The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) launched the Internship Programme in 2018 to provide young students with the opportunity to engage with the Government of India. The internship aims to familiarize interns with the policy-making and implementation process of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP).
The programme provides interns with hands-on experience in public health policy, data analysis, and research related to HIV/AIDS and STD control. Interns will gain exposure to government functioning while contributing to NACO’s activities.
Number of Interns
- The number of interns varies depending on applications and NACO’s requirements.
- At any given time, the number of interns will not exceed 10.
Internship Duration
- Minimum: 6 weeks.
- Maximum: 3 months.
- Candidates may reapply for a second internship.
Intern Placement
- Interns will be assigned to various divisions within NACO.
- They may be rotated through different programme divisions, depending on the internship focus.
Note: This internship does not guarantee a job at NACO or any other government organization.
Intern Responsibilities
Interns are expected to:
- Follow the internship schedule.
- Observe the functioning of government health divisions.
- Participate in data collection and research.
- Write internship reports and policy briefs.
- Conduct field visits as assigned.
- Assist in policy development and program analysis.
Internship Areas
Interns will work on various priority areas, including:
- Secondary data analysis of ICTC and PPTCT programmes.
- MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) interventions.
- Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) programme.
- Primary research on community perceptions of the HIV/AIDS Act, 2017, and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018.
The complete list of programmatic areas for the internship is available in Annexure II of the scheme guidelines.
Benefits of the Internship
Remuneration (Stipend)
- ₹8,000 per month (payable only upon successful completion of the internship and submission of the internship report).
- Interns who discontinue the internship will not receive a stipend.
Certificate
- Certificates will be issued to interns upon successful completion of the internship and approval of their reports.
Other Benefits
- Office logistics support (workspace, stationery, and photocopying).
- Interns must bring their own laptop and internet connectivity.
Accommodation & Travel
- No accommodation or travel reimbursement will be provided.
- Interns from outside Delhi must arrange for their own stay.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to students pursuing:
- Undergraduate, Postgraduate, M.Phil., and Ph.D. courses.
- Fields of study include:
- Preventive & Social Medicine
- Public Health
- Health Management
- Statistics
- Social Sciences
- Other related disciplines
Preference & Priority
- Preference will be given to:
- Candidates with excellent academic records.
- Research scholars.
- Applicants working on projects relevant to NACO’s activities.
Exclusions
- Candidates whose internship was previously terminated.
- Candidates who discontinued their internship before completing the set duration.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Download and fill out the application form (Annexure IV).
- Send the completed application via registered/speed post to:Deputy Secretary
National AIDS Control Organisation
9th Floor, Chandralok Building,
36, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001
Email: [email protected] - An advance copy of the application may be emailed to [email protected].
- Applications must be submitted at least one month before the internship starts.
Selection Process
- Scrutiny of applications by the Internship Committee.
- Personal interview (face-to-face or virtual) with shortlisted candidates.
- Final selection notification via email/speed post.
For Queries:
- Email: [email protected]
Documents Required
At the Time of Application:
- Write-up (max. 500 words) explaining how the internship aligns with the student’s academic pursuits.
- Three valid identity proofs (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or National Identity Card).
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Introduction letter from the student’s Head of Institution (on official letterhead).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from University/Institution (if internship is conducted alongside an ongoing course).
- Self-attested copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
At the Time of Joining:
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Photo identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID).
- Approval letter from the University Dean/Principal.
- For foreign students: Travel documents & approval letter from their institution.
At the Completion of Internship:
- Internship report detailing the study area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Where can I find the application form format?
The application form is available in Annexure IV of the scheme guidelines.
Q2: Where can I find the format for the synopsis submission?
The synopsis submission format is mentioned in the scheme guidelines.
Q3: What are NACO’s priority areas for internships?
Internships cover secondary data analysis, MSM interventions, early infant diagnosis, primary research, and policy impact assessment related to HIV/AIDS control.
Q4: What does NACO stand for?
NACO stands for the National AIDS Control Organisation.
Q5: How many interns are selected per year?
The number of interns varies based on NACO’s requirements, but not more than 10 interns can be accommodated at a time.
Q6: What is the maximum duration of the internship?
The internship duration ranges from 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months.
Q7: When was the NACO Internship Programme introduced?
The internship programme was launched in 2018.
Q8: Can a candidate apply for a second internship?
Yes, candidates can reapply for a second internship.
Q9: Where will selected interns be placed?
Interns will be assigned to specific divisions within NACO based on program requirements.
Q10: Does this internship guarantee a permanent job?
No, the internship does not guarantee a job at NACO or the Government of India.
Q11: What are the main responsibilities of interns?
Interns will analyze data, conduct research, prepare reports, and assist in policy development.
Q12: How much stipend will interns receive?
Interns will receive ₹8,000 per month, paid upon successful completion of the internship.
Q13: When is the stipend paid?
The stipend is paid only after the final submission and approval of the internship report.
Q14: Will accommodation be provided for outstation interns?
No, interns must arrange their own stay and travel expenses.