1. SBI
As the largest financial institution in India, State Bank of India (SBI) offers internship opportunities to students from various educational backgrounds, including business schools, law schools, engineering colleges, and degree colleges.
Interns at SBI are engaged in projects relevant to their profile in the banking sector, allowing them to learn about core banking and gain exposure to the work culture in a major public sector bank. Upon completion of the internship and submission of their project reports, interns receive an internship certificate. The stipend amount for SBI interns is reported to be ₹17,000.
- Winter internships typically start in November or December.
- Summer internships typically start in June.
2. SFIO
The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, offers an enriching internship program designed for students and young scholars pursuing advanced studies in various fields. The program commenced in 2017 and is tailored for those studying post-graduation or research in Commerce, Law, Economics, Management, and Computer Forensics, as well as professional courses with institutes like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Institute of Cost Accountants of India (CMA), and Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
Interns at SFIO are provided with a unique opportunity to engage with the government’s workings and gain practical experience in their area of study. They work alongside SFIO officers, including those at regional offices, which allows them to develop specialized skills and understand team dynamics within a professional setting.
The duration of the internship is flexible, ranging from a minimum of one month to a maximum of two months. This timeframe accommodates the academic schedules and curriculum requirements of the interns. It’s important to note that the internship does not equate to a job offer or guarantee future employment with the SFIO.
Interns are compensated for their contributions during the internship period. They receive a monthly stipend of ₹7,000, which supports them financially while they gain valuable work experience. Upon satisfactory completion of the internship and submission of an end-of-assignment report, which is evaluated by an SFIO official, interns are awarded certificates recognizing their participation and achievements.
Eligibility for the internship is quite specific. Applicants must be Indian nationals and can range from students in their final years of professional courses to those pursuing master’s or research courses in relevant fields. Consistent and excellent academic records are preferred, with a first-class graduation degree for fresh graduates and at least a high second-class degree for postgraduate applicants.
The application process for the internship requires institutions to forward applications along with necessary documents to the designated email address. A Declaration of Secrecy is also required from interns before they commence their roles, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the work undertaken.
3. CCI
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) offers an enriching internship program designed to provide practical experience in competition law and its workings within the Indian economy. Established under the Competition Act, 2002, the CCI’s primary objective is to ensure fair competition in the market for the welfare of consumers and the economy.
Interns at CCI are selected from top educational institutions across India, and the program aims to familiarize them with the practical aspects of competition law. The duration of the internship is typically one month, during which interns are expected to adhere to the working hours and discipline of the Commission. If an intern’s performance is deemed unsatisfactory, the internship can be terminated without any honorarium.
During the internship, participants engage in research on topics relevant to competition law and are expected to develop a research paper, which they will present to the commission at the end of their term. They receive guidance from experienced mentors and have access to orientation programs led by directors and joint directors from various CCI divisions. Interns also benefit from interactive sessions with the Advocacy division, which reviews research status and provides personalized guidance.
The work environment at CCI is reported to be friendly and respectful, treating interns as part of the family and fostering a vibrant atmosphere that enhances interpersonal skills. Interns are provided with their own research area, free internet access, and library facilities. The office hours are convenient, running from 9 am to 5 pm, although CCI does not provide accommodation for interns.
As for remuneration, interns at CCI are paid an honorarium of ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per month. However, any absence during working hours may result in an extension of the internship period without additional honorarium.
Additional Insights: To apply for the internship, candidates must submit an application form along with their resume (CV), a non-objection certificate (NOC) from their institution, and a statement of purpose (SOP). The SOP should articulate the applicant’s perspective on the Competition Act and the research they intend to conduct if selected. Applications must be submitted one month prior to the desired month of internship via official email or postal mail as specified on the CCI website.
4. National Museum
The National Museum, under the Ministry of Culture in India, offers a research-oriented internship program aimed at engaging students from various academic backgrounds. Interns at the National Museum can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks depending on the ongoing programs within the museum. They may engage in research, gallery development, coordination, digitization, catalog preparation, conservation, display techniques, program development, communication handling, writing, designing, visitor studies, label writing, retrospective cataloging, and more. The museum houses objects representing pre-historic to modern times across more than 10 departments, including Anthropology, Archaeology, Arms and Armours, Central Asian Antiquities, Conservation, Decorative Arts, Education, Exhibition, Library, Manuscripts, Modelling, Numismatics, Pre-Columbian Western Arts, Public Relations, and Pre-Historic Archaeology.
