Hello Fellows, my name is Aarya from New Delhi and I’m an avid reader and writer on the Indians Forum site. I am currently exploring internship opportunities for the upcoming academic year (2025-26) and am particularly interested in government-sponsored programs that are free of cost for students. I’ve heard about initiatives like the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Summer Internship Programme, which offers hands-on research experience in fundamental science and technology without charging participants.
However, I’m curious to know if there are other similar government internships available across various fields such as engineering, medicine, environmental sciences, public policy, or even administrative roles. Are there programs that provide mentorship, certifications, and access to cutting-edge facilities without any fees or hidden costs? Additionally, do these internships offer flexibility in terms of duration (short-term vs. long-term) or mode of participation (online/offline)?
Any insights or recommendations on where to find detailed information about such opportunities would be greatly appreciated!
Exploring Free Government Internship Opportunities for 2025-26
There are several government-sponsored internship programs in India that are free of cost and provide students with valuable exposure to diverse fields. For instance, the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Summer Internship Programme , which you mentioned, is an excellent platform for students interested in fundamental sciences, space research, and technology. It offers hands-on experience, mentorship from renowned scientists, and access to state-of-the-art facilities; all without any participation fees. Similarly, other notable programs include:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Internship Programme => ISRO offers internships for students in engineering, science, and technology domains. Participants get to work on real-time projects related to space exploration, satellite development, and more. While the program doesn’t provide a stipend, it’s highly regarded for its learning outcomes.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Internship Scheme => This initiative focuses on IT, electronics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. It’s ideal for students pursuing technical degrees and offers both online and offline modes of participation.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Internships => CSIR labs across India provide research-based internships in areas like biotechnology, chemistry, environmental sciences, and material sciences. These internships are typically short-term but packed with practical learning.
National Health Mission (NHM) Internships => For students in medical, nursing, or public health fields, NHM offers internships to gain insights into healthcare delivery systems and policy implementation at the grassroots level.
NITI Aayog Internship Programme => If you’re inclined toward public policy, governance, or economics, NITI Aayog provides opportunities to work on national-level projects. The duration is flexible, ranging from 3 to 6 months.
To find detailed information about these programs, you can visit their official websites or portals like Internship.gov.in , which aggregates various government internship opportunities. Additionally, keep an eye on announcements from ministries, research organizations, and public sector undertakings (PSUs), as they frequently roll out new initiatives tailored to different academic disciplines.
Most of these programs are free and focus on skill development, certification, and networking. However, some may have eligibility criteria based on academic performance, field of study, or prior research experience. Be sure to check the application deadlines and required documents well in advance. If you’re targeting specific sectors, let me know; I’d be happy to share more tailored suggestions!