Abhijit Sen Rural Internship
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a research-focused internship in which interns are expected to define a research topic of their choosing, undertake field research and produce a quality research report by the end of the internship period.
1. Who is eligible for the internship?
Any student pursuing an undergraduate or post-graduate course in any field from any Indian university/college/technical educational institution who wants to explore rural India and build their research capacity is eligible to apply.
2. Is it open to international students?
No, the internship programme is open only to Indian applicants studying in an Indian public educational institution.
3. Can I apply if I have already/recently finished my post-graduation?
No. The internship programme is designed only for students currently pursuing an undergraduate or post-graduate course.
4. I am a student at an Indian private college/university. Can I apply for the rural internship?
The rural internship is essentially designed for students enrolled in a public university/college/technical educational institution. However, if you are enrolled in a private educational institution and belong to the Dalit, Adivasi, Tribal or any other minority community, your application may be considered
5. How can I apply for the internship? What is the last date of applying?
We accept applications only through the application form given on the NFI website. The deadline for applications is 31st December (Sunday) at midnight. No applications will be considered beyond that.
6. Will I get a certificate at the end of the internship?
Yes, you will receive an experience certificate from NFI along with the stipend on the completion and submission of the final research report
7. Is this a paid internship opportunity?
Yes, you will receive a stipend of Rs. 20,000 on the successful completion of the internship, that is, after you submit the research report along with the supporting documents such as bills and receipts from your stay in the field.
8. When will I have to leave for the internship?
The tentative timeline for the in-person induction workshop of the internship is in May 2024 in Delhi. Interns will leave for the field directly from the induction programme. The final schedule will be prepared based on the university calendars and availability of selected interns. You are asked to give the estimated dates of your university’s summer break in the form.
9. Is it mandatory to attend the induction workshops?
Yes, it is mandatory to attend the induction workshops. The internship programme focuses on promoting rigorous academic scholarship among university students towards the Indian agricultural and rural economy and sensitising them to the challenges faced by rural communities in the country. Hence, it is necessary to hold a rational, scientific and research-oriented approach during the fieldwork, which will be covered meticulously during the induction process. The induction will consist of sessions on key research areas, research methodology and report writing.
10. Can I choose the state for the internship?
The decision regarding placements of interns will be made by NFI based on the research topics of the interns, the area of expertise of the host organisation and the intake capacity of the host organisation in the selected states.
11. Who will arrange for my accommodation during the internship?
NFI will make all necessary travel and accommodation arrangements during the internship. NFI will also cover the expenses of the same
12. Can I commit to the internship for less than 50 days?
No. The duration of the internship is a well-planned, integral part of the programme. The one month of field exposure will provide you with the basic knowledge and the quintessential data required to develop your research report. A commitment for the entire duration is a must to qualify for the application process and to be eligible for the internship certificate and stipend.
13. Can I come back in the middle of the fieldwork duration?
No. Once you have been selected and placed with an NGO, you will be required to complete the entire duration of the fieldwork in one go.
14. What are the interns expected to do in the host organisation?
The host organisation will facilitate your research visit and will support you throughout the study. They will be the key link between NFI and you. The host organisation will also facilitate your exposure to the working areas and major challenges in their respective rural geographies and associated villages.
16. When and how will I receive the stipend?
We will start processing your stipend only after the submission of the research report at the end of the internship. Your stipend will be credited to the bank account under your name once all your bills and receipts have been processed at our end. You will be asked to provide us with your bank account details once selected..