The National Foundation for India is thrilled to invite undergraduate and postgraduate students to apply for the fourth cohort (2026) of the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship program. Named after the late Professor Abhijit Sen, a renowned economist, the program encourages rigorous academic scholarships among university students. This 50-day, field-based research internship offers participants an opportunity to explore the realities of rural India and develop a deeper understanding of existing socio-economic challenges. It also sensitises students to the issues faced by diverse rural communities across the country. So far, a total of 250 research interns have successfully completed their fieldwork and research under the program.

During the internship, students will have the opportunity to travel to rural areas, interact with local communities and conduct research on topics of their interest. They will gather data through surveys, interviews, and group discussions within communities, building skills in research methods and critical analysis. This internship will also introduce students to appropriate research methodology and relevant secondary literature related to their chosen topic, while encouraging them to refine their ideas through regular academic engagement and feedback from mentors. This is not just a theoretical exercise, the research enables students to generate meaningful insights into the socio-economic conditions of rural communities and compile their findings into a research report.

Throughout the process, students will closely work with a team of mentors whose academic and field experiences will help shape and strengthen their research. Ongoing discussions and guidance will support students in navigating field realities and with support from local community organisations, students will be able to focus on the core work of data collection and analysis. Finally, selected research reports will be published to ensure wider dissemination of findings from the field.

About Prof. Abhijit Sen was one of India’s most distinguished development economists, teachers and policymakers. His most important contributions include the recommendations towards remunerative Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farm produce and universal Public Distribution System (PDS), and his role in framing National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Forest Rights Act (FRA). He believed in the core principle of growth with equity and dignity and was a powerful advocate of decentralised governance. Prof. Sen was always keen on encouraging students to explore developmental issues and develop a scholarship that is rigorous, committed and informed by experiences on the ground.

Positions:

• Up to 50 internships will be provided to students across India.

Eligibility:

• Students pursuing undergraduate/post-graduate courses from any Indian university/college/technical educational institution.

Selection Process:

• Apply by filling in the application provided in the link below. These applications will be reviewed based on parameters as per the application form.
• Shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interview. Written application, brief essay exam, and final in-person interview.
• Women students and students from Dalit, Adivasi, Tribal and minority communities are encouraged to apply.

Program Design:
1. Online orientation about the program and its commitments.
2. 5-7 days of in-person learning workshop and cohort formation.
3. 30 days of field visit to a rural location in India with a grassroots organisation.
4. Selected interns will be placed in the following states for internship - Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
5. 15 days for report writing.

Benefits
1. Guided learning on research tools and methods, and deepening knowledge in a topic of their choosing.
2. Exposure to rural India and an opportunity to engage with multiple stakeholders on issues at the grassroots.
3. Fieldwork and Research Report writing experience with academic mentorship.
4. Expenses related to travel, food and accommodation will be covered by NFI.
5. A stipend of Rs. 20,000 will be paid to the intern upon completion and submission of the research report.
6. A chance to get their report published
 

Tentative timeline:

1. Application deadline: 11:59 PM, 25 February 2026 (Wednesday)
2. Announcement of shortlisted candidates and in-person interviews: March 2026
3. Orientation program to be held in Delhi: May/June 2026
4. Interns will leave for fieldwork directly after the orientation program May/June 2026

Broad areas of research for reference
Apply Now! DEADLINE: 25 February 2026

For frequently asked questions, refer to: FAQs. For more details on the previous batches, have a
look at ASRI Cohort I, Cohort II, and Cohort III.
Please check out our social media handles for regular updates: Instagram, FB, LinkedIN,
Twitter
For further queries, write to us at internship@nfi.org.in

Publications

“Seeking the Questions: Field Notes from Rural India” is a collection of 25 essays authored by interns of Abhijit Sen Rural Internship programme. The essays included in this volume are observations and experiences of young students based on field-research.

Click on the book to register and get a copy