SRINAGAR: The Ministry of External Affairs is set to launch the second edition of its Internships Programme for the year 2023-24, focusing on enhancing value for interns, promoting gender inclusivity, and diversifying qualifications, domicile, and socio-economic status within the cohort.
The eligibility criteria include Indian citizenship, a minimum graduate degree from a recognized university, or current enrollment in the final year of graduation with an internship requirement. Candidates should not exceed 25 years of age as of December 31 in the year of internship application.
The internship duration is structured in two terms of six months each, running from April to September and October to March. The Ministry aims to engage a maximum of 30 interns per term, with each intern committing to a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months.
An honorarium of INR 10,000 per month will be paid to each intern to defray basic costs. Cost of one-time to and fro air travel subject to a ceiling of the prevailing economy class air fare between the State capital and Delhi, from the domicile State or from the college / university of the selected candidates will be provided.
The selection process, outlined on the dedicated internship portal involves stages of Preliminary Screening and Personal Interview. The Ministry has adopted a ‘quota cum weightage’ system, considering applicants from 14 States and 4 Union Territories in each term. This includes 26 interns from the 14 States, 2 interns from the 4 Union Territories, and an additional 2 interns with the highest marks from TADP districts or underprivileged sections.
Women candidates are encouraged to apply, with a minimum 30 per cent quota for female interns. The selection process incorporates academic performance, with weightage given based on the percentage of marks obtained in +2 and graduation exams. Applicants must register on the internship portal to participate in the selection process and will undergo scrutiny, selection, division allocation, notification, extension, and certification—all managed online.
The state-wise merit lists will be prepared separately for male and female candidates, with priority given to applicants from TADP districts during the Preliminary Screening stage. In the Personal Interview stage, preference will be accorded to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories.
For more details and application click here www.internship.mea.gov.in
