If you are a student of Law or Social Sciences, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Summer Internship is likely at the top of your list. This 4-week program in New Delhi is famous for its intensive training, high-level guest lectures, and the prestige it adds to your resume.
The 2026 notification is out, and the deadline is fast approaching on April 27, 2026. This year, there are 100 seats up for grabs. Here is a breakdown of how the selection works and what you need to do to avoid the “rejection pile.”
NHRC Summer Internship 2026: Quick Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Duration | June 01 to June 25, 2026 |
| Location | NHRC Headquarters, New Delhi (Offline) |
| Stipend | ₹12,000 (On successful completion) |
| Perks | 3rd AC Train Fare Reimbursement (To & Fro) |
| Last Date | April 27, 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
Who is Eligible to Apply?
NHRC has very strict academic requirements. You must be a regular student at a UGC-recognized university and meet these marks:
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Academic Bar: At least 60% marks in Class XII and all semesters of your current degree.
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Law Students: 2nd/3rd year of 3-year LLB OR 4th/5th year of 5-year integrated course.
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PG Students: Final year students of MA/MSW in Political Science, Sociology, Criminology, Public Administration, Economics, History, or Anthropology.
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Age Limit: Must not exceed 28 years as of April 1, 2026.
The “100-Mark” Selection Secret
NHRC does not conduct an entrance exam. Instead, they use a transparent merit-scoring system. If you want to get selected, you need to understand where your marks come from:
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Class XII Marks: 30% Weightage (Max 30 Marks)
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Graduation/Degree Marks: 40% Weightage (Max 40 Marks)
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The Write-up (SOP): 30% Weightage (Max 30 Marks)
Reality Check: Since many applicants have high academic scores, the 300–500 word Statement of Purpose (SOP) is the real tie-breaker. The topic is always: “Reason for joining as an Intern in NHRC.” Do not use generic AI-generated text here; talk about your research interest in specific human rights issues like child rights, prison reforms, or digital privacy.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
Every year, hundreds of applications are rejected for simple technical errors. Don’t let yours be one of them:
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Attestation: Every marksheet (Class X, XII, and all college semesters) must be attested by your Head of Department (HOD) or Principal. Self-attested copies are usually not enough for the online upload.
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The LOR (Annexure-I): Your Letter of Recommendation must be on the official college letterhead. If it’s on plain paper, it will be discarded.
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Prior Experience: If you have already attended an NHRC Summer or Winter internship before, you are not eligible to apply again.
What’s in it for You? (Besides the Money)
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Field Visits: You get to visit places like Tihar Jail, Police Stations, and shelter homes to see human rights implementation firsthand.
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Cash Awards: The best Group Research Projects win extra prizes: ₹15,000 (1st), ₹10,000 (2nd), and ₹5,000 (3rd).
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Special Recognition: Top performers in the Book Review and Declamation contests win books worth ₹1,000 each.
How to Apply (Online Only)
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Visit the official website: nhrc.nic.in
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Look for the “Summer Internship 2026” link under the “Internship” section.
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Fill in your details (do NOT use prefixes like Mr./Ms.).
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Upload your attested documents and your 300-500 word SOP.
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Final Step: Double-check your CGPA to Percentage conversion. Any discrepancy found later will bar you from future NHRC programs.
Accommodation Note: NHRC does not provide a hostel. You will need to find your own PG or room in Delhi (near Man Singh Road or North Delhi). Start looking early!