The NHRC Summer Internship 2026 is a four-week, full-time internship organised by the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) at its headquarters in New Delhi. The programme gives selected students exposure to human rights law, policy, research, institutional processes and field-based learning.
For the Summer Internship Programme, NHRC students pursuing law, human rights, and social science disciplines. The internship combines classroom sessions, research assignments, group activities, and institutional exposure visits focused on human rights awareness and protection.
The NHRC allows a maximum of 100 interns, with an additional 20 students from Delhi/NCR eligible to be placed on a waitlist.
Selection for SIP 2026 is based on academic performance and a 250-word Statement of Purpose on the topic “Reason for joining as Intern in NHRC”. Eligible applicants are also required to submit academic records and a prescribed Letter of Recommendation.
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
| Internship name | NHRC Summer Internship Programme 2026 |
| Organiser | National Human Rights Commission of India |
| Duration | 1 June to 25 June 2026 |
| Mode | Full-time, in-person |
| Location | NHRC Headquarters, New Delhi |
| Maximum intake | Up to 100 interns |
| Waitlist | Up to 20 students from Delhi/NCR |
| Eligible disciplines | Law and eligible postgraduate/social science disciplines specified by NHRC |
| Minimum marks | At least 60% in Class XII and in each of the first six semesters, as per SIP 2026 notification |
| Age limit | Not more than 28 years as on 1 April 2026 |
| Selection basis | Academic marks + 250-word Statement of Purpose |
| Stipend | ₹12,000 on successful completion |
| Travel support | Eligible outstation interns can claim AC 3-tier train fare as per NHRC rules |
| Application mode | Online only |
| Application deadline | 27 April 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Current status | Application closed; selected candidates list published |
About the NHRC Summer Internship
The NHRC Summer Internship Programme is a full-time, in-person internship conducted by the National Human Rights Commission of India. The programme combines classroom learning, research work, group activities and institutional exposure related to human rights protection and enforcement.
For the 2026 edition, NHRC proposed around 55 to 60 sessions covering different human rights issues. Interns interact with the Chairperson, Members, senior NHRC officers and invited experts during the programme.
The NHRC Summer Internship includes research projects, book-review activities, discussions, presentations and exposure visits to institutions connected with law, justice and human rights administration.
Successful completion is based on attendance, punctuality, discipline, participation and timely submission of assigned work. Interns who meet the programme requirements receive a certificate from NHRC.
Read Also: IISc Summer Internship 2026
Types of Internships Offered by NHRC
The National Human Rights Commission of India runs different internship programmes during the year. The main options are the Summer Internship Programme (SIP), Winter Internship Programme (WIP) and Online Short-Term Internship (OSTI). These programmes differ in duration, mode, eligibility and stipend.
| Programme | Duration | Mode | Typical timing | Stipend |
| Summer Internship Programme (SIP) | 4 weeks | In-person | June | ₹12,000 on successful completion |
| Winter Internship Programme (WIP) | 4 weeks | In-person | December–January | As per the applicable NHRC notification |
| Online Short-Term Internship (OSTI) | 2 weeks | Online | Multiple cycles as announced by NHRC | ₹2,000 on successful completion, as per notified cycles |
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.
Read Also: TRAI Internship 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NHRC Summer Internship 2026, candidates must meet the course, academic, age and institution requirements mentioned in the official SIP 2026 notification. Only students enrolled in regular courses at UGC-recognised universities are eligible.
