Mumbai, November 2025
For students and young professionals seeking meaningful, hands-on experience in governance, research, and public service, several internship and fellowship opportunities are currently available under the Government of Maharashtra and associated institutions. These programs aim to empower youth with practical exposure, skill development, and real-world problem-solving experience in diverse sectors — from policy and administration to technology and innovation.
Here’s a roundup of some key state and central-level internship programmes worth exploring in Maharashtra:
1. Chief Minister Fellowship Programme (Maharashtra)
The Chief Minister Fellowship Programme is a prestigious 12-month full-time fellowship designed for young professionals to work directly with government departments. Fellows collaborate with senior officials on public policy, governance reforms, and development initiatives across Maharashtra.
Key Highlights:
- Duration: 12 months
- Organized by: Government of Maharashtra (MahaDes)
- Ideal for: Graduates and postgraduates with work experience or research background
- Action: Check the MahaDes website for notifications on application dates, eligibility criteria, and selection process.
2. Chief Minister’s Youth Internship Scheme (Maharashtra)
This internship scheme provides youth with work-based training and field exposure in collaboration with entrepreneurs and local government bodies. The goal is to build employability and entrepreneurial skills among Maharashtra’s young workforce.
Key Highlights:
- Focus areas: Entrepreneurship, rural development, and public administration
- Duration: Few weeks to months
- Action: Visit nagarzp.gov.in or rojgar.mahaswayam.gov.in to check available sectors, eligibility, and registration process.
3. Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission – Internship Programme
The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) offers Winter and Summer Internship Programmes 2025, providing exposure to human rights policy, governance, and administrative work.
Key Highlights:
- Best suited for: Students of law, social policy, or political science
- Duration: Short-term internship (Winter/Summer)
- Action: Check details and updates on the official website mshrc.gov.in for 2025 intake information.
4. Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) – DRDO Internship (Pune)
For students in engineering and applied sciences, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) offers a paid internship at the Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune. The internship runs from 1 August 2025 to 31 January 2026 and provides exposure to defense technology and R&D.
Key Highlights:
- Duration: Six months
- Eligibility: UG/PG engineering students in relevant branches
- Action: Visit drdo.gov.in to check eligibility, required documents, and apply before the deadline.
5. PM Internship Scheme (Nationwide, including Maharashtra)
The PM Internship Scheme is a national initiative offering students internships in leading companies, ministries, and government organizations. Maharashtra plays an active role in the program, providing numerous opportunities across public and private sectors.
Key Highlights:
- Scope: Industry-linked internships under central government framework
- Open to: Students and young professionals across India
- Action: Monitor official education and government job portals for the latest openings and application schedules.
Why These Opportunities Matter
These internships and fellowships not only provide valuable exposure to policy, technology, and governance, but also help participants gain practical experience, professional networking, and a deeper understanding of India’s administrative ecosystem. For those looking to build careers in public policy, engineering, research, or social development, these programmes serve as ideal launchpads.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The information is based on publicly available data from the Government of Maharashtra and affiliated organizations. Applicants are advised to verify eligibility, deadlines, and application procedures through official portals before applying.
