Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance runs an internship scheme for postgraduate and PhD students to work on macroeconomic policy research. The scheme offers a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for PG students and ₹20,000 for PhD scholars on satisfactory completion of the internship.
Applications for the 2026 cycle are accepted through email. The online portal previously used for registration is currently not accessible.
Internship Scheme of the Department of Economic Affairs
The Department of Economic Affairs manages this internship scheme for students pursuing postgraduate or PhD degrees in Economics, Law, Finance, or Management. The programme gives selected candidates exposure to economic policy formulation at the macro level. Interns work on specific issues such as macroeconomic management, capital markets, economic reforms, foreign investment, infrastructure financing, fiscal policy, and debt management.
The main aim is to familiarize interns with how the government formulates economic policies. It also provides an opportunity to carry out focused research on key economic problems and suggest practical solutions.
Duration
The internship lasts between 3 to 6 months. Given the short duration, interns are expected to undertake intensive study to produce quality output within the set timeframe.
Slots Available
A maximum of 15 paid interns are selected per term. Up to 10 additional unpaid interns may be chosen from candidates who performed well in the selection process but could not secure a paid slot.
Attachment and Mentorship
Each intern is attached to a Joint Secretary, Director, or the office of the Chief Economic Adviser or Principal Economic Adviser for mentorship and guidance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Internship Scheme of the Department of Economic Affairs |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individuals |
| Sub Category | Apprenticeships and training, Internship |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Finance |
| Nodal Department | Department of Economic Affairs |
| Tags | Internship, Student, Postgraduate, Education |
Benefits
Remuneration
Interns receive a token monthly remuneration paid after satisfactory completion of the internship and submission of the final report or feedback.
| Academic Level | Monthly Remuneration |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate (PG) Student | ₹10,000 |
| PhD Student | ₹20,000 |
Logistics Support
The department provides office space and a computer system with internet access for research work.
Certificate
A formal certificate of completion is issued after finishing a minimum 3-month internship and submitting the report or feedback, duly certified by the divisional head.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to outstanding candidates pursuing postgraduate or PhD studies in Economics, Law, Finance, or Management. The university or institution must rank within the top 25 as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) or be a QS-ranked international institute.
Note: The department reserves the right to select candidates and may decline any application without assigning a specific reason.
Post-Selection Conditions
STEP 1 - Performance is monitored. If work falls short of expectations, the department may end the internship early.
STEP 2 - This is a learning opportunity and does not guarantee future employment within the Department of Economic Affairs.
STEP 3 - A comprehensive report or research paper on the assigned subject must be submitted to the divisional head at the end of the tenure.
STEP 4 - A feedback session regarding the internship experience is required.
STEP 5 - A formal Non-Disclosure Agreement must be signed before beginning duties to ensure data security.
Exclusions
This internship programme is not available for undergraduate students.
Application Process
Online (Email-Based)
The online registration portal previously hosted at mofapp.nic.in is currently not accessible. Applications are now accepted via email.
STEP 1 - Download the application format from the DEA website at dea.gov.in under the careers or internship section.
STEP 2 - Fill out the application form with your preferred research areas, availability dates, and top three choices for department divisions.
STEP 3 - Prepare all required documents as a single PDF file.
STEP 4 - Email the completed application with attached documents to internship.dea@gov.in with the subject line: "Application for DEA Internship – [Your Name] – [Field/Stream]".
STEP 5 - Mention your preferred start date and duration in the email body.
Note 1: Before applying, review the business allocation of various divisions available at the official DEA website.
Note 2: All communication from the department is conducted via email.
Note 3: Applications sent through any other mode will not be considered.
Documents Required
- Passport-sized photograph
- Valid proof of identity
- Proof of address
- Latest educational qualification documents (marksheet, degree, or passing certificate)
- Active student identity card or proof of enrolment in PG/PhD programme
- Letter of recommendation from the institution
- Bank account details for stipend disbursement
References
Department of Economic Affairs Official Website
Scheme Details on UMANG Portal
Email for Application Submission: internship.dea@gov.in
FAQ's
Can students pursuing their postgraduation course apply to this internship?
Yes, the scheme is open to students currently enrolled in postgraduate or PhD programmes.
Can students from all universities in India apply?
Applications are invited from students in institutions ranked within the top 25 by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) or those from QS-ranked international institutes.
Under what circumstances can the tenure of an internship be ended prematurely?
If performance is deemed unsatisfactory, the department reserves the right to relieve the intern before the scheduled end date.
Can this internship be regarded as a job assurance?
No, this internship is strictly for educational and research purposes and provides no assurance of an offer for permanent employment.
What deliverables are required from interns?
A final report or research paper on the allotted subject and feedback on the internship experience must be submitted to the divisional head.
Can I apply offline for this scheme?
No, applications must be submitted via email to internship.dea@gov.in as the online portal is currently not accessible.
Which ministry governs the Department of Economic Affairs?
The Department of Economic Affairs operates under the Ministry of Finance.
Is the letter of recommendation from the institution mandatory?
Yes, a letter of recommendation is a necessary document for the application to be considered.
What is the stipend for PG students?
PG students receive a monthly token remuneration of ₹10,000 upon successful completion of their duties.
What is the stipend for PhD students?
PhD students receive a monthly token remuneration of ₹20,000 upon successful completion of their duties.
When is the remuneration paid?
The remuneration is paid after satisfying the internship requirements and submitting final reports and feedback.
Is logistics support provided to interns?
Yes, the department provides necessary office space, a computer, and internet access for research tasks.