MEA Internship Programme – Apply Now for Opportunity
About the Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, serves as the country’s diplomatic and policy nerve centre, managing India’s external relations and foreign policy across global platforms. With its headquarters in South Block, New Delhi, the MEA handles a vast range of responsibilities — from managing diplomatic missions and consulates to formulating strategic bilateral and multilateral engagements.
The MEA Internship Programme is one of the Ministry’s premier initiatives designed to nurture young minds by offering them exposure to the dynamic world of foreign policy and diplomacy. The internship aims to help students and graduates understand how India’s global interactions are shaped, negotiated, and implemented through the Ministry’s various divisions.
By engaging with the Ministry’s experts and divisions, interns get an authentic glimpse into India’s foreign policy formulation process. The programme particularly focuses on promoting gender inclusivity, regional diversity, and academic merit, offering a meaningful bridge between classroom learning and real-world governance.
About the Internship/Opportunity
The MEA Internship Programme marks the second edition of this flagship initiative, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to create a structured and inclusive framework for youth engagement.
This internship provides participants an opportunity to understand India’s diplomatic ecosystem, learn about the Ministry’s functioning, and contribute meaningfully to projects and research relevant to international relations and policy formulation.
Interns will be assigned specific topics by their respective Heads of Divisions (HODs) and may be required to conduct research, analyze international developments, prepare reports, and assist in the Ministry’s day-to-day operations.
At the end of the internship, every intern must submit a detailed report summarizing their learning and contributions, which becomes part of the Ministry’s internal documentation. The internship experience is designed to be academically enriching and professionally rewarding, particularly for law students, international relations scholars, and public policy enthusiasts.
Event Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Ongoing |
| Application Deadline | To be announced (apply early) |
| Internship Period | October–March 2025 |
Each internship term lasts between one to three months, within two six-month windows. A maximum of 30 interns will be selected per term.
Location and Mode
- Mode: Offline (In-person)
- Location: Ministry of External Affairs, South Block, New Delhi – 110011
Interns are expected to be present in New Delhi during the internship period. The Ministry provides a travel reimbursement to cover economy class airfare from the intern’s domicile or university location to Delhi and back.
Format and Structure
- Duration: 1 to 3 months (within a 6-month term)
- Working Hours: As per MEA division schedule (generally office hours)
- Supervisor / Mentor: Assigned Head of Division (HOD)
- Maximum Intake per Term: 30 interns
- Terms Offered: April–September and October–March annually
Interns will work within assigned divisions of the Ministry, gaining exposure to India’s foreign policy apparatus and administrative framework.
Eligibility & Requirements
To be eligible for the MEA Internship Programme , applicants must:
- Be Indian citizens.
- Have completed a graduate degree from a recognized university.
- Be in the final year of graduation (if internship is a mandatory part of curriculum).
- Be 25 years of age or below
Selection Process:
The process is fully online via https://internship.mea.gov.in/internship. It comprises two stages:
- Preliminary Screening – Based on academic merit (marks from Class 12 and graduation).
- Personal Interview – Conducted via videoconferencing.
A quota-cum-weightage system ensures fair representation:
- 26 interns from 14 states
- 2 interns from 4 Union Territories
- 2 additional interns from TADP districts / underprivileged sections
- Minimum 30% reserved for women candidates
Preference is given to candidates from SC/ST/OBC/EWS backgrounds and TADP districts.
Additional Highlights
- Honorarium: ₹10,000 per month
- Travel Reimbursement: Economy-class airfare (to and from Delhi, subject to ceiling)
- Certificate: Issued by the Ministry upon successful completion
- Mentorship: Guided by experienced officers in diplomatic and policy divisions
- Networking: Opportunity to interact with Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and domain experts
Interns will gain insights into various aspects of governance, international policy development, and diplomatic practices.
Work Profile
During the internship, selected candidates may be assigned the following responsibilities:
- Research on international policy, treaties, and bilateral relations
- Drafting briefs and reports on ongoing diplomatic engagements
- Assisting in organizing MEA outreach events and conferences
- Policy analysis and case studies
- Support in documentation, archiving, or administrative tasks as per HOD’s direction
Each intern must maintain strict confidentiality regarding any data or information accessed during the programme. Unauthorized use or publication is prohibited. All intellectual property generated will remain the property of the MEA.
FAQs – MEA Internship Programme
1. Who can apply for this MEA Internship Programme?
Any Indian citizen who has completed or is in the final year of graduation (if internship is part of the curriculum) and is below 25 years of age as of 31 December 2023 can apply.
2. Is this MEA Internship Programme paid or unpaid?
Yes, interns will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 to defray basic expenses, along with airfare reimbursement for one-time travel to and from Delhi.
3. What is the last date to apply?
Applications for the term are accepted online on a rolling basis. Candidates are advised to apply early on the official portal.
4. What is the selection process?
The selection process includes Preliminary Screening based on academic merit and a Personal Interview via videoconference. The total selected per term will be 30 interns.
5. Will I get a certificate after completion?
Yes, interns who successfully complete their internship and submit their final report will receive an official certificate from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Important Links
- Official Internship Notification: https://internship.mea.gov.in/internship
- Application Form Link: https://internship.mea.gov.in/internship
- Organization Website: https://www.mea.gov.in
Downloadables
Contact
Email: internship@mea.gov.in
Address: Ministry of External Affairs, South Block, New Delhi – 110011
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