Ever dreamed of contributing to India’s foreign policy or working in the field of international diplomacy? The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Internship Programme 2025-26 offers a unique chance to experience the real world of diplomacy, foreign policy, and global affairs from within the corridors of South Block!
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This prestigious internship, hosted by the Government of India, is open to students and fresh graduates across India and offers monthly stipends, official certificates, and real-time experience in foreign policy and international relations.
About the Program
The MEA Internship Programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, designed to expose young minds to India’s external engagement and diplomacy.
Interns will be placed in various divisions of the ministry such as:
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United Nations Political Division
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Development Partnership Administration
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Consular, Passport & Visa Division
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ASEAN & multilateral bodies
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And many other strategic sections
They will be assigned mentors and will work on policy research, analysis, file review, and note drafting, directly contributing to MEA functions.
Useful Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | October 2025 (Tentative) |
| Close Date | September 2025 (Tentative deadline to apply) |
| Duration | 1 to 3 Months |
| Stipend | ₹10,000 per month |
| Perks | Certificate from MEA, Direct Work with Government Officials |
| Apply Status | Expected to Open Soon |
| Location | Ministry of External Affairs HQ, New Delhi |
| Mode | Offline (In-person only) |
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria:
• Indian citizens only
• Final-year students of undergraduate programs or enrolled in postgraduate or research-level studies
• Students must have a consistently strong academic record
• Backgrounds preferred:
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International Relations
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Political Science
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Law
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History
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Economics
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Public Policy
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Journalism
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Management
Note: Students must not exceed the age limit of 25 years as of the application deadline.
Terms of Engagement (Number of Openings)
• Total interns selected per cycle: 20
• Each internship batch lasts for up to 3 months
• Interns are not permitted to extend the internship
• The internship is full-time, in-person at the MEA headquarters
Essential Documents
• Updated CV/Resume
• Scanned photograph (passport-size)
• Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
• Recommendation Letter from college/university
• Bonafide Certificate or proof of enrollment
• Academic transcripts (last qualifying exam)
How to Apply (Online Process)
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Go to the official MEA internship portal:
🔗 https://internship.mea.gov.in -
Register with a valid email ID and complete your profile
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Fill out the application form carefully with all personal, academic, and interest details
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Upload required documents (PDF only)
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Submit before the deadline (usually around September each year)
Shortlisted candidates will receive an email confirmation and may be called for an online/offline interaction.
Status Check (If Any)
You can check your application status by:
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Logging into the portal at https://internship.mea.gov.in
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Viewing “Application Status” in your dashboard
Selected interns will receive offer letters via email.
Important Dates & Links
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | August 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | September 2025 |
| Internship Commences | October 2025 |
| Duration | 1 to 3 Months |
🔗 Official Website: https://internship.mea.gov.in
FAQs
Q: Is the MEA Internship paid?
Yes. Selected interns receive a stipend of ₹10,000 per month.
Q: Can I apply if I’m in the 3rd year of college?
Only final-year undergraduate students or those in postgrad/research courses are eligible.
Q: Will the internship be virtual or offline?
It will be offline, conducted at MEA Headquarters in New Delhi.
Q: Is there a certificate?
Yes. All successfully completing interns receive an official MEA Certificate.
Q: How many students get selected?
Only 20 candidates are selected each cycle, making it highly competitive.