| Eligible law students | Students who have completed the 1st year and are pursuing the 2nd or 3rd year of a 3-year LLB course; students who have completed 3 years or Semester VI of a 5-year integrated law course such as BA LLB or BBA LLB and are pursuing the 4th or 5th year; and students pursuing LLM. |
| Eligible Human Rights courses | Students pursuing PG Diploma in Human Rights or MA in Human Rights. |
| Eligible postgraduate disciplines | Political Science, Sociology, Social Work (MSW), Criminology, Public Administration, Rural Development, History, Economics, Commerce, Anthropology, Mass Communication, International Relations and other Social Science disciplines. |
| Preference | Preference may be given to students pursuing the final year of eligible postgraduate or social science courses. |
| Institution requirement | Only students pursuing regular courses from UGC-recognised universities are eligible. |
| Minimum marks | At least 60% marks in Class XII and in each of the first six semesters of the graduation course or five-year integrated course, as specified in the SIP 2026 notification. |
| Age limit | The applicant must not be more than 28 years of age as on 1 April 2026. |
| Previous NHRC internship | Students who have already attended a regular one-month NHRC Summer or Winter Internship are not eligible to apply again. |
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.
Note on minimum marks: The NHRC’s general Summer/Winter Internship mentions minimum of 65% in Class XII and subsequent semesters. However, the specific SIP 2026 notification requires 60% in Class XII and in each of the first six semesters. For the 2026 Summer Internship, candidates should refer to the programme-specific notification.
Reservation Rules
Reservation for SC, ST, OBC and PwD candidates is applied according to applicable Government of India guidelines. Candidates claiming reservation must upload the relevant self-attested caste or disability certificate with the application.
If an adequate number of applications are not received in a particular reserved category, NHRC may use its discretion to select candidates from the General category.
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How to Apply
The NHRC Summer Internship application process is conducted completely online through the NHRC internship portal. Candidates must complete registration and upload all required academic documents along with the Statement of Purpose before the deadline.
- 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 2026 was scheduled from 1 June to 25 June 2026. It is a full-time, in-person programme conducted at the NHRC headquarters in New Delhi.
During the internship, participants attend academic sessions, take part in discussions and institutional visits, and complete assigned activities such as research work, presentations and book-review tasks.
The official SIP 2026 notification proposes around 55 to 60 sessions on different human rights issues during the programme period.
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.
Number of interns selected Approximately 80 students
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.
| Event | Date |
| Application start date | Applications Open |
| Last date to apply | 27 April 2026 |
| Internship commencement | 1 June 2026 |
| Internship end date | 25 June 2026 |
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.
Important: Students who have already attended any regular NHRC Summer or Winter Internship earlier are not eligible to apply again for the Summer Internship Programme.
Documents Required for NHRC Summer Internship 2026
Candidates applying for the NHRC Summer Internship 2026 must upload the academic records and supporting documents specified in the official SIP notification. Applications submitted without the required documents may be rejected.
| Class X marksheet | Required as part of the academic record submitted with the application. |
| Class XII marksheet | Required to verify the minimum academic eligibility specified by NHRC. |
| Semester marksheets | Marksheets for the first six semesters of the graduation course or five-year integrated course, as applicable. |
| Statement of Purpose | A 250-word write-up on the topic “Reason for joining as Intern in NHRC”. |
| Letter of Recommendation | A recommendation from the Principal, Head of Department or Dean of the institution/course being pursued, in the prescribed format. |
| SC/ST/OBC certificate | Required for candidates claiming reservation under the applicable category. |
| PwD certificate | Required for candidates applying under the Persons with Disabilities category. |
Read Also: NCST Internship Programme 2026
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 (SOP) on the topic “Reason for Joining as Intern in NHRC” while filling out the online application form.
- 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.
Read Also: DPIIT Internship Scheme 2026
FAQs
Students pursuing law or eligible social science courses from recognised institutions can apply, provided they meet the academic and age criteria specified by NHRC.
Yes. Students who successfully complete the summer internship receive a stipend of ₹12,000. Travel support is also provided as per NHRC rules.
The summer internship runs for four weeks and is conducted full-time during the summer break.
No. Selection is based on academic performance and the Statement of Purpose submitted during the application process.
No. Applications are accepted only through the official NHRC website. Offline applications are not considered.
The internship is conducted in person at the NHRC headquarters in New Delhi.
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