If you are a student of Law, Social Sciences, or Humanities, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Summer Internship is likely your “dream” placement. Based in New Delhi, this four-week program is famous for its high-level exposure, field visits to Tihar Jail, and prestigious certification.
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The 2026 notification is officially out, and here is the catch: the deadline is April 27, 2026. With only 100 seats available nationwide, you need more than just good marks to get in. Here is the full breakdown of how to secure your spot.
NHRC Summer Internship 2026: Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | June 01 – June 25, 2026 (4 Weeks) |
| Location | NHRC Headquarters, New Delhi (Offline) |
| Stipend | ₹12,000 (On successful completion) |
| Travel Perk | 3rd AC Train Fare Reimbursement (To & Fro) |
| Deadline | April 27, 2026 (6:00 PM IST) |
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Check)
NHRC is very selective about who qualifies. You must be a regular student at a UGC-recognized university and meet these specific criteria:
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Law Students: You must be in your 2nd or 3rd year of a 3-year LLB OR have completed 3 years (6 semesters) of a 5-year Integrated Law course (BA LLB/BBA LLB).
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Post-Graduate Students: Final year students of MA/MSW in Political Science, Sociology, Criminology, Public Administration, Economics, History, Anthropology, or International Relations.
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The Academic Bar: A minimum of 60% marks in Class XII and all subsequent semesters of your degree is mandatory.
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Age Limit: You must be under 28 years as of April 1, 2026.
The “100-Mark” Selection System
There is no entrance exam. NHRC uses a transparent merit-scoring system to pick the top 100 interns. If you want to win a seat, focus on these three areas:
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Class XII Marks: 30% Weightage (Max 30 Marks)
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Graduation/Degree Marks: 40% Weightage (Max 40 Marks)
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The Statement of Purpose (SOP): 30% Weightage (Max 30 Marks)
Reality Check: Since most applicants have high marks, the 300–500 word SOP titled “Reason for joining as an Intern in NHRC” is the real tie-breaker. Do not use generic AI-generated text. Talk about your research interest in specific human rights issues—like prison reforms, child rights, or digital privacy—to show “research potential.
Avoid the “Rejection Pile”: Common Mistakes
NHRC rejects hundreds of applications every year for simple technical errors. Ensure you follow these steps:
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Proper Attestation: Every single marksheet (Class X, XII, and all college semesters) must be attested by your Head of Department (HOD) or Principal. Plain self-attestation is often not enough.
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Annexure-I (The LOR): Your Letter of Recommendation must be on your college’s official letterhead and include the name, signature, and rubber stamp of your Dean/Principal/HOD.
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Prior Experience: If you have already attended an NHRC Summer or Winter internship in the past, you are not eligible to apply again.
What Happens During the Internship?
This is a full-time commitment (10:00 AM to 5:30 PM). Your schedule will include:
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Field Visits: Physical or virtual tours of Tihar Jail, Police Stations, and various NGOs.
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Group Projects: Top 3 research groups win cash prizes of ₹15,000, ₹10,000, and ₹5,000.
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Competitions: Book reviews and declamation contests where top performers win books worth ₹1,000.
How to Apply (Online Only)
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Go to the official website: nhrc.nic.in.
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Look for the “Summer Internship 2026” link under the “Internship” tab.
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Upload your scanned attested documents and your 300-500 word SOP.
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Final Warning: Double-check your CGPA to percentage conversion. Any discrepancy will bar you from future NHRC programs.
Note on Accommodation: NHRC does not provide a hostel. You must arrange your own stay and local transport in Delhi
Need help with the SOP? Leave a comment below with your degree subject, and I’ll suggest a few key human rights themes you should mention to increase your selection chances!