ICMR Health Communications Internship 2026 is a three-month full-time internship offered by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The ICMR Health Communications Internship Program (IHCIP) is designed for young professionals interested in public health communication, science outreach, and research dissemination.
Selected ICMR interns work closely with ICMR institutes on communication campaigns, IEC material development, community engagement, and public health awareness initiatives. The internship provides structured exposure to health communication strategy and real-world research communication environments.
This article covers IHCIP eligibility, stipend, duration, roles, intake, and the official application process based strictly on the ICMR notification.
Quick Overview of ICMR Internship (Health Communications)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) |
| Programme Name | ICMR Health Communications Internship Program (IHCIP) |
| Internship Duration | 3 months |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹10,000 per month |
| Total Intake | Maximum 30 interns |
| Mode | Full-time internship |
| Placement Location | ICMR Headquarters or any of its institutes across India |
| Official Application Mode | Online form submission |
Note: Final institute allocation is decided by the Internship Secretariat. Location preferences indicated by applicants are not guaranteed.
About ICMR Health Communications Internship
The ICMR Health Communications Internship Program (IHCIP) is a structured internship initiative by the Indian Council of Medical Research. The programme is designed to build practical capability in public health communication, research dissemination, and science outreach.
ICMR, headquartered in New Delhi, is the apex body in India responsible for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. The organisation aligns its research priorities with national health goals to reduce disease burden and improve public well-being.
Through IHCIP 2026, selected candidates gain hands-on exposure to:
- Health communication strategy
- Content development for public health
- Science communication and outreach
- Public engagement initiatives
Interns are placed either at the ICMR Headquarters or at one of the ICMR institutes across India for the three-month engagement period. The programme is full-time and focuses on practical execution under the guidance of communications officers.
The ICMR internship (IHCIP) 2026 is intended for students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds who are interested in working at the intersection of public health and communication.
Related: NITI Aayog Internship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility conditions specified by ICMR to be considered for the Health Communications Internship Program.
Nationality and Academic Status
- Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Must be in the final year of undergraduate studies OR currently enrolled in a postgraduate program in any discipline.
- Candidates who have completed their undergraduate or postgraduate degree within the last two years from the internship start date are also eligible.
- Applicants must be 28 years or younger as of 30 October 2025.
Minimum Academic Requirements
| Qualification Level | Minimum Marks / CGPA |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree holders | 55% aggregate OR CGPA 5.7+ |
| Postgraduate degree holders | 50% aggregate OR CGPA 5.2+ |
| Students currently pursuing UG/PG | Must maintain 55% (UG) or 50% (PG) across all semesters OR SGPA 5.7 / 5.2 |
Skills Requirement
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and at least one regional language (including Hindi) are required.
- Working knowledge of tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or similar design tools is preferred.
Note: Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. Final shortlisting is determined by ICMR.
Roles and Responsibilities
The ICMR Health Communications Internship is a full-time, execution-focused programme. Selected interns work under the guidance of Nodal Communications Officers at their assigned ICMR institute and contribute to ongoing public health communication initiatives.
Interns are expected to perform the following responsibilities during the three-month engagement:
1. Communication Campaign Support
- Work closely with Nodal Communications Officers to design communication campaigns.
- Support initiatives aimed at improving public health awareness based on institute research.
2. Research and Community Engagement
- Assist in community engagement research and related programmes as required by the institute.
- Support public outreach activities linked to ongoing health research.
3. Content and Media Development
- Develop IEC materials and social media graphics.
- Create media collaterals for information dissemination.
- Prepare first drafts of press releases and opinion editorials.
4. Event and Knowledge Support
- Support the institute in conducting webinars, lectures, and workshops.
- Assist in programme coordination activities when required.
5. Capstone Project
- Develop and present a capstone project on health communications to ICMR.
- Submit a detailed internship report at the end of the programme.
Important: All outputs created during the internship remain the intellectual property of ICMR and cannot be used by the intern without prior approval ICMR.
Related: MEA Internship Program 2026
Stipend and Benefits
The ICMR Health Communications Internship provides a fixed monthly stipend along with formal certification upon successful completion of the program.
Monthly Stipend
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend Amount | ₹10,000 per month |
| Payment Type | Fixed monthly remuneration |
| Programme Duration | 3 months |
| Total Potential Earnings | ₹30,000 (for full duration) |
The stipend is provided as remuneration for full-time engagement during the internship period.
Certificate of Internship
ICMR issues an official internship certificate after successful completion of the program. The certificate is granted only after:
- Completion of the full internship tenure
- Submission of the final internship report
- Acceptance and countersignature by the Competent Authority
Note: Certification is contingent upon satisfactory performance and formal approval by ICMR.
