The MEA Internship 2025 (Ministry of External Affairs) is now open for Term II: October–March. Students and graduates can apply through the official internship.mea.gov.in portal between the notified dates. Each term is capped at 30 interns, making this one of the most selective government internships in India.
Selected candidates receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month and a one-time airfare reimbursement for travel to New Delhi, where the internship is based. The duration ranges from 1–3 months, depending on the assignment.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the MEA Internship Term II (Oct–Mar): eligibility and age limit, stipend, apply online process, SOP format, required documents, selection process, and important dates. We also share a ready-to-use SOP template and portfolio tip to give you an edge in the shortlist.
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About the MEA Internship Programme
The Ministry of External Affairs Internship Programme is a flagship initiative designed to give students and young graduates exposure to India’s foreign policy and diplomatic work. The internship is hosted at the MEA headquarters in New Delhi and opens in two terms each year: April–September (Term I) and October–March (Term II). Each term admits a maximum of 30 interns, making it highly competitive.
Quick Facts – MEA Internship Term II
- Seats: Maximum 30 interns per term
- Duration: 1 to 3 months
- Location: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi
- Honorarium: ₹10,000 per month
- Travel support: One-time return airfare (capped)
- Official Portal: internship.mea.gov.in
Why this internship stands out
- Work directly with MEA divisions on live policy assignments and research notes.
- Understand the functioning of India’s foreign policy and global engagement.
- Receive an official completion certificate from the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Boost your CV with one of the most prestigious government internships in India.
Note: The MEA internship is open every term, but demand is high. Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the intake window to avoid last-minute technical issues on the portal.
Read Also: IIT Bombay Research Internship: Apply Now
Eligibility and Age Limit
The MEA Internship 2025 has strict eligibility criteria to ensure that only qualified candidates apply for Term II (October–March). Applicants must meet both academic and age requirements at the time of application.
Eligibility at a glance
- Education: Final-year undergraduates, postgraduates, or research scholars from recognised universities.
- Fields of study: International relations, political science, law, economics, management, engineering, or related subjects.
- Age limit: Applicants must not be older than 25 years as of the application deadline.
- Nationality: Open only to Indian citizens.
Additional requirements
- Consistent academic record with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA in the last examination passed.
- A polished resume and Statement of Purpose (SOP) are mandatory for application submission.
- Applicants must be available for a full-time internship of 1–3 months at the MEA headquarters in New Delhi.
Note: Incomplete applications, missing documents, or exceeding the age limit will lead to automatic rejection. Double-check your details before submitting on internship.mea.gov.in.
Related: DRDO Internship 2025: Eligibility, Application Process & Tips
Stipend, Airfare & Duration
The MEA Internship Term II (Oct–Mar) provides financial and logistical support despite being a short-term programme. While the internship is not salaried like private-sector roles, interns receive an honorarium and travel benefits to offset expenses.
What interns receive
- Honorarium: ₹10,000 per month (fixed)
- Airfare: Reimbursement of one-time return economy airfare from place of residence to New Delhi (subject to cap)
- Location: Ministry of External Affairs Headquarters, New Delhi
- Certificate: Official completion certificate from MEA
Duration of MEA internship
- Internship length: Minimum 1 month and maximum 3 months.
- The duration is decided based on the division’s requirements and the intern’s availability.
- Extensions beyond 3 months are not permitted under MEA guidelines.
Note: The honorarium and airfare reimbursement are processed only after successful completion of the internship. Interns must submit proof of travel and attendance to claim benefits.
Related: How to Apply for DRDO Internship in 2025?
How to Apply Online for MEA Internship
Applications for the MEA Internship 2025 Term II (Oct–Mar) are accepted only through the official portal: internship.mea.gov.in. The process is simple but must be completed within the notified window.
Step-by-step application flow
- Register: Create an account on internship.mea.gov.in , with your email ID and mobile number.
- Login & profile: Complete your profile by filling in personal details, educational qualifications, and upload required documents.
- Select term: Choose Term II (October–March) as your preferred cycle.
- Choose domain: Select the MEA division or area of interest (e.g., economic diplomacy, development partnership, international law).
- Upload SOP: Write and upload your Statement of Purpose (SOP) in the specified word limit (usually 500–1000 words).
- Submit: Verify details and submit the application before the deadline. No edits are allowed after submission.
Quick checklist before submission ✅
- ✔️ Updated resume (clear file name: Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf)
- ✔️ Academic transcripts / marksheets uploaded
- ✔️ SOP proofread and within word limit
- ✔️ Government-issued ID (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN)
Tip: The portal may be busy on closing days. Apply early in the 1–10 October window to avoid last-minute issues.
Related: VSSC Internship 2025: Dates, Eligibility, How to Apply
SOP & Documents Checklist
A strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) and complete documentation are critical for the MEA Internship 2025 Term II. Incomplete or poorly written submissions are one of the top reasons for rejection.
