If you’re a student looking to gain experience without paying any registration fee or coaching cost, let me share something valuable — free government internships in India. I’ve personally explored quite a few of them, and they’re an amazing way to build your resume, learn from real departments, and earn certificates — all without spending a single rupee.
These internships are 100% free, open to students from across the country, and most of them are unpaid but certificate-based. Some even offer mentorship, project experience, and a chance to work on real government programs or research.
Top Free Government Internships for Students 2025
Here’s my curated list of the best free government internships in India that students can apply for in 2025:
1. NITI Aayog Internship 2025
- Mode: On-site (New Delhi) or Remote
- Eligibility: UG (2nd year+), PG, PhD students
- Stipend: Unpaid
- Certificate: Yes
- Apply at: Click Here
- Apply at: niti.gov.in/internship
✅ Why I recommend it: Real exposure to policy-making and working with India’s top think tank. Flexible joining months and remote-friendly in some cases.
2. DPIIT Internship (Startup India)
- Mode: On-site or partially remote
- Eligibility: UG/PG students (2nd year onwards)
- Stipend: Unpaid
- Certificate: Yes
- Apply at: Click Here
- Apply at: startupindia.gov.in
✅ Why I recommend it: You get to work on real startup policy, innovation, FDI data, and industrial growth — directly under a central ministry.
3. AICTE Virtual Internship
- Mode: 100% Remote
- Eligibility: UG/PG students from AICTE-approved institutes
- Stipend: Varies (some unpaid, some paid)
- Certificate: Yes
- Apply at: Click Here
- Apply at: internship.aicte-india.org
✅ Why I recommend it: Offers free access to hundreds of virtual internships across tech, marketing, finance, HR, and more.
4. TULIP Internship by MoHUA
- Mode: On-site / Remote / Hybrid
- Eligibility: Final-year UG/PG students & recent grads
- Stipend: Varies (₹5,000 to ₹20,000) — some are unpaid
- Certificate: Yes
- Apply at: Click Here
- Apply at: internship.aicte-india.org
✅ Why I recommend it: Work with Smart Cities and Urban Local Bodies — great if you’re interested in planning, sustainability, or public governance.
5. RBI Internship (Summer Research Internship)
- Mode: On-site (Mumbai)
- Eligibility: Postgraduate students in Economics, Finance, Banking
- Stipend: ₹20,000/month
- Certificate: Yes
- Apply at: Click Here
- Apply at: rbi.org.in
✅ Why I recommend it: Though highly competitive, it’s free to apply and comes with a stipend. Prestigious if you’re into finance or economics.
6. UNV Online Volunteering Internship
- Mode: 100% Remote (Global)
- Eligibility: Anyone 18+ (students, freshers)
- Stipend: Unpaid
- Certificate: Yes (UN-backed)
- Apply at: Click Here
- Apply at: onlinevolunteering.org
✅ Why I recommend it: Though not directly from the Indian government, it’s a great free international opportunity open to Indian students.
7. IICA Internship (Ministry of Corporate Affairs)
- Mode: On-site (Gurugram) or remote (for some roles)
- Eligibility: Law, Economics, Finance, Management students
- Stipend: Unpaid
- Certificate: Yes
- Apply at: Click Here
- Apply at: iica.nic.in
✅ Why I recommend it: If you’re into law, CSR, or corporate governance, this is one of the best research-focused government internships.
Key Benefits of Free Government Internships
From my experience, here’s what you gain:
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Free registration (no fee or coaching needed)
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Official internship certificates from ministries or govt bodies
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Hands-on exposure to public projects and policy
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Great for resume & LinkedIn
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Helpful for UPSC, law, MBA, or MS applications
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Most allow remote or hybrid work modes
General Documents Required
While applying for these internships, keep these handy:
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Resume (PDF)
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College ID / Bonafide Certificate
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Aadhaar or Govt ID
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Marksheets (optional, but useful)
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Statement of Purpose (optional for NITI, DPIIT, etc.)
How to Apply (General Tips)
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Visit the official internship portals listed above
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Check eligibility and application window
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Fill in the form and upload necessary documents
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Apply at least 3–4 weeks in advance
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Keep checking your email for shortlisting or confirmation
Pro Tip: Customize your resume to match the internship domain (e.g., policy, research, marketing).
FAQs – Free Government Internships for Students 2025
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Are government internships in India free to apply for?
Yes, most government internships have no registration fee. -
Do these internships offer certificates?
Yes, almost all provide a verified internship certificate. -
Are these internships remote or on-site?
Many are remote-friendly, while some are on-site or hybrid depending on the department. -
Do I get a stipend for these internships?
Some are unpaid, but offer certificates. A few (like RBI or TULIP) offer stipends. -
Who can apply for free internships?
UG/PG students, research scholars, and in some cases, even school students can apply. -
Do I need to be from a specific stream?
No. Opportunities are available for tech, law, commerce, arts, management, and more.