MEA Internship Program 2025: Eligibility, Application Process, Benefits, and Key Dates
MEA Internship Program 2025: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has announced the MEA me for the term 2025-26, aiming to provide young professionals with firsthand experience in the realm of foreign policy and diplomatic affairs. This initiative seeks to enhance gender inclusivity and ensure diversity in qualifications, domicile, and socio-economic status among the interns.
MEA Internship Program 2025 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the MEA Internship Program 2025-26, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess a graduate degree from a recognized university at the time of application. Additionally, students in their final year of graduation, where an internship is a mandatory component of their curriculum, are also eligible to apply.
- Age Limit: Applicants should not exceed 25 years of age as of December 31, 2025.
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The MEA emphasizes diversity, aiming to include candidates from various genders, underprivileged sections, different geographical regions, and both urban and rural areas. Priority is given to applicants from districts under the Transformation of Aspirational Districts Programme (TADP) and those belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories during the selection process.
MEA Internship Application Process (MEA Internship apply)
Interested candidates can apply online through the MEA Internship Portal. The application process involves:
- Registration: Visit the official MEA Internship Portal and register by providing your full name, gender, email ID, and password. After registration, verify your email ID through the link sent to your email.
- Application Form: Log in to the portal and complete the application form by providing personal, educational, and internship details. Upload the necessary documents as specified.
- Submission: Review your application and submit it online.
The deadline for receiving applications (MEA Internship last date) is February 5, 2025.
MEA Internship Selection Process
The selection process comprises two stages:
- Preliminary Screening: Applications are assessed based on academic performance, with weightage given to marks obtained in higher secondary and graduation examinations. State-wise merit lists are prepared separately for male and female candidates. Priority is accorded to applicants from TADP districts during this stage.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for a personal interview conducted via video conferencing. During this stage, preference is given to applicants belonging to SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories.
A total of 75 internships are offered, with a minimum of 30% reserved for female candidates. The selection process follows a ‘quota cum weightage’ system, ensuring representation from all states and union territories, as well as underprivileged sections of society.
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Ministry of External Affairs Internship Details
- Duration: Each intern is engaged for a minimum period of one month and a maximum of three months, starting from April 1, 2025.
- Honorarium: Interns receive an honorarium of ₹10,000 per month to cover basic expenses.
- Travel Allowance: The MEA provides the cost of one-time to and fro air travel, subject to a ceiling of the prevailing economy class airfare between the state capital and Delhi, from the domicile state or from the college/university of the selected candidates.
- Accommodation: Interns are responsible for their boarding and lodging in Delhi during the internship period.
Interns are assigned specific topics of work by the concerned Head of the Division and may be required to conduct research, write reports, analyze evolving developments, or carry out any other tasks entrusted to them. At the end of the internship, each intern must submit a detailed report on the work carried out and, if required, make a presentation.
Ministry of External Affairs Internship Program 2025 Documents Required
Applicants need to upload the following documents during the application process:
- Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card or any other valid ID.
- Proof of Address: As mentioned in the application form.
- Proof of Age: Class 10th/12th mark sheet or birth certificate.
- Educational Certificates: Certificates and mark sheets supporting the educational qualifications.
- Bank Details: For the payment of the honorarium.
At the time of joining, selected candidates must submit a letter from their Head of Institution/Department/Principal indicating their status in the institution and a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ allowing them to undergo the internship for the proposed period.
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MEA Internship 2025 Important Dates
- January 22, 2025: Notification and call for applications for Term I, 2025-26.
- February 5, 2025: Deadline for receiving applications.
- February 12, 2025: Announcement of shortlisted candidates and call for interviews.
- February 22, 2025: Interviews conducted via video conferencing.
- February 28, 2025: Announcement of selected candidates.
- April 1, 2025: Commencement of Internship Term I, 2025-26.
Conclusion
The MEA Internship Programme 2025-26 offers a valuable opportunity for young Indian citizens to gain insights into the functioning of India’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.