Internship Programme By The Ministry Of External Affairs

Internship Programme by the Ministry of External Affairs

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) initiated its inaugural Internship Programme in 2022, aiming to bridge the gap between foreign policy and the general populace. This initiative is designed to enhance the engagement of youth in the realm of international relations and diplomacy while promoting diversity and inclusivity among participants.

Overview of the Internship Programme

Launched in 2022, the MEA’s Internship Programme seeks to make foreign policy more accessible to citizens. It aims to enhance the visibility of the MEA, provide valuable experiences to interns, and ensure a diverse selection of candidates based on gender, qualifications, and socio-economic backgrounds. Interns will gain insights into the workings of the Ministry, its affiliated offices, and its public engagement role, with potential visits to Indian Missions abroad, depending on circumstances.

Key Benefits of the Programme

• Honorarium: Each intern will receive a monthly stipend of ₹ 10,000 to assist with basic expenses.
• Exposure: Interns will learn about the operational aspects of the MEA and its role in assisting Indian citizens.
• International Experience: There may be opportunities for interns to visit one of the Indian Missions abroad, subject to prevailing guidelines.
• Travel Expenses: The programme covers one-time round-trip airfare, capped at the current economy class rates between the candidate’s home state capital and Delhi.
• Assigned Tasks: Interns will receive specific assignments from the Head of Division (HOD), including research and report writing, along with other responsibilities.
• Duration: A total of 75 internships are available, each lasting three months from April to June.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be Indian citizens with at least a graduate degree from a recognized university at the time of application.
• Students in their final year of graduation, where an internship is a compulsory part of their curriculum, are also eligible.
• Candidates should not exceed 25 years of age as of December 31 of the internship year.

Note: The MEA emphasizes diversity, aiming for a cohort that reflects various demographics, including gender and socio-economic status. Priority will be given to candidates from Aspirational Districts and those belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories throughout the selection process.

Application Procedure

Online Registration Steps

1. Navigate to the registration page.
2. Fill in the required fields: Full Name, Gender, Email ID, and Password. Confirm your password and complete the CAPTCHA. Click “Submit”.
3. Check your email for a verification link from egov.egit@mea.gov.in. Click on “Activate Account” to verify your email address.

Application Process Steps

1. Visit the application dashboard and select the “Apply for Internship” option.
2. You will be redirected to the application form. Fill in all mandatory sections, including Personal, Educational, and Internship Details, and upload the required documents.
3. Click on “Final Preview” to review your submission. Make necessary edits if needed, then hit “Submit”.

Note: Selected interns must commence their placement on the same day in April 2022, and the internship can last from a minimum of one month to a maximum of three months.

Selection Process

1. The selection will consist of two phases: Preliminary Screening and Personal Interview. Candidates will be evaluated based on their academic performance in +2 and graduation examinations.
2. State-wise merit lists will be created for male and female candidates. Candidates from TADP districts will receive priority during the Preliminary Screening, while those from SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories will be prioritized in the interview stage.
3. Selected candidates will be invited for personal interviews conducted via video conferencing.
4. A total of 75 candidates will be chosen from the interviews. If a selected candidate withdraws, the next candidate on the merit list will be offered the position.

Note: The selection process follows a quota cum weightage system, allowing for two interns from each of the 28 States, two from each of the 8 Union Territories, and three from TADP districts or underprivileged backgrounds. A minimum of 30% of the internships will be allocated to female candidates.

For more detailed information, visit the official source at myScheme.gov.in.