If you’re a medical or life sciences student and you want to step into the world of research — the ICMR Short-Term Studentship (STS) 2025 is one of the most valuable internship opportunities available in India.
Offered by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), this internship gives you a chance to conduct a real biomedical research project, get mentorship, and even earn a stipend for your work. I recently looked into the process and outcomes — and trust me, it’s a big opportunity, especially if you’re planning for a future in clinical research, MD, PhD, or public health.
About ICMR STS Internship
The Short-Term Studentship (STS) Scheme is an annual initiative by ICMR that allows undergraduate medical students and life sciences scholars to carry out independent, mentor-guided research projects during their academic break.
Each selected student completes a small but impactful research study in any area of biomedical or health sciences, under the supervision of a faculty guide. At the end of the internship, a final report is submitted for evaluation.
Internship Highlights 2025
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Start Date: Flexible (as per your academic calendar)
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Duration: 2 months
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Stipend Amount: ₹20,000 (one-time after approval of final report)
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Mode: On-site (at your medical/life science college or recognized research institute)
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Sector: Biomedical Research, Public Health, Epidemiology, Laboratory Science
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Open to: Indian nationals only
Who Can Apply?
ICMR STS is open to undergraduate students only, with the following criteria:
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Education Level:
MBBS, BDS, or other UG courses in Life Sciences from MCI/UGC-recognized colleges -
Year of Study:
Usually open to students in their 2nd or 3rd professional year -
Discipline:
Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Nursing, Physiotherapy, or Life Sciences (Biotech, Microbiology, etc.) -
Nationality:
Only Indian nationals studying in Indian institutions can apply
Selection Process
The selection process is merit-based and conducted through an online application portal:
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Register on the ICMR STS Portal: https://sts.icmr.org.in
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Submit a Research Proposal: 300–500 words describing your planned study
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Include Guide Details: Must have a qualified faculty mentor from your college
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Proposal Evaluation: ICMR reviews submissions and publishes selected list
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Final Report Submission: If selected, complete your research and submit the final report for stipend approval
Only students with an approved proposal AND accepted final report receive the certificate and stipend.
Internship Benefits
Here’s why this internship is a big deal for students:
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₹20,000 stipend for selected and approved projects
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Certificate from Indian Council of Medical Research
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Opportunity to conduct real biomedical research
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Mentorship by qualified medical/science faculty
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Recognition in national research databases (many reports get published)
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Boosts your CV for MD/MS/PhD admissions, NEET-PG, UPSC, and more
Documents Required
To apply for ICMR STS 2025, keep these documents ready:
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A detailed research proposal (prepared with your guide)
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Institutional ethical committee approval (may be submitted later)
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Guide’s consent and contact details
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Bonafide certificate from your college
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Recent passport-size photo
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ID proof (Aadhaar, student ID, etc.)
How to Apply for ICMR STS Internship 2025
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
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Visit the official website: https://sts.icmr.org.in
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Click on “Student Registration” and create your account
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Log in and fill out the application form
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Upload your research proposal and guide’s details
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Submit before the deadline
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Wait for the selection result (usually published within 6–8 weeks)
Important Dates (Expected for 2025)
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Application Start: January 2025
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Last Date to Apply: February 2025
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Project Period: March to August 2025 (flexible based on your schedule)
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Final Report Deadline: October 2025
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Stipend Disbursement: After final report acceptance (Dec 2025 to Jan 2026)
Dates will be confirmed on the official site. Always check for the current year’s circular.
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FAQs – ICMR STS Internship 2025
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Who is eligible for the ICMR STS Internship?
Undergraduate medical, dental, and life sciences students from recognized Indian institutions. -
Is the ICMR STS Internship paid?
Yes, selected students receive a one-time stipend of ₹20,000. -
How long is the internship?
2 months, to be completed at your own college or lab under a guide. -
Can I do the internship remotely or from home?
No. It must be done in-person under a registered institutional guide. -
What is the selection process?
Based on your submitted research proposal and the guide’s credentials. -
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, if both the project and final report are accepted.