MEA Internship 2026: Applications open for October intake, check eligibility and stipend

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has opened applications for its Internship Programme 2026 for the October intake, with eligible candidates required to submit their applications by Sept 27.

The program is designed to give interns practical exposure to the functioning and work of the Ministry. The MEA has also highlighted diversity and inclusivity as key objectives of the internship initiative.

The Ministry aims to broaden representation among interns based on educational qualifications, domicile and socio-economic backgrounds. It also seeks to promote greater gender inclusivity within the selected cohort.

MEA Internship 2026: Important dates

Candidates applying for the October 2026 intake should keep the following dates in mind:

• September 27, 2026: Last date to submit applications
• October 7, 2026: Shortlisted candidates and interview calls announced
• October 17, 2026: Interviews conducted through DVC
• October 23, 2026: Selected candidates announced

Applicants should review the official MEA notification and confirm the prescribed application requirements before submitting their forms.

MEA Internship 2026: Eligibility criteria

The internship is open to Indian citizens who have completed a graduate degree from a recognized university at the time of application.

Students in the final year of their undergraduate program can also apply if completing an internship is a mandatory requirement of their final-year curriculum.

The program also has an age limit. Applicants must not be more than 25 years old as of December 31 of the year in which the internship is undertaken.

Candidates should verify their eligibility against the official notification before applying.

MEA Internship 2026: Honorarium and travel support

Selected interns will receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month to help cover basic expenses during the internship.

The Ministry will also provide one-time to-and-fro air travel expenses, subject to a prescribed ceiling. The ceiling will be based on the prevailing economy-class airfare between Delhi and either the state capital of the candidate's domicile state or the location of their college or university.

Candidates should check the official MEA notification for the detailed terms and conditions governing the internship and travel reimbursement.