IndiaAI Fellowship and Government AI Internships: Who Can Apply
Government-backed programmes can help students build AI skills without paying for a costly private course or taking out an education loan. The best known is the IndiaAI Fellowship. It's competitive and has strict academic rules, so check whether you qualify before you spend time on an application.
IndiaAI Fellowship and Government AI Internships: Who Can Apply
What is the IndiaAI Fellowship?
The fellowship is part of the IndiaAI Mission, the central government's programme for building AI capability. An IndiaAI article on the first round describes support for B.Tech and M.Tech students under the mission's skills pillar. It's funding for study and AI work, not a paid internship with an employer.
Funding and eligibility, as reported
Terms can change between rounds, so treat these as a starting point. Details published for the current programme describe:
- Undergraduates: final-year students may receive up to ₹1 lakh. Listed conditions include at least three AI courses and 80% marks or a CGPA of 8.0.
- Postgraduates: students in their first three semesters may receive up to ₹2 lakh, with minimum marks required.
- PhD scholars: newly enrolled, full-time AI scholars may receive monthly support, but published figures conflict, so check the current amount.
- Conference support: a one-time grant of up to ₹1 lakh is reported for students presenting at leading AI conferences.
Applicants may also face limits linked to their institute, including nomination caps. Ask your department or dean's office how your institute handles this.
Check the deadline now
Several news sites report that applications for the 2026-27 round close on 30 November 2026. We couldn't confirm that date from an official page, and an official listing describes nominations differently. Log in to the official fellowship portal or ask your institute right away, rather than relying on this or any other website.
How to prepare an application
Gather your records
You'll likely need academic transcripts, proof of enrolment, identity documents, and records of any AI courses you've completed. If you plan to use an AI project as evidence, make sure it's documented and available to share.
Speak to your institute early
If nominations are required, your institute may set an earlier internal deadline. Don't leave it until the last week of the national deadline.
Protect yourself
Apply only through official websites. Don't pay an agent or a "consultant" who promises selection. Check that the web address ends in gov.in, and look out for lookalike sites. If you're contacted about a government scheme out of the blue, verify it first. Our scam guide explains what to look for.
Other official places to look
AICTE Internship Portal
The AICTE portal lists internships for students. Search for AI, data and software roles, then read each listing closely, as stipends and quality vary. AICTE has warned about fake websites before, so check the address carefully.
PM Internship Scheme
The PM Internship Scheme offers placements with companies for candidates who meet its age and education rules. Not every placement will involve AI, but technology-related roles may be worth exploring.
Free government learning
Platforms such as NPTEL can help you complete AI courses, which may also help you meet course-related requirements. Our AI course and certification guide compares free and paid options.
If you don't qualify
Many students won't meet the marks or course rules, and that doesn't stop you from working in AI. Build projects, look for smaller companies, and apply directly. Our AI internship guide covers where to start, and our stipend guide shows what to expect from paid roles.
Last checked November 2026. Stipends, course fees and programme rules change, and most stipend figures here come from job boards rather than official data. Confirm details with the employer, provider or official portal before you pay for or rely on anything. This is general information, not career or financial advice.