Special Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS) for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe 2026

The Sahakar Mitra Scheme offers internships to professional graduates, giving them hands-on experience in NCDC’s work and Read More... the cooperative sector. Read less

Details

The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has a unique internship program called 'Sahakar Mitra: Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP)'. It's designed to give budding professionals a real-world learning experience.

What Is This Scheme?

Introduced in 2012-13, the Sahakar Mitra Scheme is an initiative by NCDC to offer short-term internships, not exceeding four months. It aims to provide young graduates with practical exposure to the core functions of NCDC and the broader world of cooperatives. Over the years, it has also been extended to students pursuing an MBA in Agri-Business from State Agricultural Universities in areas where NCDC has Regional Offices.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is ideal for professional graduates who want to dive deep into the cooperative sector. It’s for those who want to understand how NCDC works and contribute their skills to the development of cooperatives.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The SIP is crucial for several reasons. It helps graduates gain valuable insights into cooperative businesses, understand NCDC's role, and even engage with startup cooperatives. Interns can assist existing cooperatives with business plans and projects, fostering growth and leadership within the sector.

Objective

The Sahakar Mitra Scheme offers internships to professional graduates, giving them hands-on experience in NCDC’s work and the cooperative sector.

Benefits

25% subsidy to SC/ST MSEs on institutional finance for procurement of Plant & Machinery/equipment (i.e. a subsidy cap of ₹ 25,00,000/-) without any sector-specific restrictions is provided.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Sahakar Mitra Scheme, you need to meet the following criteria:

Educational Qualification: You should hold a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Dairy, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences, Fisheries, Horticulture, Textiles, Handloom, or IT. Your degree must be from a university or institution recognized by UGC, AICTE, or ICAR, and you need a recommendation from your Head of Department.
Postgraduate/Professional Qualification: You can also apply if you are pursuing or have completed an MBA in Agri-Business, MBA in Cooperative Management, M.Com, MCA, MBA in Finance, MBA in International Trade, MBA in Forestry, MBA in Rural Development, MBA in Project Management, or have passed Inter ICAI or Inter ICWA. Again, a recommendation from your Head of Department is required from a UGC, AICTE, or ICAR recognized institution.

Important Note: You cannot be part of this internship programme more than once.

Internship Opportunities and Limits:

Total Interns: NCDC allows a total of 60 interns across its Head Office, LINAC, and Regional Offices each year.
Regional Office Limit: Each Regional Office can host a maximum of two interns at any given time.
Institution Limit: A maximum of two interns can be selected from the same institution per year.

How to Apply

To apply for the Sahakar Mitra Scheme, you need to follow these steps:

Visit the official NCDC Sahakar Mitra Portal: sip.ncdc.in
Complete the online application form with all the required details.
Submit the necessary documents as specified by the scheme.

Make sure to check the portal for any specific instructions or deadlines related to the application.

Documents Needed for Application

When applying for the Sahakar Mitra Scheme, you will typically need to provide the following documents:

A recent passport-size photograph.
A formal recommendation letter.
Valid identity proof.
Copies of all relevant educational mark sheets and certificates.
A functional email address.
A valid mobile number.

About the Recommendation Letter

The recommendation letter should be issued by the Head of the Department of your UGC, AICTE, or ICAR recognized university/institution. It needs to be addressed to the Regional Director NCDC, Chief Director LINAC, or the Head of the HR Division at NCDC’s Head Office.

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the Sahakar Mitra Scheme?

The primary aim is to offer professional graduates practical, work-related learning experience in the key areas of NCDC's operations and the broader cooperative sector.

Can I apply for this internship if I have already completed one?

No, the rules state that a person cannot be selected for this internship programme more than once.

How much financial support can I expect during the internship?

You will receive ₹10,000/- per month for four months, totalling ₹40,000/-. Additionally, there's a ₹5,000/- lump sum for report preparation, making the total financial support ₹45,000/-.

What specific professional degrees are eligible for this programme?

Eligible degrees include Bachelor's in Agriculture, Dairy, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences, Fisheries, Horticulture, Textiles, Handloom, IT, or professional courses like MBA Agri-Business, MBA Coop, M.Com, MCA, MBA Finance, MBA International Trade, MBA Forestry, MBA Rural Development, MBA Project Management, or Inter ICAI/ICWA.

When was the Sahakar Mitra Internship Programme started?

The Sahakar Mitra Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP) was initiated in the academic year 2012-13.

How long does the internship last?

The internship period is short-term and does not exceed four months, adhering strictly to the NCDC's guidelines.

Is the monthly stipend intended to cover all my expenses?

The monthly amount of ₹10,000/- is intended to partly cover your out-of-pocket expenses during the four-month internship period.

Where can I find the official application portal?

You can apply through the official NCDC Sahakar Mitra portal, which is accessible at https://sip.ncdc.in/Default.aspx.

What is the purpose of this internship program for students?

The program aims to give professional graduates a deep understanding of NCDC's role and achievements in developing cooperatives, offering practical work experience and professional development opportunities.

What happens to the last month's stipend?

The final ₹10,000/- installment of the monthly stipend is paid only after the successful completion of the internship, which includes the submission of all required reports and fulfilling other program conditions.

Are there any limits on the number of interns from a single institution?

Yes, only a maximum of two interns can be selected from any specific institution in a given year.