NACO Internship Programme: Are you a student interested in public health, policy-making, or social development? The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare offers a prestigious Internship Programme that gives young minds a firsthand experience of government functioning and public health policy implementation.
This blog provides a comprehensive overview, covering eligibility, benefits, application process, required documents, and more, presented with easy-to-understand tables and sectioned headings.
NACO Internship Programme Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) |
| Internship Type | Government – Voluntary / Unpaid |
| Duration | 6 weeks to 3 months |
| Eligibility | UG/PG/M.Phil/PhD students in relevant disciplines |
| Application Deadline | Minimum 1 month before the internship start |
| Number of Interns | Max 10 at a time |
| Required Documents | Write-up, CV, Identity Proof, NOC, Letters, Certificates |
| Application Email | naco.internship@gmail.com |
| Placement Location | NACO HQ, New Delhi |
| Job Guarantee | No |
What is the NACO Internship Programme?
The NACO Internship Programme was launched in 2018 to engage students in the Government of India’s health initiatives, especially in the field of HIV/AIDS and STD prevention and control. Interns get the opportunity to work on research, programme implementation, data analysis, and public policy development.
Objectives of the Internship
- Help students understand the functioning of the government in the public health sector.
- Provide real-time exposure to national-level policy implementation.
- Enable interns to contribute to NACO’s research and projects.
- Facilitate academic enrichment and mutual learning.
Eligibility Criteria
This internship is open to a wide academic audience. Students from a variety of disciplines and education levels can apply.
Here’s a quick look at who can apply:
| Eligible Education Levels | Disciplines (Illustrative) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Preventive & Social Medicine, Public Health, Health Management |
| Postgraduate | Social Sciences, Statistics, Epidemiology, Development Studies, etc. |
| M.Phil & Ph.D. Students | Fields related to public health, policy-making, law, gender studies, and data sciences |
Note: Candidates whose internship was previously terminated or left incomplete are not eligible to apply again.
Internship Focus Areas
NACO offers work in several specialized focus areas. These are aligned with national health priorities and ongoing policy interventions.
You can choose to work in the following fields based on your interest and expertise:
| S.No. | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| 1 | Secondary data analysis (ICTC, PPTCT programmes) |
| 2 | MSM (Men who have Sex with Men) interventions |
| 3 | EID (Early Infant Diagnosis) programme |
| 4 | Community research on the HIV/AIDS Act, 2017 |
| 5 | Research on Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2018 |
Duration of Internship
The duration depends on the scope of the project and the student’s academic requirements.
| Minimum Duration | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
| 6 Weeks | 3 Months |
✔️ Students can apply for a second internship if they meet all eligibility criteria.
Number of Interns
At any given time, NACO accommodates no more than 10 interns to ensure a focused and effective learning environment.
Internship Benefits
Even though it is unpaid, the NACO internship offers strong educational and experiential value for students pursuing public service careers.
Key internship benefits are summarised below
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Voluntary / Unpaid Internship |
| Job Guarantee | No |
| Certificate | Likely issued upon successful completion |
| Skills Gained | Policy research, data analysis, and health systems |
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Students must apply in advance and follow the specified format in the guidelines.
Here’s where and how to send your application:
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Post | Deputy Secretary, National AIDS Control Organisation, 9th Floor, Chandralok Building, 36 Janpath, New Delhi – 110001 |
| By Email | naco.internship@gmail.com |
| Application Format | As per Annexure IV of the Scheme Guidelines |
| Deadline | Must reach at least 1 month before the internship start date |
Selection Process
NACO follows a structured three-step selection process to shortlist deserving candidates.
Here’s how the selection unfolds:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Application reviewed by the Internship Committee |
| Step 2 | Interview may be conducted (in-person / via video call or phone) |
| Step 3 | Final selection communicated via email or speed post |
Documents Required (At Time of Application)
The application must be complete with the following documents to be considered valid.
- Write-up (not exceeding 500 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Covering Letter
- Three identity proofs (Aadhar, PAN/Voter ID, Passport for international applicants)
- Letter from Head of Institution (on official letterhead)
- No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
- Self-attested academic certificates and transcripts
Documents Required (At Time of Joining)
Upon selection, you’ll need to present the following documents during onboarding:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, or Passport)
- Approval Letter from Dean/Principal
- For international students: Travel documents and an approval letter from the institute
Final Checklist for Applicants
Before you apply, double-check this list to ensure your application is complete and correct.
Final checklist before submission:
- Application in prescribed format (Annexure IV)
- All identity proofs and academic documents
- Write-up on personal & NACO benefits from internship
- Send the application at least 1 month in advance
- Email the advance copy to naco.internship@gmail.com
Career Impact of the NACO Internship
The NACO Internship can boost your academic and professional profile by:
- Exposure to one of India’s largest national health missions
- Research and data analysis skill development
- Insights into health law, gender rights, and marginalised communities
- Networking with policymakers, researchers, and NGOs
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about public health, HIV/AIDS advocacy, or policymaking, the NACO Internship Programme is a unique chance to get involved at a national level. Although it is unpaid, the skills and experience gained are highly valuable and can pave the way for further opportunities in public health, international organisations, and research institutions.
Have questions or need help preparing your application?
Drop them in the comments or reach out—we’re happy to help you shape your journey toward impactful health leadership!