The NHRC Summer Internship 2026 is an annual summer internship offered by the National Human Rights Commission for students pursuing law and social science disciplines.
The summer internship is conducted at the NHRC headquarters in New Delhi and runs during the summer break. Selected students take part in academic sessions, research work, and exposure-based activities connected to the functioning of the Commission.
Summer Internship at NHRC follows a merit-based selection process. Applications are assessed using academic records and a written Statement of Purpose submitted through the official online portal during the application window.
In this article, you will find complete details about eligibility, internship duration, stipend, selection criteria, application steps, and important dates for the NHRC Summer Internship 2026, based on information shared by NHRC.
Quick Overview of NHRC Summer Internship 2026
| Internship name | NHRC Summer Internship (Summer Internship Program) |
| Duration | Four weeks, full time |
| Mode | In-person |
| Location | NHRC, New Delhi |
| Who can apply | Eligible students from law and select social science / allied disciplines (as per NHRC rules) |
| Selection basis | Academic performance + Statement of Purpose (SOP) |
| Stipend | ₹12,000 on successful completion |
| Travel support | 3rd AC train fare reimbursement (to and from New Delhi), as per NHRC conditions |
| Application mode | Online application on NHRC portal during the open window |
About the NHRC Summer Internship
The NHRC Summer Internship 2026 is a full-time summer internship run by the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC). It is meant for students who want exposure to human rights work through learning sessions, research tasks, and field-based visits.
During the internship, interns attend sessions delivered by NHRC officials and invited experts. The focus stays on human rights protections, legal safeguards, and real issues handled by institutions working in this area.
The NHRC internship program also includes exposure visits. These visits help interns see how human rights concerns are handled on the ground, beyond books and classroom discussions.
At the end of the NHRC internship, performance is assessed through participation, attendance, and submitted work. Successful interns receive a certificate from NHRC.
Read Also: IISc Summer Internship 2026
Types of Internships Offered by NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission of India offers three internship options across the year. These differ in duration, mode of participation, and eligibility, allowing students to choose based on their availability and academic level.
| Internship type | Duration | Mode | When conducted | Stipend | Who can apply |
| Summer Internship Program(SIP) | 4 weeks | In-person | June–July | ₹12,000 + travel allowance | Law and eligible social science students meeting NHRC criteria |
| Winter Internship Program (WIP) | 4 weeks | In-person | December–January | ₹12,000 + travel allowance | Law and eligible social science students meeting NHRC criteria |
| Online Short Term Internship Program (OSTI) | 2 weeks | Online | As announced by NHRC | ₹2,000 | Graduate, postgraduate, diploma students, and research scholars |
Update for Online Short Term Internship (OSTI) 2026:
For 2026, the National Human Rights Commission has announced two separate cycles of the Online Short Term Internship (OSTI), scheduled during February and March.
The February OSTI cycle will run from 2 February to 13 February 2026, while the March OSTI cycle will be conducted from 9 March to 20 March 2026.
The OSTI is a fully online programme conducted from Monday to Friday, with daily sessions scheduled between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM.
Students who successfully complete the OSTI receive a stipend of ₹2,000. The programme is open to undergraduate students, postgraduate students, diploma holders, and research scholars, as per the eligibility rules mentioned in the NHRC notification.
Students who have already completed any NHRC internship in the past are not eligible to apply again.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NHRC Summer Internship, candidates must meet the academic, age, and course-related requirements laid down by the National Human Rights Commission of India. Only students enrolled in regular courses at recognised institutions are considered.
| Eligible courses |
Law (LLB / Integrated Law / LLM) Social Sciences and allied disciplines such as Political Science, Sociology, Social Work (MSW), Criminology, Public Administration, History, Economics, Anthropology, Mass Communication, International Relations |
| Year of study |
3-year LLB: completed 1st year and pursuing 2nd or 3rd year 5-year integrated law: completed 3 years and pursuing 4th or 5th year LLM and postgraduate students in eligible disciplines |
| Institution type | UGC-recognised universities or institutions offering regular courses |
| Minimum marks | At least 65% in Class 12 and all subsequent academic examinations |
| Age limit | Not more than 28 years at the time of application |
| Course mode | Regular courses only (distance or correspondence courses are not accepted) |
Candidates must also submit a written Statement of Purpose explaining why they wish to join the NHRC Summer Internship. This document plays a key role in the shortlisting process.
