AICTE-PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME 2026

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers a valuable internship for students to gain experience in Read More... India's foreign policy and cultural diplomacy. Read less

Details

Are you a student passionate about culture, foreign policy, and India's global image? The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has an exciting internship opportunity for you. This policy is designed to give budding scholars a real-world understanding of how soft power shapes foreign policy.

What Is This Scheme?

This policy outlines ICCR's internship program, where selected interns get to work with various departments. You'll get to contribute to important work like creative writing, cultural mapping, improving technology in cultural outreach, developing arts modules, exploring India's historical cultural ties with other nations, and using social media for cultural diplomacy. It's all about learning by doing and applying what you've studied.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This internship is ideal for Indian citizens who are graduates or post-graduates in fields like Humanities, Mass Communication, Journalism, Design, Anthropology, History, Art, Archaeology, Languages, Museology, or Fine Arts. If you're under 25 years old and have a strong academic record, you could be a great fit. Even students studying foreign languages or pursuing research are welcome.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The internship provides invaluable exposure to the practical aspects of cultural diplomacy and foreign policy. It allows students to contribute to ICCR's mission while gaining practical skills and insights that will boost their career prospects. Interns get to work on diverse projects, enhancing their analytical abilities and understanding of international cultural exchange.

Objective

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers a valuable internship for students to gain experience in India's foreign policy and cultural diplomacy.

Benefits

Limit of Funding:Up to ₹ 1,50,000/-

Disbursement of the Funds:

The grant will be disbursed on reimbursement basis on receipt of claim form along with relevant documents. Total grant will be based on the recommended group of countries with fixed financial effect as follows:-

Group A :North America, Australia, South America, New Zealand : ₹ 1,50,000/-
Group B :Europe, Far-East Asia, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea,& Africa : ₹ 1,20,000/-
Group C:Neighboring Countries, Gulf Countries & SE Asia:₹ 1,00,000/-
Group D :Within India: ₹ 50,000
Group E :Conferences which are not covered under the above Groups (Group A-D) will be evaluated by the committee Amount recommended as per group of countries or Average of amount recommended by the experts,

or,

Actual expenditure incurred, whichever is lesser will be entitled.
Reimbursement of the following expenditures will be granted:

Registration fee for conference.
Per Day, allowance (Days of the conference plus actual journey period) asper the central government rules.
Total expenses towards travel from international airport to destination airport and back.

Note:

In case a candidate has availed grant in Group D, individual is still eligible to avail this grant for international support (with in a period of three years) minus the amount utilized for with in India.
In case of the workshop/conference/seminar being held in online mode, AICTE will only be releasing the registration fee.

Terms and conditions:

The applicant has to perform the journey by Air India only, unless Air India gives an official certificate that there is no flight on the concerned sector (either of Air India itself or in collaboration with some other airlines). In case, journey is performed by any other airline, the airfare approved will not be released.
Applicant should submit only one proposal at a time.
In case an application of a candidate for a particular event (for a Particular date as well as a particular venue) is rejected, the same shall not be considered again and no correspondence in this regard shall be entertained by the Council.
The grant offered cannot be utilized for any other purpose other than the purpose for which granted.
Application should be submitted three months in advance.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a citizen of India.
You should have completed graduation in Humanities, Mass Communication, Journalism, Designing, Anthropology, History, Art, Archaeology, Science, Languages, Museology, or Fine Arts.
Your age should not exceed 25 years as of December 31st of the internship year.
Post-graduate students, research scholars, and foreign language students are also encouraged to apply.
A strong academic record is essential.
Preference will be given to candidates from recognized Indian universities.

Special Preference: Research scholars with a background in International Relations and Soft Power Projection might be given preference based on ICCR's specific needs. Candidates with higher marks are more likely to be shortlisted for interviews.

How To Apply

Interested candidates need to submit the following documents at the time of application:

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
A permission letter from your Supervisor or Head of Department if you are applying during your coursework.

The selection process involves preliminary screening and personal interviews. Candidates are informed about their selection and the actual offer will be sent subject to the availability of slots.

Note: While the specific application link is not provided in the input, applications are typically submitted directly to ICCR. For further details, please refer to official ICCR announcements or their website.

Documents Required

For Application:

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Permission letter from your Supervisor/Head of Department (if applying during coursework)

Upon Completion of Internship:

A detailed report on the work performed.
A presentation on the work carried out (if requested).

FAQ’s

What is the selection process for the ICCR internship?

The selection involves two stages: preliminary screening and a personal interview. A Selection Committee reviews applications. Selected candidates are offered internships based on available positions. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing. The Committee's decision is final.

How many interns will be selected?

A maximum of 15 interns will be selected. If a chosen candidate withdraws, the next person on the merit list will be offered the opportunity.

Can I leave the internship program early if I wish?

Yes, you can leave the program by giving ICCR one month's prior notice. However, if you leave, you will not be considered for future internships with ICCR.

Who owns the work I do during my internship?

All the work and outcomes from your study during the internship are the intellectual property of ICCR. You cannot use them without prior permission from ICCR.

Do I need to keep information about ICCR confidential?

Absolutely. You must maintain complete confidentiality regarding any information related to ICCR, even after your internship ends. You are expected to protect ICCR's data and sensitive information.

What if ICCR decides to end the internship program?

ICCR has the right to ask interns to end the program at any time without giving a specific reason. Their decision on this matter is final.

How will my background be checked for security reasons?

Before you start, ICCR will conduct a security verification based on the personal details you provide. This happens after you've been selected.

Do I have to sign a declaration of secrecy?

Yes, you are required to sign a declaration of secrecy before your internship begins. This shows your commitment to keeping all ICCR information confidential.

How many candidates are called for interviews?

The number of candidates called for personal interviews will be three times the total number of interns planned for the year.

Who conducts the screening and interviews?

Separate committees, each consisting of at least three ICCR officials, are responsible for both the preliminary screening and the personal interviews.

What happens if I withdraw after being selected for the internship?

If a selected candidate withdraws, they will be barred from applying for future internships. The opportunity will then be offered to the next eligible candidate on the merit list.

Will I get any financial help for travel or accommodation?

No, ICCR does not provide financial assistance for travel expenses or accommodation. Interns are responsible for covering these costs themselves.

What are my duties as an intern?

You're expected to be punctual, keep a log of your work, follow a code of conduct, be polite and committed. You also need to submit a project report at the end of your training.

How is the final report checked?

Your training report will be reviewed by the concerned Unit Head or departmental head before it is submitted to the Deputy Director (Skill Development) at ICCR.

Will I receive a certificate after the internship?

Yes, upon successfully completing your internship training, ICCR will issue a certificate. Your training institution will also be notified of your completion.