The National Foundation for India invites UG and PG students to apply for the third round of the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship 2025. The application deadline is Dec 31!
About NFI
NFI is proud to serve as a foundation for a diverse range of social actors in our collective journey to enable social justice. To this end, we partner with, train and mentor many individuals in climate action, women’s empowerment, independent journalism, gender rights, peace, health & nutrition, among other goals. These individuals may independently go on to create thinking and actions that further their work in these areas. Their goal at NFI is to help create a stronger, more just and more equitable India for all.
About Abhijit Sen
Prof. Abhijit Sen was a renowned development economist, educator, and policymaker in India. His key contributions include advocating for remunerative Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for farm produce, a universal Public Distribution System (PDS), and playing a pivotal role in the formulation of NREGA, NFSA, and the Forest Rights Act (FRA). A strong proponent of growth with equity and decentralized governance, Prof. Sen encouraged students to engage with developmental issues and pursue research grounded in real-world experiences.
Number of Posts
Up to 100 internships will be available for students across India.
Internship Details
This 50-day field-based research internship offers a unique opportunity to explore the realities of rural India and gain insight into its socio-economic challenges. Named in honor of the late Professor Abhijit Sen, a distinguished economist dedicated to rural development, the program encourages academic scholarship and raises awareness of the issues faced by rural communities.
Interns will travel to rural areas, engage with local communities, and conduct research on topics of interest. Through surveys, interviews, and group discussions, you will develop skills in research methods and critical analysis.
The internship also introduces you to appropriate research methodologies and relevant secondary literature. Your research will provide valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of rural communities, culminating in a research report.
Program Details
- In-person Orientation and Formation of Cohort – 5 days
- Field Visit – 30 days
- Report Writing – 15 days
Eligibility Criteria
Students enrolled in undergraduate or post-graduate programs at any recognized Indian university, college, or technical institution.
Selection Process
- The selection process includes a written application, a short essay exam, and a final in-person interview.
- Women students, as well as those from Dalit, Adivasi, Tribal, and minority communities, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits and Stipend
- Capacity building for guided and informed research, and advance knowledge in a topic of your choosing
- Opportunity for exposure to rural India and actors working on rural issues
- Fieldwork and Research Report writing experience with academic mentorship
- NFI will cover travel, food and accommodation expenses
- A stipend of Rs. 20,000 will be paid to the intern upon completion of the research report
- A chance to get your report published
How to Apply?
Interested candidates can directly apply through this link.
Important Dates
1. Application deadline: 11:59 PM, 31 December 2024 (Tuesday)
2. Announcement of shortlisted candidates and in-person interviews: February 2025
3. Orientation programme to be held in Delhi: May 2025
4. Interns will leave for fieldwork directly after the orientation programme: June 2025
Locations
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
Deadline
The application deadline is Dec 31, 2024.
Contact Details
For any queries, please contact at internship@nfi.org.in.
