Internships with the Government of India provide incredible opportunities to gain experience in various fields, learn how the government functions, and contribute to the nation. As India continues to develop rapidly, the government offers internships across diverse sectors like administration, policing, foreign affairs, technology, infrastructure, finance and more. For students and recent graduates, a government internship can be an invaluable experience and stepping stone to a potential career in the public sector. Here are the top 10 government of India  internships to apply for in 2023.

Top 10 Government of India Internships

1. The Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellows (PMRDF) Scheme

The prestigious PMRDF scheme offers 12-month internships for young professionals to work on rural development projects across India. As a PMRDF fellow, you are assigned high impact tasks like promoting self-help groups, assisting village panchayats, facilitating skills training, financial inclusion and more. You can make a real difference at the grassroots level and gain insights into tackling rural poverty.

Eligibility: Indians with at least a bachelor’s degree and up to 30 years of age can apply. Fellows receive a stipend of Rs. 50,000 per month.

Apply by registering on the PMRDF website when notifications are issued. The selection process involves exams, interviews and orientation.

2. RBI Internships

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the central bank, offers month-long summer internships in areas like finance, economics, statistics, IT, human resources, supervision and more. As an RBI intern, you gain exposure to the functioning of banking and financial institutions in India.

Eligibility: Final year undergraduates or recent graduates can apply. A stipend is provided.

Notifications are released on the RBI website. The selection process involves shortlisting, written tests and interviews.

3. Election Commission of India Internship

If you’re interested in the election process and public administration, apply for the flexible 2-12 weeks internship offered by the Election Commission. You will gain field experience in areas like logistics, voter awareness campaigns, use of technology in elections, polling procedures and more.

Eligibility: Students pursuing graduate, post-graduate or research studies can apply.

Apply online or email the ECI year-round based on university timelines. A stipend may be provided.

4. Ministry of External Affairs Internship

For those keen on foreign affairs and diplomacy, the Ministry of External Affairs offers 4-8 week internships at their headquarters in Delhi as well as Indian missions abroad. You will gain exposure in areas like policymaking, project implementation and international cooperation.

Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18-27 years and enrolled in undergraduate/graduate programs can apply.

Applications are accepted year-round online. There is a competitive selection process involving written tests and personal interviews.

5. UIDAI Internship Programme

If you are interested in technology, data analytics and public policy, consider interning with the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). You will gain experience in India’s ambitious Aadhaar project related to identity management, data security, blockchain, biometrics and more.

Eligibility: Students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programs can apply. Stipend is provided.

Applications are accepted online year-round. Shortlisted candidates are selected after interviews.

6. India Post Internship

The Department of Posts or India Post offers 1-2 month summer internships in fields like marketing, finance, HR, operations, logistics, procurement, strategy and more. You will gain exposure in managing postal networks and services across India.

Eligibility: Undergraduates students in their pre-final/final year can apply.

Notifications are released around April-May annually. Apply online and selected candidates are intimated.

7. TRAI Internship

TRAI or the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India offers 1-2 month paid internships in economic research, financial analysis, engineering, law, consumer affairs, administration and other domains related to the Indian telecom sector.

Eligibility: Students who have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate programs can apply.

Apply online in response to notifications released around March-April. Selection is through interviews.

8. Ministry of Tourism Internship

If you are passionate about tourism, the Ministry of Tourism offers virtual or on-site internships of 1-6 months in areas like policy formulation, promotion and marketing of tourism in India, data analysis, spreading awareness and more.

Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply. Certificate is provided.

Applications are accepted online year-round. Selection is by screening and interview.

9. NITI Aayog Internship

NITI Aayog, the Indian government’s policy think tank offers short-term research internships in fields like education, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, transport, energy, environment, healthcare and more.

Eligibility: Undergraduate/graduate students or those with up to 2 years of work experience can apply.

Applications are accepted year-round online. Selected candidates are intimated after scrutiny.

10. Legislative Assembly Internship

Various state legislative assemblies like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Odisha, etc. offer insightful short-term political internships where you assist MLAs, conduct research on policies, draft summaries of assembly proceedings and more.

Eligibility: Graduate and postgraduate students can apply. Good academic credentials are required.

Apply online when advertisements are released around July-August each year. Selection is merit-based.

The major internship programs offered by the Indian government cover diverse fields and allow you to contribute to the country while building valuable skills. The exposure, networks and growth opportunities are unparalleled. Check eligibility criteria, timelines and selection processes carefully. Gap years are a good time to apply for these coveted government internships. With passion and diligence, you can secure a rewarding and enlightening internship experience in 2023.