Students who have already completed a regular NHRC summer or winter internship in earlier years are not eligible to apply again.
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How to Apply
Candidates can apply for the NHRC Summer Internship only through the NHRC website. Follow these steps when applications open.
- Go to the NHRC Internship Program page on the official website.
- Open the application link for the Summer Internship Program (only visible during the application window).
- Fill in your personal details, contact information, and academic details.
- Upload the required documents asked in the form (such as mark sheets or certificates).
- Write and upload your Statement of Purpose explaining why you want to join the NHRC internship.
- Recheck all details carefully and submit the form online before the last date.
After submitting the application, keep checking the NHRC official website.
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Duration
The NHRC Summer Internship is conducted over a period of four weeks and follows a fixed, full-time schedule. Interns are expected to attend all sessions and activities scheduled during the program.
Interns are also assigned work such as short write-ups, reviews, and theme-based presentations. This is assessed along with attendance and participation during the internship period.
Attendance and participation are mandatory throughout the internship period. Interns who do not meet the minimum attendance or submission requirements may not be considered for successful completion.
The program also includes exposure visits as part of the learning process. These visits are planned by NHRC and help interns understand human rights work beyond classroom discussion.
Read Also: NHRC Winter Internship 2026
Stipend and Allowances
Candidates who complete the NHRC Summer Internship successfully receive a fixed stipend at the end of the internship.
The stipend amount for the Summer Internship Program is ₹12,000. This amount is paid only after the internship is completed and all required work is submitted.
NHRC also helps interns with travel expenses. The cost of third AC train travel to and from New Delhi is reimbursed, provided valid tickets are submitted and NHRC rules are followed.
NHRC does not provide money for accommodation, food, or local travel. Interns must arrange their own stay during the internship period.
For other NHRC internship programs, such as the Winter Internship and the Online Short Term Internship, stipend details are shared separately in the official notification.
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Important Dates
The National Human Rights Commission announces the schedule for the Summer Internship separately for each year. All dates are published on the official NHRC website.
| Events | Expected Timeline |
| Application start date | Mid March- April |
| Last date to apply | Last week of May |
| Internship period | During June–July |
Important: In addition to the Summer Internship, NHRC also conducts Online Short Term Internship (OSTI) cycles during February and March. The exact schedule for each OSTI cycle is announced separately on the NHRC website.
Selection Process
The selection process for the NHRC Summer Internship is merit-based and does not include any written test or interview.
- Applicants must submit a 300–500 word Statement of Purpose on the topic “Reason for Joining as Intern in NHRC” along with the online application.
- Selection is based on a weighted evaluation of:
- Class XII marks (30 marks)
- Graduation marks (40 marks)
- Statement of Purpose (30 marks)
- Preference is given to candidates who show strong research interest and potential in the field of human rights.
- Students who have already attended a regular one-month summer or winter internship organised earlier by NHRC are not eligible to apply again.
Frequently Asked Questions on NHRC Summer Internship
🔽 Who can apply for the NHRC Summer Internship?
Students pursuing law or eligible social science courses from recognised institutions can apply, provided they meet the academic and age criteria specified by NHRC.
🔽 Is the NHRC Summer Internship paid?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the summer internship receive a stipend of ₹12,000. Travel support is also provided as per NHRC rules.
🔽 How long is the NHRC Summer Internship?
The summer internship runs for four weeks and is conducted full-time during the summer break.
🔽 Is there any written test or interview for selection?
No. Selection is based on academic performance and the Statement of Purpose submitted during the application process.
🔽 Can I apply offline for the NHRC internship?
No. Applications are accepted only through the official NHRC website. Offline applications are not considered.
🔽 Where will the NHRC Summer Internship take place?
The internship is conducted in person at the NHRC headquarters in New Delhi.
