Let’s be real: Most people apply for the NITI Aayog Internship and never hear back. Why? Because they treat the 1st–10th application window as a “submission” task rather than a “selection” strategy.
If you want to work at Sansad Marg this summer, you need to understand the March 1–10 window is for internships starting in May or June 2026. Here is the actual “cheat sheet” to getting that selection email.
The “1st to 10th” Rule: 2026 Dates
NITI Aayog doesn’t have a “deadline” in the traditional sense; it has a monthly pulse.
| Event | Date / Timing |
| Portal Opens | March 1, 2026 (00:00 Hrs) |
| Portal Closes | March 10, 2026 (23:59 Hrs) |
| Best Time to Apply | March 1st or 2nd (Server gets glitchy after the 8th) |
| Target Internship Month | May 2026 (Apply 2 months in advance) |
Eligibility
People often ask for “NITI Aayog internship 1st year”—the answer is No. You are only eligible if:
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UG Students: You’ve finished your 4th Semester (2nd Year) AND you have at least 85% in Class 12. (Yes, they are extremely strict about that 85% mark).
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PG Students: You’ve finished your 2nd Semester (1st Year) AND you have 70% in Graduation.
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The “Gap” Rule: If you just graduated and are waiting for your Master’s, you can apply within 6 months of your final result, provided you have a 70% cumulative score.
Top 5 “High-Selection” Domains for 2026
In 2026, NITI Aayog is focusing heavily on Viksit Bharat 2047 and Net Zero goals. Choosing a niche domain increases your odds of a callback:
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Data Management & Analysis: If you know Python/R or Tableau, this is your best bet.
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Energy & Climate Change: Massive focus due to the 2026 “Green Transition” roadmap.
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Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): High demand for Law and MBA students.
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Agriculture Policy: Always a priority for the “Aspirational Districts” program.
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Science & Technology: Specifically looking for AI Ethics and Frontier Tech backgrounds.
How to Fix the “No Record Found” & Portal Errors
The “85% Class 12 Trap” (Eligibility Check)
This is where most students get disqualified instantly. The system uses an automated filter for these specific marks:
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Undergraduates (UG): You must have completed the 4th Semester AND secured 85% or above in Class 12. * Postgraduates (PG): You must have completed the 2nd Semester AND secured 70% in your Graduation.
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Recent Graduates: If you just finished your degree, you are only eligible if you apply within 6 months of your result declaration.
High-Demand Domains for 2026 (Selection Hacks)
Don’t just pick “General.” Select a domain that aligns with NITI’s Viksit Bharat 2047 mission. In 2026, the following verticals have the highest “vacancy-to-applicant” ratio:
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Data Management & Analysis: (Keyword: NDAP) – Best for Tech/Math students.
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Green Transition & Climate: (Keyword: Net Zero) – High demand for Science and Policy students.
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Agriculture Technology: Focus on the Aspirational Districts Programme.
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Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Best for Law and MBA students.
Solving the “Percentage vs. CGPA” Conflict
The NITI Aayog portal does not accept CGPA. If you enter “9.2” in the percentage box, the bot will think you have 9.2% and reject you.
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The Fix: Use your University’s official conversion formula (usually $CGPA \times 9.5$ or $CGPA \times 10$) to find your exact percentage.
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The “NOC” Template: You don’t need the NOC to apply, but you must confirm that your college will provide it in the NITI Aayog prescribed format if you are selected.
The SOP: How to Write for a “Vertical Head”
Your application goes directly to the Head of the Vertical (e.g., the Education Division). They don’t want to hear about your “passion for India.” They want to know:
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Skill Match: “I can assist in empirical analysis using the National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP).”
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Specific Interest: Mention a recent NITI report (like the Trade Watch Quarterly or Apprenticeship Ecosystem report).
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Commitment: Confirm you can complete the minimum 6 weeks. (Maximum is 6 months).
FAQ: What They Don’t Tell You
Q: Is there any stipend? A: No. It is 100% unpaid. You are paying for the brand, the Sansad Marg office access, and the certificate signed by a Government Adviser.
Q: Can 1st-year students apply? A: No. The portal will auto-reject anyone who hasn’t completed at least 2 years of their UG degree.
Q: What if I don’t get an email? A: NITI Aayog only contacts selected candidates. If you don’t hear back by the 30th, you can re-apply in the next month’s window (April 1–10).
Q: Do they provide a hostel?
No. You must find your own stay in New Delhi.
Q: Is the certificate worth it?
Yes. A NITI Aayog certificate signed by an Adviser is one of the highest credentials for UPSC interviews and Ivy League admissions.