If you thought you missed your chance to work at South Block, here is some massive news: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially extended the application deadline for Term-I (April–September 2026). You now have until March 4, 2026 (5:00 PM sharp) to get your application in.
This isn’t just another “certificate” internship. It’s a paid role where you’ll be doing actual research for India’s foreign policy divisions. Here is the “no-fluff” guide to making the cut.
The New 2026 Timeline (Don’t Miss the 5 PM Rule)
The MEA doesn’t wait until midnight. If you try to submit at 5:01 PM on March 4th, the portal will lock you out.
| Event | Official New Date |
| Final Application Deadline | March 4, 2026 (17:00 Hrs IST) |
| Shortlist Announcement | March 5, 2026 |
| Interviews (Virtual/DVC) | March 14, 2026 |
| Internship Starts | April 1, 2026 |
Perks: They Actually Pay for Your Flight
This is one of the few government internships that isn’t a financial burden on students.
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The Stipend: You get ₹10,000 per month (Honorarium).
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Free Airfare: The MEA reimburses one-time return economy airfare between your state capital (or your university city) and Delhi.
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The Catch: You have to find your own place to stay in Delhi. Start looking for PGs near Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan or South Block the moment you get shortlisted.
The “Quota” Secret: Is Your State Eligible?
Most people don’t read the fine print. For Term-I (April–Sept), the MEA prioritizes candidates from specific states to ensure diversity.
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Priority States: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and others.
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TADP Bonus: If you are from an “Aspirational District” (TADP), you get extra weightage in the preliminary screening. Mention your district clearly!
How to Write a Winning 500-Word SOP
The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is why most 90% scorers get rejected. Don’t just say “I love India.”
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Pick a Division: Research a specific MEA division (like the UN Division or BIMSTEC).
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Connect Your Degree: If you’re a Law student, talk about International Law. If you’re in Tech, talk about Cyber-diplomacy.
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Human Tone: Write like a future diplomat—professional, curious, and realistic.
Troubleshooting the Portal
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OTP Issues: If the portal isn’t sending the OTP to your mobile, try using a Gmail ID and checking your Spam folder.
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Document Size: Your marksheets must be clear. If you compress them too much and the numbers aren’t readable, the screening bot will auto-reject you.
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College Name Missing: If your college isn’t in the dropdown, select “Other” and manually type the name as per your UGC/AICTE certificate.
FAQ: Quick Hits
Q: I’m 26, can I apply?
A: No. You must be under 25 as of December 31, 2026. They are very strict about this.
Q: Can I do this internship remotely?
A: No. This is an on-site role in New Delhi. You’ll be working from the MEA headquarters.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, it is 100% free to apply.