Mandatory documents
- Updated resume (1 page, PDF format)
- Academic transcripts / mark sheets (latest)
- Government ID proof (Aadhaar / Passport / PAN)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) – 500 to 1000 words
- Passport-size photograph (recent)
How to write your SOP for MEA Internship
- Start with your motivation for applying (policy interest, foreign affairs, or research goals).
- Highlight relevant coursework, projects, or internships in international relations, economics, or law.
- Explain how this internship aligns with your career path.
- Keep the tone professional, clear, and within the word limit.
Related: How to Write Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Internship?
Sample SOP (for reference)
I am [Your Name], currently pursuing [Degree] at [University]. I am applying for the MEA Internship Term II (Oct–Mar) as I aspire to contribute to policy research and gain practical exposure to India’s foreign relations. My academic training in [relevant subjects] and project work in [specific area] have strengthened my analytical and writing skills. I have also been actively involved in [clubs/research/hackathons], which taught me to work in diverse teams and manage time-bound tasks. Through this internship, I seek to understand the inner workings of policy formulation and engage with experienced officers at MEA. In return, I bring commitment, research skills, and enthusiasm to contribute effectively during the programme.
Tip: Use this SOP as a structure, not a script. Personalise with your achievements and career goals to stand out in the shortlisting process.
Related: PM Internship Scheme 2025: Steps to Apply, Eligibility
Selection Process & Tips
The MEA Internship Term II (Oct–Mar) follows a structured selection process. Since there are only 30 seats per term, the competition is intense. Shortlisting is based on academic performance, SOP quality, and overall profile strength.
How selection works
- Application screening: Incomplete forms or missing documents are automatically rejected.
- Academic review: Consistent grades and relevant subjects are given preference.
- SOP evaluation: A clear, well-structured Statement of Purpose carries heavy weight.
- Shortlisting: Final list of selected interns is released on the portal and notified via email.
Tips to improve your chances
- ✔️ Write an SOP that demonstrates policy interest and specific career goals.
- ✔️ Highlight relevant coursework, research projects, or internships in IR, law, or economics.
- ✔️ Keep your resume concise, with measurable achievements.
- ✔️ Apply early within the 1–10 October window to avoid portal congestion.
Portfolio tip: While not mandatory, attaching or linking to a simple portfolio (e.g., published articles, policy briefs, research blogs, or data analysis reports) can set you apart. It shows initiative and practical application of your skills, which evaluators value.
Note: The final decision rests with MEA divisions. Even with a strong profile, selection depends on the availability of projects and seats.
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Important Dates (Term II: Oct–Mar)
The MEA Internship Term II runs from October to March. Application windows are announced on the official portal and may follow a monthly cycle. Always verify the live window on internship.mea.gov.in before applying.
| Month (Term II) | Apply Window* | Status / Action |
|---|---|---|
| October | As notified on the MEA portal | Check live window & submit application early |
| November | As notified on the MEA portal | Apply within the announced dates |
| December | As notified on the MEA portal | Prepare SOP & documents in advance |
| January | As notified on the MEA portal | Apply early to avoid portal congestion |
| February | As notified on the MEA portal | Track email/portal for shortlist |
| March | As notified on the MEA portal | Final Term II cycle—apply within window |
Reminders
- Applications are accepted only during the live window shown on the portal.
- Keep your resume, transcripts, ID, and SOP ready to avoid last-minute errors.
- Shortlists and onboarding timelines are communicated via the portal/email on a rolling basis.
*Exact dates are announced by MEA on the official portal for each month in Term II. Always verify on internship.mea.gov.in before applying.
FAQs on MEA Internship 2025 (Term II)
🔽 How many seats are available for Term II?
Each term admits a maximum of 30 interns. Apply early and ensure your SOP and documents are complete.
🔽 What is the honorarium and is airfare covered?
Interns receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month and a one-time return airfare reimbursement (economy class, subject to cap) to New Delhi.
🔽 What is the internship duration and location?
Duration is 1–3 months. The internship is based at the Ministry of External Affairs HQ, New Delhi.
🔽 Who is eligible to apply?
Final-year UG students, PG students, research scholars, and recent graduates (within 6 months) from recognised institutions. Open to Indian citizens only.
🔽 Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must be ≤ 25 years at the time of application.
🔽 How do I apply for Term II (Oct–Mar)?
Apply online at internship.mea.gov.in. Register, complete your profile, select Term II, choose a domain, upload your SOP and documents, then submit within the notified window.
🔽 Which documents are mandatory?
- One-page resume (PDF)
- Latest transcripts/marksheets
- Government ID (Aadhaar/Passport/PAN)
- SOP (within word limit)
- Recent passport-size photograph
🔽 What is the selection process?
Screening of applications → academic review → SOP evaluation → shortlist notification on portal/email. Interviews may be conducted at the division’s discretion.
🔽 Is there a law-specific track?
Yes. MEA runs an International Law Internship track. Law students should choose the relevant domain while applying on the portal.
🔽 When are results announced?
Shortlists are released on a rolling basis during the Term II (Oct–Mar) cycle. Monitor your portal dashboard and email regularly.
