SAHAKAR MITRA: NCDC’s Scheme on Internship Programme
₹40,000 stipend · 4-month cooperative sector internship · India
SAHAKAR MITRA is an internship program by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) that gives professional graduates 4 months of hands-on experience in cooperative development and agricultural finance. Selected interns receive a total of ₹45,000 (₹10,000/month for 4 months plus ₹5,000 for report expenses). Apply online at sip.ncdc.in — only 60 seats are available nationally each year.
About This Scheme
SAHAKAR MITRA is an internship program by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) that gives professional graduates 4 months of hands-on experience in cooperative development and agricultural finance. Selected interns receive a total of ₹45,000 (₹10,000/month for 4 months plus ₹5,000 for report expenses). Apply online at sip.ncdc.in — only 60 seats are available nationally each year.
Full official description
The "SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP)" was introduced by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in the year 2012-13 with an objective to provide work-related learning experience in the core and special fields of functioning of NCDC to students of professional courses and to project contribution and achievements of NCDC in the development of cooperatives. Subsequently, the scheme was expanded to cover different states by offering SIP to students (in 2nd year of MBA Agri-Business) from State Agricultural Universities in the states where NCDC’s Regional Offices are located. Interns have gained valuable knowledge and experience in the cooperative sector over the years. Under the programme, NCDC will provide short-term (not exceeding four months) opportunities to young professionals to acquire learning experience by applying skills and knowledge in an organizational context to facilitate professional development. The programme aims at providing an opportunity for professional graduates to get experience in areas of functioning of NCDC and related aspects of cooperatives.
Objectives:
To provide a deep immersion opportunity to professional graduates on the role, contribution and impact of NCDC and also cooperatives.
To enable the professional graduates, to learn the context and practical working of NCDC and cooperatives.
To orient professional graduates to the cooperative business model and engage themselves in start-up cooperatives.
To enable professional graduates to take up leadership and /or entrepreneur roles in FPO organized under Cooperative Acts.
To assist needy cooperatives in the preparation of business plans and projects.
Benefits
- ₹10,000/month for 4 months (₹40,000 total)
- ₹5,000 lump sum for data collection and report preparation
- Total financial support of ₹45,000 over the 4-month internship
- Practical experience at NCDC's Head Office, Regional Offices, or LINAC
- Certificate of completion upon successful submission of internship report
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Cooperative sector knowledge is directly relevant if you're considering starting or working with a producer cooperative — this internship gives you insider understanding of NCDC's funding mechanisms and cooperative governance.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must hold at least a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Dairy, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary, Fisheries, Horticulture, Textiles, Handloom, or IT; OR be pursuing/completed MBA Agri Business, MBA Coop, M.Com, MCA, MBA Finance, MBA Rural Development, or equivalent postgraduate qualification
- Must be recommended by the Head of Department of a UGC/AICTE/ICAR recognized institution
- Can be taken as an intern only once (not more than once)
- Maximum of 2 interns per year from the same institution
- Maximum of 2 interns at any Regional Office simultaneously
How to Apply
- Visit the NCDC Sahakar Mitra portal (sip.ncdc.in).
- Submit passport photo, recommendation letter, and identity proof.
- Provide educational documents, email, and mobile number.
- Complete the 4-month internship program.
- Receive your consolidated stipend and completion certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP)'?
Under the scheme, NCDC will provide short-term (not exceeding four months) opportunities to young professionals to acquire learning experience by applying skills and knowledge in an organizational context to facilitate professional development.
What is the objective of the SIP?
The objective of the scheme is to provide work-related learning experience in the core and special fields of functioning of NCDC to students of professional courses and to project contribution and achievements of NCDC in the development of cooperatives.
What is the aim of the scheme?
The Scheme aims at providing an opportunity for professional graduates to get experience in areas of functioning of NCDC and related aspects of cooperatives.
When was the SIP introduced, and why?
The SIP was introduced in the year 2012-13 to facilitate work-related learning experiences for students and contribute to the development of cooperatives.
How has the SIP evolved over the years?
Originally launched for general professional courses, the scheme expanded to include students in the 2nd year of MBA Agri-Business from State Agricultural Universities in states where NCDC's Regional Offices are located.
What is the maximum duration of the internship period at NCDC?
The internship period at NCDC shall not exceed four months for a person.
Is the financial support meant to cover only out-of-pocket expenses?
Yes, the consolidated monthly amount of [?]10,000/- is intended to partly cover the interns' out-of-pocket expenses during the four-month SIP.
What is the total financial support offered by NCDC during the SIP?
The total financial support provided by NCDC to interns during the SIP is [?]45,000/-, inclusive of the consolidated monthly amount and expenses related to report preparation.
Where will the interns be placed?
Interns will be placed at the Head Office (HO), LINAC, or Regional Offices (ROs) based on their preferences and the requirements of NCDC.
Can a person participate in the internship program more than once?
No, a person cannot be taken as an intern more than once as per the program guidelines.
How can I apply for Sahakar Mitra?
Visit the official Portal NCDC: Sahakar Mitra (https://sip.ncdc.in/Default.aspx)
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Recommendation letter
- Identity proof
- All relevant educational documents