Related: PM Internship Scheme 2026
Duration and Intake
The ICMR Health Communications Internship is a short-term, full-time engagement designed to provide structured exposure to public health communication work within ICMR institutes.
Internship Duration
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 3 months |
| Internship Window | December 2025 – March 2026 |
| Mode | Full-time engagement |
Interns are expected to commit full-time during the entire internship period.
IHCIP 2026 Intake
For the 2026 cohort, the program has a limited intake capacity.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Number of Interns | 30 |
| Placement Locations | ICMR Headquarters or any ICMR institute across India |
| Location Preference | Applicants may indicate preferences, but final allocation is decided by ICMR |
Important: Location preferences submitted by candidates are not guaranteed. Final placement decisions are made by the Internship Secretariat based on organisational requirements.
Related: NHRC Summer Internship 2026
Application Process
To be considered for the ICMR Health Communications Internship Program 2026, candidates must apply through the official application form link and submit the documents specified inside the form.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Open the official ICMR application form using the link above.
- Fill in your personal, academic, and contact details as asked in the form.
- Upload the documents specified inside the application form.
- Recheck your entries for accuracy before submitting.
- Submit the form before 30 November 2025, 11:59 PM.
Key Submission Rules
- Only applications submitted through the official form link are considered.
- Submit all documents requested inside the application form.
- Late submissions are not accepted after the deadline.
Important Rules and Termination Policy
The ICMR Health Communications Internship operates under defined programme guidelines. Selected interns must comply with all rules issued by ICMR during the engagement period.
Termination by ICMR
ICMR reserves the right to terminate an intern’s engagement in the following situations:
- Non-compliance with programme guidelines
- Violation of internship terms
- Any other reason deemed appropriate by ICMR
The decision of ICMR regarding termination is final and binding. The organisation is not required to provide a reason for termination.
Voluntary Termination by Intern
In exceptional circumstances, an intern may discontinue the internship by providing prior notice to ICMR.
- Minimum notice period required: 10 days
- Notice must be submitted in advance to ICMR
Failure to follow the notice requirement may affect internship completion status.
Intellectual Property Clause
All materials, content, and outputs created during the internship remain the intellectual property of ICMR. Interns cannot use or publish this work without prior approval from the organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions on ICMR Health Communications Internship
🔽 What is the duration of the ICMR Health Communications Internship?
The internship is a 3-month, full-time engagement. The internship window mentioned in this article is December 2025 – March 2026.
🔽 What is the stipend for the ICMR Health Communications Internship?
The internship provides a fixed stipend of ₹10,000 per month. For the full 3-month duration, the total stipend value is ₹30,000, subject to completing the full tenure.
🔽 How many interns are selected under this programme?
The total intake is maximum 30 interns.
🔽 Who can apply for the ICMR Health Communications Internship?
Applicants must be Indian citizens and should meet one of these conditions:
- Final year undergraduate student, or
- Currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme, or
- Completed UG/PG within the last two years from the internship start date.
Applicants must also be 28 years or younger as of 30 October 2025.
🔽 What are the minimum marks or CGPA requirements?
- UG degree holders: 55% aggregate or CGPA 5.7+
- PG degree holders: 50% aggregate or CGPA 5.2+
- UG/PG students: Must maintain 55% (UG) or 50% (PG) across all semesters or SGPA 5.7 / 5.2
🔽 What language and tool skills are expected?
Applicants should have strong verbal and written communication in English and at least one regional language (including Hindi). Familiarity with tools such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or similar design tools is preferred.
🔽 Where will interns be placed?
Interns may be placed at ICMR Headquarters or at any ICMR institute across India. Location preferences (if provided) are not guaranteed. Final allocation is decided by the Internship Secretariat.
🔽 How do I apply and what is the last date?
Applications are submitted through the official online form. The last date to submit the application is 30 November 2025 (11:59 PM).
🔽 Will I get a certificate after completing the internship?
Yes. ICMR issues an official internship certificate after successful completion. The certificate is issued only after:
- Completing the full internship tenure
- Submitting the final internship report
- Receiving approval and countersignature by the Competent Authority
🔽 Can the internship be terminated before completion?
ICMR may terminate the internship for non-compliance, violation of terms, or other reasons as per programme rules. In exceptional cases, an intern may discontinue by giving 10 days’ prior notice.
🔽 Can interns use their internship work for personal publication or portfolios?
No. All outputs created during the internship remain the intellectual property of ICMR. Interns cannot use or publish the work without prior approval from ICMR.
