The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, invites applications for its annual internship program for 2025-26. This initiative allows students and research scholars from BBIN countries (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal) to gain practical experience in land port development, cross-border trade, passenger movement, and border-related issues.
Program Highlights
- Open to Students from BBIN Countries: Welcomes students from India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
- Focus on Northeast India: Special consideration for candidates interested in land port development challenges in Northeast India.
- Diverse Research Methods: Interns engage in policy-oriented research, social impact studies, and economic impact assessments.
- Competitive Stipend: Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹15,000.
- Duration: The internship lasts for two months, extendable up to three months based on performance and approval.
Objective and Purpose
The LPAI Internship Program aims to:
- Develop a regional collaboration platform by including scholars from BBIN nations.
- Provide insights into cross-border trade, security, and passenger movement at Integrated Check Posts (ICPs).
- Facilitate a mutual exchange of knowledge between academic institutions and LPAI.
Internship Duration
- Minimum duration: 8 weeks (2 months)
- Maximum duration: 3 months, with prior approval.
- Extensions beyond 3 months require approval from the Secretary, LPAI.
Internship Placement
- Interns will be assigned to the LPAI research team or the relevant division within the Authority.
- No employment guarantee is associated with this internship.
Intern Responsibilities
- Interns must submit a report or paper at the end of the internship.
- Reports will be reviewed and endorsed by Secretary/Director (Operations), LPAI Headquarters.
Code of Conduct
Interns must adhere to the LPAI Code of Conduct, which includes:
- Signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) upon joining.
- Bringing personal laptops/tablets for work.
- Maintaining confidentiality of all LPAI-related information.
- Not interacting with the media or unauthorized third parties.
- Presenting research findings to academic bodies, seminars, and conferences only with prior LPAI approval.
Internship Termination Policy
- LPAI reserves the right to terminate the internship without notice.
- Interns can resign with two weeks’ prior notice (or one month for long-term interns).
- Upon termination, interns must return all documents, equipment, and identity cards issued by LPAI.
Benefits
A. Stipend & Financial Assistance
- Monthly stipend: ₹15,000 (paid after four weeks).
- Interns selected under relaxed qualification criteria will not receive any stipend.
- Reimbursement:
- Economy-class airfare and taxi travel for land port visits.
- Boarding and lodging at the designated land port.
B. Certificate of Internship
- Issued upon successful completion of the internship.
- Reports must be countersigned and accepted by the competent authority.
Eligibility Criteria
Indian Students
- Must have completed education in the 10+2+3 or equivalent pattern.
- Minimum 60% marks in their latest degree or certificate examination.
- Eligible candidates:
- Graduates from recognized universities in India or abroad.
- Polytechnic Diploma/Degree holders.
- 4th-year students in Engineering (10+2+4 pattern).
- MBA/PGDBM students from premier institutes.
- 4th/5th-year students in integrated/double-degree programs (10+2+5 pattern).
- 2nd-year students from IITs/NITs (Engineering or Science courses).
- M.Tech, M.Eng, MCA students from reputed institutes.
- 2nd-year students in Law degree programs from premier Law Institutes/Universities.
BBIN Students (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal)
- Must meet the same academic criteria as Indian students.
- Encouraged to apply through the same online portal.
Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee selection.
Reservation / Preference Criteria
Preference will be given to:
- Candidates with relevant academic exposure in cross-border trade and land port development.
- Students from Northeast India.
- Wards of LPAI-deployed stakeholders.
Application Process
Online Application
- Submit applications through the official LPAI website or MyScheme Portal.
- Applications must include:
- CV
- Areas of interest
- Two references
- Institutional sponsorship letter
- Applications from BBIN students must follow the same procedure.
Note: Applications must be sponsored by the applicant’s educational institution.
Selection Process
- Initial screening of applications based on eligibility criteria.
- Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.
- Selection Committee is formed with approval from the Secretary, LPAI.
- Interviews (Personal/Telephonic) may be conducted if necessary.
- No TA/DA will be provided for attending interviews.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photograph
- Graduation/Post-Graduation Certificate/Marksheet
- Letter from Supervisor/Head of Department/Principal
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Institution
- Proof of Identity and Address
- Institution Identity Card
- Bank Account Details (for stipend disbursement)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What information should be included in the email to the Director (Operations), LPAI?
Applicants should provide their full name, educational background, areas of interest, and preferred internship location.
Q: What is the official email ID of the Director (Operations), LPAI?
The official email ID will be listed on the LPAI website.
Q: Can applicants choose a specific Integrated Check Post (ICP) for their internship?
Yes, but placement will be based on LPAI’s discretion and availability.
Q: Are interns who do not meet the full qualification criteria eligible for a stipend?
No, interns selected under relaxed criteria will not receive a stipend.
Q: Can applicants submit applications without sponsorship?
No, applications must be sponsored by their educational institution.
Q: Will selection involve an interview?
Yes, personal or telephonic interviews may be conducted.
Q: Will LPAI provide any travel reimbursement?
Yes, for land port visits only.
Q: Does meeting the minimum qualification guarantee an internship?
No, selection is competitive and merit-based.
Q: Will any reservation or preference be given in the selection process?
Yes, preference will be given to:
- Students from Northeast India
- Candidates with relevant research backgrounds
- Wards of LPAI stakeholders