The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has commenced the application process for its Internship Programme for the August-September 2026 session. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official portal at wcd.intern.nic.in.
Objective of the Programme
The programme aims to provide women with first-hand experience in policy-making and government initiatives related to the welfare and empowerment of women and children. It is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical governance.
Eligibility Criteria
Women students, scholars, teachers, and social activists from rural areas and non-tier 1 cities are eligible to apply, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Age between 21 and 40 years.
- Must be enrolled in or associated with a recognised university or academic institution.
The ministry has clarified that candidates selected for one internship term will not be eligible to apply again for future sessions.
Internship Details
The internship will run for a duration of two months. Selected candidates will be attached to different divisions of the ministry, where they will observe the functioning of government programmes and contribute to policy-related work. Interns may also undertake pilot projects or micro-studies linked to ongoing initiatives. Additionally, participants could be involved in preparing policy briefs, conducting research and analysis, and studying issues related to women and child development.
Exposure to Policy-Making and Governance
During the internship period, candidates will interact with officials from the Ministry of Women and Child Development as well as representatives from allied ministries and organisations working in the sector. The programme is designed to help participants understand policy implementation at the national level and encourage discussions on issues affecting women and children across different parts of the country.
Internship Cycles
MWCD conducts the internship programme four times annually through different cycles, which include:
- May session
- June session
- August-September session
- November-December session
- February-March session
The August-September 2026 cycle is currently open for applications. Candidates interested in public policy, social development, research, and women's empowerment can use this programme as an opportunity to gain practical exposure to government initiatives and administrative processes.
