NHRC Online Short-Term Internship Programme (OSTI) – September 2026

Opportunity Overview

Program Structure & Learning Components

The two-week full-time virtual internship consists of approximately 30 to 35 structured sessions covering diverse human rights domains:

[Expert Sessions & Keynotes] ➔ [Group Project & Report Submission] ➔ [Book Reviews & Film Screenings] ➔ [Virtual Field Visits (Jails/NGOs)]

• Expert Interactions: Sessions led by the NHRC Chairperson, Commission Members, domain specialists, and senior Union Government officials.

• Virtual Field Exposure: Interactive virtual visits to operational institutions, including police stations, correctional facilities (jails), and shelter homes/NGOs.

• Academic Assignments: Execution of group projects, book reviews, and analysis of documentaries/films focused on child labor, human trafficking, and mental health rights.

• Mandatory Attendance: Attendance across all sessions is compulsory; leave applications during the 2-week period are not permitted.

Eligibility & Academic Criteria

Eligible Academic Programs

Applicants from any discipline (Law, Humanities, Science, Technology, Management, etc.) are eligible if they meet one of the following academic standings:

• Integrated 5-Year Courses: Enrolled in the 3rd year or above.

• 3-Year Undergraduate Degrees: Enrolled in the 3rd or final year.

• Postgraduate Degrees / Diplomas: Enrolled in any year/semester.

• LL.B. (3-Year Track): Enrolled in any year/semester.

• Research Scholars: Enrolled in M.Phil. / Ph.D. programs across any field.

Qualification Benchmarks & Limits

Mandatory Documentation & SOP Requirements

[Attested Class X, XII & Semester Marksheets] + [Annex-I Prescribed LOR] + [250-Word SOP] ➔ [NHRC Online Submission]

1. Attested Marksheets: Self-attested copies of Class X, Class XII, and semester marksheets (Semesters I–IV for undergraduates).

2. Prescribed Letter of Recommendation (Annex-I): Must be submitted strictly in the official Annex-I format, bearing the signature, date, and official stamp/seal of the Principal, Head of Department (HOD), or Dean.

3. Statement of Purpose (SOP): A ~250-word essay detailing your motivation for joining the program.

   • Selection Focus: The SOP forms a core baseline for candidate shortlisting. Candidates are encouraged to highlight prior research work, moot court experience, human rights initiatives, or relevant academic projects.

Application Submission & Common Rejection Pitfalls

Application Workflow

1. Access the application link on the official NHRC website or through the NHRC India Mobile App.

2. Input academic scores accurately; ensure CGPA-to-percentage calculations match attached marksheets exactly.

3. Upload PDF copies of attested marksheets, the signed/stamped Annex-I LOR, and the 250-word SOP.

4. Complete submission prior to 19 August 2026, 6:00 PM IST.

Common Rejection Causes

• Submitting general recommendation letters instead of the official Annex-I format.

• Omission of the CGPA/SGPA percentage conversion formula.

• Inconsistencies between entered grades and uploaded marksheets.

• Application submission via offline postal mail or direct email.

• Inclusion of name prefixes (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr.) in the name entry fields.

Upcoming Annual Internship Calendar (2026–2027)

If applying for subsequent cycles, separate notifications and portals open approximately 30 days prior to start dates:

Contact Information

• Internship Email: internships.nhrc@gov.in

• Helpline (10 AM – 6 PM IST): 011-24663371 / 011-24663283

• Technical Portal Support: 011-24663294