National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) Internship Programme
The NACO Internship Programme offers students in public health, social sciences, and statistics a 6-week to 3-month structured internship at the National AIDS Control Organisation, where they assist in data analysis, health policy research, and field work related to India's HIV/AIDS programme. Interns receive ₹8,000/month stipend upon successful completion. Apply by submitting the prescribed application form by post or email to NACO, New Delhi, at least one month before your desired start date.
About This Scheme
The NACO Internship Programme offers students in public health, social sciences, and statistics a 6-week to 3-month structured internship at the National AIDS Control Organisation, where they assist in data analysis, health policy research, and field work related to India's HIV/AIDS programme. Interns receive ₹8,000/month stipend upon successful completion. Apply by submitting the prescribed application form by post or email to NACO, New Delhi, at least one month before your desired start date.
Full official description
NACO initiated the Internship Programme in 2018 for young students who wish to engage with the Government. The internship programme envisages an opportunity for young students to get familiar with and understand the various dimensions of policy-making & implementation of the National AIDS Control Programme. It will serve as an exposure for the interns regarding the functioning of the Government of India. It will be mutually beneficial for the organization as well as students to have a structured internship programme under the aegis of NACO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The internship programme would provide an excellent opportunity for budding scholars to familiarise themselves with the process of formulation of health policy and its implementation by the Government of India, with specific reference to the National HIV/AIDS and STD Control Programme.
The internship is offered on varied priority areas such as secondary data analysis of ICTC and PPTCT programme, MSM interventions, EID programme, primary research and data analysis on community perceptions of the HIV/AIDS Act, 2017 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018. The list of programmatic courses applicable for the internship at NACO is placed at Annexure II.
Number of Interns
The number of interns can vary depending on the applications and requirements of NACO. However, at any point in time, the number of interns shall not be more than 10.
Enrolment
Enrollment for internships shall be kept open throughout the year and offered based on the requirement of the different Programmes.
Duration
The internship would be for a minimum duration of 6 weeks and max. duration of 3 months, as per the prerequisites of the study programme.
There shall be no bar for candidates to apply for a second internship with NACO.
Placement
The Interns will be placed in selected programme divisions within NACO or rotated through different divisions based on the prerequisites of the study programme.
NOTE: The internship programme is neither a job nor any such assurance for a job in the National AIDS Control Organisation or any other Ministry/ Department in the Government of India.
Reporting
Interns shall be expected to report to NACO, submit their joining report and work under close supervision of the concerned Head of Division (HOD). The areas available for internship at NACO are listed at Annexure III of the Scheme Guidelines.
Duties & Responsibilities
The interns are expected to follow the standard schedule of activities, observe the functioning of the divisions, participate in activities, conduct data analysis & research, write reports, undertake field visits, and any other task assigned/entrusted to them by the HOD / Reporting Officer.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of ₹8,000 (paid only after successful completion and acceptance of internship report)
- Internship completion certificate from NACO
- Work space, stationery, and photocopying facility provided at NACO headquarters
- Direct exposure to health policy formulation and India's National HIV/AIDS Control Programme
- Duration: 6 weeks to 3 months (second internship with NACO is allowed)
- Students who discontinue early receive neither stipend nor certificate
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil, or PhD in Public Health, Preventive & Social Medicine, Health Management, Statistics, Social Sciences, or related fields
- No minimum marks specified, but preference given to candidates with strong academic records
- Research scholars and those with projects aligned to NACO's HIV/AIDS programme are prioritized
- Applications accepted year-round; maximum 10 interns at any one time
- Candidates whose earlier internship was terminated or discontinued are not eligible for future batches
Exclusions
Candidates whose internship was terminated or those who discontinued before completing the set duration would not be considered for future batches.
How to Apply
At NACO Headquarters, the applications in the prescribed format (Annexure-IV of the Scheme Guidelines) may be sent to the office of the Joint Secretary by registered/speed post or email communication, at the following address:
Deputy Secretary
National AIDS Control Organisation
9th Floor, Chandralok Building,
36, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001
Email: naco.internship@gmail.com
NOTE 1: An advance copy of the application along with the Covering Letter and attachments may be sent by e-mail to naco.internship@gmail.com.
NOTE 1: The applications should reach at least one month before the commencement of the internship.
Selection Process
Step 1: All applications will be scrutinized by an Internship Committee.
