MEA Internship Programme: Eligibility, Selection Process And Key Details You Need To Know – News18

Last Updated:March 16, 2025, 12:12 IST

The MEA Internship Programme offers graduates a practical experience in diplomacy. Interns engage in research and reporting tasks.

MEA Internship Programme: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provides a fantastic opportunity for graduates and final-year students to gain practical experience in diplomacy through its Internship Programme. Each year, the MEA selects a group of interns, offering them a deep understanding of foreign policy formulation and its implementation by the Government of India.

MEA Internship Details

Interns are assigned specific tasks by the relevant Head of Division (HOD) and may be required to conduct research, analyse developments, or write reports. MEA internships are offered in two terms: April to September and October to March. A maximum of 30 interns are selected for each term, with the internship duration ranging from one to three months.

MEA Internship: Eligibility Criteria

Internships are open to Indian citizens who hold at least a graduate degree from a recognised university. Students in their final year of graduation, where an internship is part of their curriculum, are also eligible to apply. Candidates must be aged 25 years or younger as of 31 December of the year of the internship.

MEA Internship: Selection Process

The selection process is fully online and managed through the MEA’s dedicated internship portal. Candidates must register on the portal to participate in the application process. The selection consists of two stages: Preliminary Screening and Personal Interview. A state-wise merit list will be prepared, with priority given to applicants from underprivileged sections, TADP districts, and women candidates. The final selection will involve interviews conducted via videoconferencing.

MEA Internship Benefits

Interns will be introduced to various aspects of the Ministry’s operations, including its role in public outreach and services to Indian citizens. Each intern will receive an honorarium of Rs 10,000 per month to cover basic expenses. Additionally, the Ministry provides a one-time air travel allowance for travel between the candidate’s home state or university and Delhi. Interns will be responsible for their boarding and lodging in Delhi during the internship.