The Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Program 2026 (Cohort IV), offered by the National Foundation for India (NFI), is a prestigious 50-day field-based research internship designed to help students explore rural India and understand socio-economic challenges faced by diverse communities. This fully supported internship offers hands-on exposure to rural development issues while equipping participants with essential research skills. Selected candidates will receive a stipend of ₹20,000 upon successful completion, along with complete coverage of travel, food, and accommodation expenses.
This opportunity is ideal for undergraduate and postgraduate students across India who are passionate about rural development, public policy, social justice, and grassroots research.
About the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship 2026
Named after the eminent economist Prof. Abhijit Sen, the program aims to nurture socially conscious researchers and policy thinkers by providing immersive exposure in rural regions. Interns will work closely with grassroots organisations and communities to understand real-world developmental challenges.
The internship includes:
- 5–7 days of in-person learning workshop and cohort formation
- 30 days of fieldwork experience in rural locations
- Mentorship support for preparing a structured research report
- Opportunity for publication of the research findings
Internship Locations
Selected interns will be placed in one of the following states: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra
These locations are chosen to provide diverse exposure to socio-economic realities in rural India.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be a student pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate courses
- Be enrolled in any Indian university, college, or technical educational institution
Note: Women students and students from Dalit, Adivasi, Tribal, and minority communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits of the Internship
Selected students will receive:
- ₹20,000 stipend upon completion and submission of the research report
- Complete coverage of travel, food, and accommodation expenses
- Training in research tools and field methodologies
- 5–7 days in-person learning workshop
- 30 days of immersive rural fieldwork
- Academic mentorship for report writing
- Opportunity to have the research report published
This fully funded structure ensures that financial barriers do not prevent participation.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- University ID Card
- Motivation Letter
Ensure all documents are accurate and submitted before the deadline.
Selection Process
Candidates will be shortlisted and selected based on:
- Written application
- Brief essay examination
- Final in-person interview
The process is designed to identify motivated students with strong analytical and social commitment.
Important Dates
| Event | Details |
| Program Name | Abhijit Sen Rural Internship 2026 (Cohort IV) |
| Organising Body | National Foundation for India (NFI) |
| Duration | 50 Days |
| Fieldwork Duration | 30 Days |
| Stipend | ₹20,000 |
| Expenses Covered | Travel, Food, Accommodation |
| Application Deadline | 25 February 2026 |
Why Apply for Abhijit Sen Rural Internship 2026?
- Gain real-world exposure to rural socio-economic development
- Strengthen your academic profile with field research experience
- Build networks with experts and fellow scholars
- Develop practical skills in data collection, analysis, and policy research
- Contribute to meaningful social change
This internship is particularly beneficial for students aspiring to careers in public policy, civil services, social research, development sector, and academia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Program 2026? |
| It is a 50-day field-based rural research internship offered by the National Foundation for India. |
| What is the stipend amount? |
| Selected interns receive ₹20,000 upon completion and submission of the research report. |
| Who is eligible to apply? |
| Undergraduate and postgraduate students from any Indian university or technical institution. |
| Are expenses covered during the internship? |
| Yes, travel, food, and accommodation expenses are fully covered. |
| What is the application deadline? |
| The last date to apply is 25 February 2026. |
| Where will the fieldwork be conducted? |
| In Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, or Maharashtra. |
| What documents are required for application? |
| CV, University ID card, and a motivation letter. |
| How are candidates selected? |
| Through written application screening, essay exam, and final in-person interview. |
The Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Program 2026 (Cohort IV) is a unique, fully funded opportunity for students to engage deeply with rural India while building strong research and analytical skills. Interested candidates should prepare their documents and apply before 25 February 2026. For official details and application updates, visit the National Foundation for India’s official website and bookmark this page for further scholarship and internship opportunities, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