The internship requires a minimum commitment of 6 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks. Internships are offered during the summer months of May, June, and July, as well as the winter months of December, January, and February. Applicants can choose between time periods of 6, 9, or 12 weeks.
Interested candidates must submit an application form along with a covering letter, curriculum vitae, statement of purpose (500-750 words), one reference letter from a teacher or professor, photocopy of college I.D. card, and a writing sample (1500-2000 words). The last date for submission of forms for the Summer internship is March 10th every year, while for the Winter Internship, it is October 10th every year. Shortlisted applicants will undergo an interview process which could be telephonic, personal, or via video.
Please note that internships at the National Museum are unpaid. Interns are not entitled to any remuneration, including travel costs and accommodation, for the duration of their internship.
Additional Insights: Interns are expected to work from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday, and maintain regular attendance and punctuality. The tasks assigned may vary based on the museum’s needs at the time. Any material produced during the internship remains the intellectual property of the museum. At the end of the internship, interns must submit a report and presentation, and upon successful completion, they will receive a certificate. The program can accommodate up to 22 interns, and selection is based on the availability of projects and supervisors.
5. Department of Expenditure
The Department of Expenditure, under the Ministry of Finance in India, offers an internship program that provides a unique opportunity for interns to gain valuable experience within the government sector. The department limits the number of interns to five at any given time, ensuring a focused and enriching experience for each participant.
Interns engaged in this program are entitled to receive a token remuneration of ₹10,000 per month, which is payable upon the satisfactory completion of their internship and the submission of their report or paper. This stipend is designed to support the interns financially during their tenure with the department.
The nature of the work for finance department interns typically involves supporting credit analysts by analyzing financial information and credit reports, preparing financial and collateral analysis, and narrating in loan reviews. They are also responsible for monitoring individual loans and compiling periodic reviews and analysis, as well as assisting with credit presentations. This hands-on experience is invaluable for those looking to build a career in finance or government administration.
Regarding the duration of the internship, it can vary from two to six months, depending on the needs of the department and the availability of the intern. This flexibility allows the program to accommodate both the department’s requirements and the intern’s academic commitments or personal resources.
Note: Applications should be submitted by the 1st of the preceding month.
6. MCA
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India has an internship program for students pursuing postgraduate and research programs in economics, law, finance, commerce, management, and IT. The stipend is Rs. 10,000 per month, and the internship typically starts in June or July. This opportunity is designed to provide interns with practical experience and insights into the workings of the government sector related to corporate affairs.
Interns at MCA can expect to engage in a variety of tasks that may include conducting research for new projects, learning about competitors, figuring out better systems, creating presentations, maintaining an organized workspace, completing additional training, sitting in on client meetings, and assisting with brainstorming sessions. These activities are aimed at providing a comprehensive learning experience that prepares interns for their future careers.
Regarding the duration of the internship, it is structured to last for a maximum period of 2 months. This time frame allows interns to immerse themselves in the ministry’s operations and contribute meaningfully while also fitting within a typical academic break or transition period.
7. NITI Aayog
The NITI Aayog Internship Scheme offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate, postgraduate students, and research scholars from recognized universities and institutions in India and abroad. Interns selected for this program will have the chance to work closely with various verticals, divisions, and cells within NITI Aayog. The application process for the internship is conducted online, with the application link being open from the 1st to the 10th of every month.
Interns at NITI Aayog are not financially compensated as the internships are on an unpaid basis. However, the experience gained is invaluable, providing interns with insights into government functioning and developmental policy issues in the Government of India. Interns contribute to policy formulation by generating policy inputs such as empirical analysis, briefing reports, and policy papers, among other tasks.
The duration of the internship at NITI Aayog is typically for one month, based on the application filled out online. It’s important to note that a candidate can apply for an internship only once during a financial year, and those who do not fulfill the eligibility conditions will not be considered.
While the internship does not offer a salary or benefits, it is rated highly for skill development.
8. MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India offers a structured internship program that provides an excellent opportunity for students and young scholars to become acquainted with the processes involved in the formulation of foreign policy and its implementation by the Government of India. As of November 23rd, 2023, the MEA has launched the second edition of its Internship Programme for the year 2023-24.
Interns at the MEA are compensated with an honorarium of INR 10,000 per month to help defray basic costs. Additionally, they are provided with a one-time to and fro air travel cost, subject to the ceiling of the prevailing economy class airfare between the state capital and Delhi, from either the domicile state or the college/university of the selected candidates. However, interns are responsible for their own board and lodging in Delhi during the period of their internship.
