Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Internship Programme 2024-25

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is now inviting applications for its Internship Programme for the 2024-25 session. This programme offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain insights into the workings of the MEA. Eligible candidates must be Indian citizens with a minimum of a graduate degree and not older than 25 years as of December 31, 2024. The application deadline is August 15, 2024. Interested candidates should apply online through the official MEA internship portal.

Programme Overview

This is the second edition of the MEA Internship Programme, aimed at enhancing the value provided to interns. The programme focuses on better gender inclusivity and increasing diversity in qualifications, domicile, and socio-economic status among interns.

Important Dates

• Notification and Call for Applications: July 29, 2024
• Application Deadline: August 15, 2024
• Shortlisted Candidates Announcement: August 22, 2024

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
• Education: Candidates must have at least a graduate degree from a recognised university. Final-year students where an internship is mandatory are also eligible.
• Age: Applicants should not be older than 25 years as of December 31 of the internship year.

Internship Terms

• Duration: Internships are offered in two six-month terms: April to September and October to March.
• Number of Interns: Each term will engage up to 30 interns.
• Duration per Intern: The minimum internship period is one month, and the maximum is three months.

Selection Process

• Application Portal: The selection process is entirely online at internship.mea.gov.in.
• Stages: The selection involves Preliminary Screening and Personal Interview stages.
• Quota cum Weightage System: Applicants from 14 States and 4 Union Territories are considered each term. A total of 26 interns will be selected from the states, two from Union Territories, and two more from TADP districts or underprivileged sections. At least 30% of the positions may be filled by women candidates.
• Merit Lists: State-wise merit lists will be prepared separately for male and female candidates based on academic performance. Priority during Preliminary Screening goes to applicants from TADP districts, while SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories get preference during Personal Interviews.

Application Process

• Registration: Visit the official portal and register with your full name, gender, email ID, and password.
• Verification: Confirm your registration via a verification link sent to your email.
• Application Form: Fill in personal, educational, and internship information, and upload the required documents.
• Submission: Review your application and submit it.

Internship Details

• Training: Interns will learn about various aspects of the Ministry's functioning, its attached offices, public interface, and its role in assisting Indian citizens.
• Honorarium: Each intern will receive INR 10,000 per month to cover basic costs.
• Travel Expenses: One-time air travel expenses between the State capital and Delhi or from their college/university will be covered up to economy class fare limits. Interns are responsible for their accommodation in Delhi during their internship period.