Step 2: The Internship Committee may conduct a personal interaction/ interview either through face-to-face interview or electronic media (phone, skype, etc.) with the applicant.
Step 3: An intimation by email/ speed post will be sent to the selected candidates.
Queries/Grievances
Query, if any, may be addressed to Under Secretary at usadmin.dac@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find The Format Of The Application Form For This Scheme?
The format of the Application Form for this scheme can be found in the Annexure-IV of the Scheme Guidelines - https://naco.gov.in/sites/default/files/NacoInternship%20Programme.pdf
Where Can I Find The Format For The Submission Of The Synopsis?
The format for the submission of the Synopsis can be found in the Annexure-V of the Scheme Guidelines - https://naco.gov.in/sites/default/files/NacoInternship%20Programme.pdf
What Are NACO's Priority Areas In Which The Internship Is Offered?
The internship is offered on varied priority areas such as secondary data analysis of ICTC and PPTCT programme, MSM interventions, EID programme, primary research and data analysis on community perceptions of the HIV/AIDS Act, 2017 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018.
What Is The Full Name Of NACO?
The full name of NACO is "National AIDS Control Organisation".
Where Can I Find The List Of Programmatic Courses Applicable For The Internship At NACO?
The list of programmatic courses applicable for the internship at NACO is placed at Annexure II of the Scheme Guidelines.
Is The Number Of Slots For The Internship Fixed Or Does It Change Every Year?
The number of interns can vary depending on the applications and requirements of NACO. However, at any point in time, the number of interns shall not be more than 10.
What Shall Be The Maximum Duration Of The Internship?
The internship would be for a minimum duration of 6 weeks and max. duration of 3 months, as per the prerequisites of the study programme.
In Which Year Was The NACO Internship Programme Introduced?
The NACO Internship Programme was introduced in the year 2018.
Can A Candidate Apply For The Second Time To This Scheme?
There shall be no bar for candidates to apply for a second internship with NACO.
Where Will The Selected Interns Be Placed?
The Interns will be placed in selected programme divisions within NACO or rotated through different divisions based on the prerequisites of the study programme.
Does This Internship Have Prospects Of A Permanent Job?
The internship programme is neither a job nor any such assurance for a job in the National AIDS Control Organisation or any other Ministry/ Department in the Government of India.
What Shall Be The Duties And Responsibilities Of The Interns?
The interns are expected to follow the standard schedule of activities, observe the functioning of the divisions, participate in activities, conduct data analysis & research, write reports, undertake field visits, and any other task assigned/entrusted to them by the HOD / Reporting Officer.
How Much Shall Be The Monthly Stipend Be Paid To The Interns?
Interns will be entitled to a stipend at the rate of [?] 8,000 per month.
When Shall The Stipend Be Payable?
The stipend will be payable on successful completion of the Internship and submission and acceptance of their Internship reports by the Reporting Officer, and satisfactory performance certified by the HoD.
Will Stay/ Accommodation Be Provided To The Interns Coming From Outside Delhi / New Delhi?
Interns coming from outside Delhi / New Delhi have to make their own arrangements for stay/ accommodation at their own expense.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- > **At the Time of Applying -**
- Write up not exceeding 500 words on how the student’s academic pursuit, as well as the National AIDS Control Programme, will benefit from this Internship.
- Copy of at least three documentary proofs of identity which should include a copy of passport and Aadhar card/Voter ID/PAN Card in case of Indian nationals and passport, OCI card and National Identity Card in case of OCI card holders.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Introduction Letter from the Head of the Institution on the official stationery where the applicant has studied/is studying.
- No objection certificate from University/Institution in case the internship is to be pursued in parallel with an ongoing course. The prescribed format is placed in [Annexure IV](https://naco.gov.in/sites/default/files/NacoInternship%20Programme.pdf) of the Scheme Guidelines.1. Self-attested certificates and transcripts for all the accomplishments mentioned in the Application Form (educational qualifications, current courses being pursued and projects).
- > **At the Time of Joining -**
- Photograph.
- Photo Identity (Voter ID/ PAN/ Adhaar/ Passport).
- Approval Letter from the Dean/ Principal of the College/ University.
- (for students from abroad) Travel documents.
- (for students from abroad) Approval Letter from the Institute.
- > **At the Completion of the Internship -**
- A report on the area of internship/study.