection Process:

    • Shortlisting followed by an interview or written assessment


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Tips to Improve Your Chances of Selection

  1. Start Early:

    • Research and prepare documents such as your CV, Statement of Purpose (SOP), and academic transcripts well in advance.

  2. Maintain High Academic Scores:

    • Most government internships have a minimum percentage or CGPA cut-off. Consistent academic performance matters.

  3. Gain Relevant Experience:

    • Internships, volunteer work, or research projects in related fields can strengthen your profile.

  4. Tailor Your SOP:

    • Clearly articulate why you want the internship, what you hope to gain, and how it aligns with your career goals.

  5. Stay Updated:

    • Regularly check official websites for updates. Some internships are not widely advertised and may require direct applications.

  6. Professional Networking:

    • Connect with past interns via LinkedIn to understand their experiences and seek advice on your application.

  7. Prepare for Interviews:

    • If shortlisted, be prepared to discuss your academic interests, understanding of public policy, and current national/international issues.


Conclusion

Government internships in India such as those offered by the NITI Aayog, MEA, PMO, and RBI offer aspiring changemakers and policy enthusiasts the chance to contribute to national governance and policymaking.

Each institution has its own unique eligibility requirements, but they all value academic excellence, a keen interest in governance, and a passion for public service.

If you're aiming to intern with these prestigious bodies in 2025, start preparing now—build your academic profile, gather relevant experience, and craft a compelling narrative for your application.

These internships can serve as a launchpad for a meaningful career in public administration, policy research, or international relations.