If you’ve ever dreamt of contributing to India’s foreign policy or working in diplomatic circles, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Internship Programme 2025 is your gateway. This internship offers a first-hand look into the formulation and implementation of India’s external relations, directly from the corridors of South Block.
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Aimed at bright and motivated students, the MEA internship is a golden opportunity to understand the workings of India’s diplomacy, international relations, consular affairs, and global strategic initiatives.
About the Program
The MEA Internship Programme is designed to expose young scholars to the functioning of the Ministry, offer them insight into the working of Indian missions abroad, and engage them in research-based tasks. Interns work with various divisions including Gulf, Europe West, Americas, ASEAN, UN, and Policy Planning.
Each selected intern is attached to a specific division and mentored by officers of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) or senior officials.
Useful Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Internship Name | MEA Internship Programme 2025 |
| Conducted By | Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India |
| Start Date | April 2025 (Summer Batch onwards) |
| Last Date to Apply | Expected March 2025 (TBA officially) |
| Duration | 1 Month |
| Stipend | ₹10,000/month |
| Perks | Certificate, Networking with Diplomats, Access to Policy Work |
| Location | South Block, MEA HQ, New Delhi |
| Mode | Offline (In-person Only) |
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be Indian citizens
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Be final-year students of a UG course, or pursuing postgraduate or Ph.D. programs
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Be not older than 30 years as on the date of application
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Have excellent academic record and research aptitude
✅ Students from disciplines like International Relations, Political Science, History, Law, Economics, Journalism, Foreign Languages, etc., are highly encouraged to apply.
Terms of Engagement
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Full-time commitment (Monday–Friday, office hours)
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Interns are assigned to one division and work under the supervision of a designated officer
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Tasks include research, policy briefs, speech writing, note preparation, and data analysis
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Must submit a final report/paper at the end of the internship
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Interns must maintain confidentiality and follow all MEA rules
Number of Openings: Around 20–30 per cycle (highly competitive)
Essential Documents
The following documents are required:
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Duly filled online application form
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CV/Resume
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Statement of Purpose (SOP) – 500 words
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Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from a professor or dean
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Scanned copy of ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport)
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Recent passport-size photograph
📌 All documents must be submitted during the online application process.
How to Apply (Online Process)
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Visit the official portal:
🔗 https://internship.mea.gov.in -
Register and fill the application form
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Upload all required documents in the specified format
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Submit the form before the last date
✅ Make sure your SOP is original and compelling, as it plays a major role in shortlisting.
Status Check (If Any)
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Shortlisted candidates will receive an email confirmation
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Selected interns may be contacted for virtual interaction/interview
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There is no live tracking dashboard, but updates may be posted on the portal
Important Dates & Links
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | February 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2025 |
| Internship Period | April to December 2025 (in batches) |
| Duration | 1 Month |
🔗 Official Internship Portal: https://internship.mea.gov.in
🌐 Main Site: https://www.mea.gov.in
📍 Location: Ministry of External Affairs, South Block, New Delhi – 110011
FAQs
Q: Is the MEA internship paid?
Yes, selected interns receive a stipend of ₹10,000 for the one-month duration.
Q: Can undergraduates apply?
Yes, but only final-year UG students can apply. PG, LLM, and Ph.D. students are also eligible.
Q: Can I choose the MEA division I want to work in?
You may mention preferences, but final allocation depends on availability and suitability.
Q: Is accommodation provided?
No. Interns must arrange their own accommodation and travel in Delhi.
Q: Will I get a certificate?
Yes, after successful completion, interns receive an official certificate from MEA.
Q: How many interns are selected?
Roughly 20–30 interns per cycle. It’s highly competitive, so ensure a strong SOP and academic record.