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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Internship Program is a unique opportunity for young Indian graduates to gain firsthand experience in foreign policy formulation and implementation. This internship acts as a bridge connecting students to the professional world and runs in two terms: Term 1 (April to September) and Term 2 (October to March). Each term includes 30 interns for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months.
Term 1 Scheme
The Term 1 internship takes place from April to September each year. Candidates are selected using a “quota cum weightage” system, ensuring fair representation from specific states and union territories. For Term 1, applicants from Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, as well as union territories like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Delhi, will be eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the MEA internship, candidates must:
- Be Indian citizens.
- Hold a graduate degree from a recognized university or be in their final undergraduate year where internships are a mandatory requirement.
- Be under 25 years of age as of December 31 of the internship year.
Stipend and Travel
Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 to cover basic costs. Additionally, the Ministry will reimburse a one-time air travel cost (economy class) between the candidate’s state capital (or their university location) and Delhi, subject to a cost ceiling.
Selection Process
The MEA Internship Program has a two-stage selection process:
- Preliminary Screening – Applicants are shortlisted based on their academic performance in Class 12 and graduation. Special preference is given to candidates from TADP (Tribal Area Development Programme) districts.
- Personal Interview – Shortlisted candidates from the screening are interviewed via videoconference. Applicants from SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories receive priority during this stage.
A maximum of 30 interns are selected for Term 1. If any selected candidate opts out, the next person on the state-wise merit list is offered the opportunity.
Internship Experience
Interns work under the supervision of the respective Head of Division (HOD) at MEA. They are assigned tasks like conducting research, writing reports, and analyzing developments. The program provides a practical introduction to India's foreign policy mechanisms. At the end of the term, each intern submits a detailed report summarizing their work and learning.
This program is an excellent platform for aspiring professionals to gain invaluable insights into India’s external affairs and develop skills that will help in their future careers. For those eligible, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at the forefront of India’s global interactions.
