AI SummaryMinistry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has launched the National Internship in Official Statistics (NIOS) 2026-27 for students pursuing graduation, post-graduation or research in statistics and related fields. The programme offers a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 along with a government certificate, with 240 positions available in Phase II across Group A offices in Delhi and Group B offices nationwide.
The internship runs for two to six months depending on the candidate category, and applications are submitted through the dedicated portal at internship.mospi.gov.in. Selected interns work on live projects covering national accounts, price statistics, survey data analysis, economic classifications and other official statistical operations.
National Internship in Official Statistics (NIOS) - Overview
This scheme by MoSPI helps students understand the official statistical system of the country through hands-on exposure. The programme covers diverse verticals including National Accounts Statistics, Index Numbers, Energy Statistics, Sustainable Development Goals, Environment Statistics, and major surveys like PLFS, ASUSE, ASI and CPI. Interns get practical experience in data collection, processing, analysis and dissemination.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Internship in Official Statistics (NIOS) |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Audience | Individual |
| Sub Category | Internship, Apprenticeships and training |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation |
| Application Portal | https://internship.mospi.gov.in/ |
Benefits
Monthly Stipend
Selected interns receive ₹10,000 per month paid through electronic transfer, PFMS, Aadhaar Payments Bridge or Aadhaar Enabled Payment System. Payment is made monthly only after the nodal officer submits a progress report. The stipend goes directly to the bank account provided at joining. Interns who leave before completing the tenure do not receive any stipend or certificate.
Field Visit Allowance
Interns attached to NSO (FOD) Zonal or Regional Offices get an additional ₹500 per day for field visits, up to a maximum of 10 days during the entire internship period. The decision on field visit requirement is taken by the head of the respective office.
Logistics and Certificate
Internship centres try to provide seating space, computer with internet and access to office library. Interns may need to bring their own laptop. A guide or nodal officer is assigned to each intern. On successful completion, the respective office issues a government certificate. No travelling allowance, daily allowance, boarding or lodging is provided - interns make their own arrangements.
Eligibility
The programme is open to Indian citizens studying in recognised universities or institutions in India or abroad. Three categories can apply:
- Under-graduate students who have completed or appeared in second year / fourth semester exams with at least one paper in Statistics or Mathematics, and secured not less than 75 percent or equivalent marks in 12th class.
- Graduate students pursuing any year of post-graduate programme with at least one paper in Statistics or Mathematics, or students pursuing Research / Ph.D. in Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, Operations Research, Economics, Demography or applied Statistics, with not less than 70 percent or equivalent marks in graduation.
- Applicants who have successfully completed graduation or post-graduation within the last two years with not less than 70 percent or equivalent marks in graduation and/or post-graduation.
Under-graduate and current post-graduate students can apply for internship slots of two to three months duration. Passed-out graduates, passed-out post-graduates and current research scholars can apply for two to six months duration. CGPA marks must be accompanied by the official conversion formula.
Application Process
The application is fully online through the NIOS portal. STEP 1 - Go to https://internship.mospi.gov.in/ and click on Apply Now to create an account. STEP 2 - Complete your profile by filling in educational qualifications, personal details and upload required documents including marksheets, identity proof and photograph. STEP 3 - Select your preferred internship group - Group A for Delhi offices or Group B for offices in the rest of the country. You cannot apply for both groups. STEP 4 - Choose your preferred location and topic from the available options. STEP 5 - Review the application and submit. STEP 6 - Selection is based on aggregate marks in qualifying exams (12th/graduation/post-graduation as applicable) and the preference exercised. Selected candidates are informed through the portal, email and MoSPI website for Group A or office notice boards for Group B.
Documents Required
You should prepare the following documents for upload:
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Valid proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID or passport).
- Marksheets for the last three years of academic qualification.
- College or university identity card.
- No-objection letter from Head of Department or Institute verifying current course status (for current students).
- CGPA to percentage conversion formula if marks are in CGPA.
Important Notes
Applicants can apply for either Group A or Group B, not both. Applying for both leads to disqualification and blacklisting. The internship does not guarantee or imply any future government employment. No enquiries are entertained by offices other than designated selection points. All candidates must furnish a clear email ID and check the portal regularly for status updates.
References
Official NIOS Portal - Apply Online
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Phase II NIOS 2026-27 Official Notice
FAQ's
What is the new name of this internship scheme?
The scheme is now called National Internship in Official Statistics (NIOS) and is run by MoSPI.
How many internship positions are available in 2026-27?
Phase II of 2026-27 has 240 positions across Group A and Group B offices. The total varies by phase.
What is the duration of the internship?
Two to six months depending on category. Current UG and PG students can do two to three months. Passed-out graduates, passed-out PG students and research scholars can do two to six months.
How much is the stipend?
₹10,000 per month paid through electronic mode after monthly progress report submission by the nodal officer.
Is there any field visit allowance?
Yes, ₹500 per day for interns at NSO (FOD) Zonal or Regional Offices, maximum 10 days in the entire internship period.
Do I need to register on NCS portal first?
No, the application is now fully online through the dedicated NIOS portal at internship.mospi.gov.in. NCS registration is no longer required.
Can I apply for both Group A and Group B?
No, you must choose one group only. Applying for both leads to disqualification and blacklisting.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, the office where you are attached issues a certificate on successful completion of the internship.
Are travel and accommodation expenses covered?
No, the ministry does not pay for travel, boarding or lodging. You must make your own arrangements.
How is selection done?
Based on aggregate marks in the qualifying examination (12th/graduation/post-graduation as applicable) and the location preference exercised by the candidate.
Where can I check the application status?
On the NIOS portal at https://internship.mospi.gov.in/ using your login credentials. Selected candidates are also informed via email.