Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is inviting applications for its Internship Policy for 2026. This internship helps students and young scholars understand how India uses soft power and cultural diplomacy in foreign policy. Selected interns get a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 along with one-time air travel support.
ICCR is an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs. The internship gives hands-on exposure to cultural diplomacy, research, and analysis. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and selection happens through screening followed by an online interview.
Internship Policy of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) - Introduction
ICCR Internship Policy gives budding scholars a chance to learn how the Government of India uses soft power to shape foreign policy. As an intern, you get to work in different departments, helping with creative writing, cultural mapping, and technology upgrades at EGIT. You will work on projects like creating modules for visual arts, documenting India's historical cultural ties with other nations, and managing social media for cultural diplomacy. The internship helps you put classroom learning into practice through real-world work.
ICCR accepts a maximum of 15 interns every year. You can work at the ICCR headquarters in New Delhi or at regional offices in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Guwahati, Ahmadabad, and Hyderabad. The internship runs for up to four months, and your section head assigns you tasks like conducting research, drafting reports, and analyzing cultural trends.
If you are looking for other openings in the same field, you can also check the NITI Internship Scheme and the FSSAI Internship Scheme.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Internship Policy of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Eligible People | Students and research scholars |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning, Sports & Culture |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of External Affairs |
| Implementing Agency | Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) |
| Stipend | ₹10,000 per month |
| Intake | Maximum 15 interns per year |
| Duration | Up to 4 months |
| Application Mode | |
| Official Website | iccr.gov.in |
Benefits
Interns get a monthly stipend, travel support, and a completion certificate. The main benefits of the ICCR internship are given below.
- Honorarium: You will receive a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000 to cover basic costs.
- Air fare: ICCR covers your one-time to and fro air travel cost, capped at the standard economy class fare between your state capital and the internship location.
- Logistics support: The office provides the required tools and logistic support to finish your assigned work.
- Certificate: You get an internship certificate after you complete your work, submit your report or paper, and the division head accepts your performance.
You have to arrange your own boarding and lodging in the city where you are placed.
Eligibility
The eligibility conditions are simple and open to Indian students from many backgrounds. Check the points below before applying.
- You must be a citizen of India.
- You should hold a degree in fields like Humanities, Mass Communication, Journalism, Designing, Anthropology, History, Art, Archaeology, Science, Languages, Museology, or Fine Arts.
- You must be 25 years of age or younger as of 31st December of the internship year.
- Post-graduate and research students are also encouraged to apply.
- You should maintain a good academic record and preferably be a student from a recognized university in India.
Preference and Priority
Research scholars with a solid background in International Relations and Soft Power Projection get priority consideration. Candidates with the highest academic scores are usually shortlisted for a personal interview.
Exclusions
If you have previously opted out of this internship program, you cannot apply again.
Application Process
Applications are sent by email in the required format. There is no separate online portal for the internship, so the email process is the only way to apply. Follow the steps given below.
STEP 1 - Prepare your updated CV and the application in the required format. If you are applying during your course, take a permission letter from your Supervisor or Head of Department.
STEP 2 - Send your application by email to directoradmin.iccr@gov.in with a copy to spdadmn.iccr@gov.in.
STEP 3 - Address your correspondence to the Deputy Director General, Administration, ICCR, Azad Bhavan, IP Estate, New Delhi.
STEP 4 - Wait for the selection process. Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview through video conferencing.
Documents
Required during application
- Your updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A permission letter from your Supervisor or Head of Department if you are interning during your course.
Required at the end of the internship
- A detailed report on the work you completed.
- A presentation on your project findings if requested.
Selection Process
Selection happens in two stages: preliminary screening of applications followed by a personal interview through video conferencing. The number of candidates called for the interview is three times the total number of internship slots for the year. Separate committees, each with at least three ICCR officials, handle the screening and the interviews.
A maximum of 15 candidates are selected. If a selected student declines, the next candidate on the merit list receives the offer. The internship will not be converted into a job at ICCR, and ICCR can end the program at any time without giving a reason. If you want to leave early, you must give one month of notice, but then you will not be considered for future ICCR internships.
References
For the latest updates, check the official website of ICCR and the notice pages given below.
- Official website of ICCR: iccr.gov.in
- Notice for Intern Recruitment: official notice page
- Advertisement for Internship: official advertisement page
- ICCR Internship Policy Guidelines: Internship Policy PDF
FAQ's
What is the selection procedure for the internship program?
The selection involves two steps: a preliminary screening of applications followed by a personal interview via video conferencing. A committee evaluates your application based on merit and available slots.
How many candidates receive an interview call?
The number of candidates invited for interviews is three times the total number of internship slots available for that year.
How many interns are selected?
A maximum of 15 candidates are selected. If a selected student declines, the next candidate on the merit list receives the offer.
Can ICCR end the internship early?
Yes, ICCR reserves the right to end the program at any time without stating a specific reason.
Can a candidate leave the program early?
Yes, but you must provide one month of notice. Leaving early means you will not be considered for future ICCR internship opportunities.
Who owns the research work done during the internship?
All work produced belongs to ICCR. You may not publish or use this material elsewhere without their permission.
Do candidates need to maintain confidentiality?
Yes, you must sign a declaration of secrecy and protect all official data and information related to ICCR throughout and after your internship.
Is there a background check?
Yes, the board will perform security vetting based on your personal details before the internship begins.
Are there travel allowances for local expenses?
No, you are responsible for your own living expenses, including food and accommodation, in the city where you are posted.
Is the internship paid?
Yes, interns get a monthly honorarium of ₹10,000. ICCR also covers one-time to and fro air travel up to economy class fare between the state capital and the internship location.