The nature of work for MEA interns involves reporting to and working under the close supervision of the concerned Head of Division (HOD) or Head of Mission (HOM)/Head of Post (HOP). Their tasks may include conducting research, writing reports, analyzing evolving developments, or carrying out any other task entrusted to them by their supervisors. At the end of the internship, each intern is required to submit a detailed report on their work and, if necessary, make a presentation on it. It’s important to note that the outcome of the study during the internship remains the intellectual property of the MEA, and interns must maintain full confidentiality regarding any information related to the ministry.
The duration of the internship can vary, but the MEA specifically offers internships in two terms of six months each, namely April to September and October to March. Each intern is engaged for a minimum period of one month and a maximum period of three months, with a maximum of 30 interns being engaged by the Ministry during each term.
Regarding intern recruitment, the MEA aims to ensure diversity in terms of gender, socio-economic status, and geographical domicile. The selection process is fully online, and priority is given to candidates from underprivileged sections and those belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories at different stages of the selection process. The eligibility criteria include Indian citizenship, a minimum educational qualification of a graduate degree from a recognized university or being in the final year of an undergraduate program where an internship is mandatory. The age of the candidate should not exceed 25 years as of December 31st of the year of the internship.
Additional Insights: The selection process consists of preliminary screening and personal interviews, with a ‘quota cum weightage’ system applied to ensure representation from various states and union territories. A minimum of 30% of the positions may be filled by women candidates. The total number of candidates called for interview is three times the number of interns to be engaged in each term, and the interviews are conducted via videoconferencing.
9. BSNL
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) offers a comprehensive internship program that caters to both technical and non-technical graduates, including diploma holders recognized by AICTE, GOI, or UGC. The internships at BSNL are designed to provide hands-on experience in various fields such as telecommunications, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies like 5G services, broadband networks, IoT applications, cloud-based platforms, and AI/ML models.
Interns at BSNL can expect to engage in a range of activities, from fulfilling tasks assigned by supervisors, performing clerical duties, managing social media accounts, event planning, job shadowing, to learning technical skills pertinent to the industry. This practical exposure is aimed at skill development, which is crucial for enhancing employability in the future job market.
Regarding the payment structure, BSNL has proposed to offer a stipend of INR 8000 to eligible interns as part of their apprenticeship program under the Apprentices Act 1961. The duration of BSNL’s internship program varies, but a specific offering mentioned includes a one-year period for 44 internships within the Haryana telecom circle. This duration aligns with the general trend where most internships last about eight to ten weeks, although it can vary based on several factors, including the season, industry, employer, and the intern’s personal resources and professional goals.
For recruitment, BSNL has a straightforward application process that involves registering on the government’s Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT) portal and submitting necessary documents such as Aadhar card, diploma/graduation certificate, photograph, bank details, email address, and mobile number. The selection process is merit-based, with preference given to applicants residing in respective districts and Business Areas (BA). Document verification emails are sent to shortlisted candidates, and the selection list is declared subsequently.
To be eligible for the BSNL internship, applicants must be Indian nationals, not exceed 25 years of age (with certain relaxations for reserved categories), and should not have undergone an internship or have more than one year of work experience. Special provisions are made for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), with eligibility for candidates suffering from not less than 40% of hearing or locomotor impairment.
10. ONGC
Interns at ONGC can expect to engage in a variety of tasks that may include fulfilling tasks assigned by supervisors, performing clerical duties, managing social media accounts, event planning, job shadowing, and learning technical skills relevant to the industry.
The internship duration at ONGC typically ranges from 1 to 2 months, during which interns have the opportunity to understand the workings of the oil and gas industry in depth. This includes visiting remote locations and experiencing challenging climates, which is considered to be significantly enriching for professional development beyond what a conventional desk job would offer.
Interns are compensated for their work at ONGC, with undergraduate students receiving a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000, while postgraduate students receive Rs 15,000 per month. This financial support is part of ONGC’s commitment to fostering talent and preparing individuals for future contributions to national energy security.
The nature of work for interns at ONGC is diverse and involves networking with company leaders across various business functions such as marketing, sales, drilling & exploration technology, CSR, corporate communication, human resources, and finance. This exposure allows interns to build professional and personal relationships that can aid in shaping their future careers.