The Lokpal of India Internship Scheme

What is the Lokpal of India Internship Scheme?

The Lokpal of India Internship Scheme is the student-internship programme run by the Lokpal of India, the statutory anti-corruption ombudsman set up under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Through this scheme the Lokpal gives students practical exposure to anti-corruption law, governance frameworks, institutional accountability and policy mechanisms by having them work at the Lokpal's office in New Delhi under the guidance of its officers.

According to the scheme details, the internship is short and structured. It runs for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks, is conducted offline at the Lokpal office, and carries a stipend of Rs 10,000 per month paid on successful completion. The Lokpal provides workspace and internet, but interns must bring their own laptop. The programme is aimed at serious students of law and public affairs who want to understand how a constitutional-level integrity institution actually works.

During the internship, interns are typically attached to officers and asked to assist with research and reference work: reading anti-corruption statutes and case law, summarising material, and helping prepare notes on governance and accountability questions. Because the Lokpal handles sensitive complaints against public functionaries, interns are expected to maintain confidentiality and follow the office's conduct requirements throughout their term. The experience is therefore closer to a supervised research attachment inside a statutory body than to a general office placement.

Who is eligible for the Lokpal of India Internship Scheme?

A student can apply if they:

• Are pursuing a regular undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, Management, Economics or Human Rights.
• Secured at least 75% (or equivalent) in Class 12.
• If an undergraduate, have completed at least two years of the course with the required aggregate in the years completed.
• If a postgraduate, have the required aggregate in their undergraduate degree.
• Can attend in person at the New Delhi office and bring their own laptop.

A candidate cannot apply and is not eligible if they:

• Are studying a subject outside the listed disciplines.
• Do not meet the minimum marks at Class 12 or degree level.
• Cannot obtain a recommendation from their HOD, Dean or Principal.
• Cannot attend the internship offline in New Delhi.

Note that the exact undergraduate and postgraduate aggregate cut-offs have been stated slightly differently across the Lokpal's internship notifications, so confirm the marks required against the current notification before applying.

What documents are required?

How to apply for the Lokpal of India Internship Scheme

The scheme has no online self-application. Applications are routed through the applicant's institution to the Lokpal office.

1. Download the prescribed application form in the annexed format from the Lokpal internship notification on lokpal.gov.in.
2. Get it recommended by the head of department, Dean or Principal of your college or university.
3. Attach the supporting documents — the institutional recommendation, Class 12 and higher mark sheets, and a self-attested Aadhaar card.
4. Send the application to the Under Secretary (Establishment), Lokpal of India, 6 Vasant Kunj Institutional Area Phase-II, New Delhi 110070, so that it reaches at least three months before the proposed start date.
5. If selected, report in person with the original documents for verification and complete the 6 to 12 week internship; the Rs 10,000 per month stipend is paid on successful completion.

How much benefit does the scheme provide?

The scheme pays a stipend of Rs 10,000 per month, released on successful completion of the internship. Beyond the stipend, the real value is the experience of working inside the country's apex anti-corruption body and the internship certificate that follows.

Help and where to check

The Lokpal does not publish a dedicated internship helpline. Applications and queries go to the Under Secretary (Establishment), Lokpal of India at the New Delhi address above, and the current notification, form and eligibility cut-offs should be confirmed on lokpal.gov.in before applying.