The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched its Online Short-Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for March 2026, aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of human rights among university students. The two-week programme began recently and will run until 20 March 2026. A total of 80 university-level students from diverse academic backgrounds have been selected to participate. They were shortlisted from 1,147 applicants representing 17 states and Union Territories across India.
NHRC Internship Programme Objective and Learning Opportunities
The internship programme has been designed to familiarise students with the functioning of human rights institutions and the broader issues surrounding human rights protection. The initiative aims to help students understand real-world challenges related to justice, equality, and social responsibility. During the programme, interns will interact with experienced practitioners and experts in the human rights field, gaining insights into policy, law, and institutional practices. Officials said the goal of the internship is to encourage students to become ambassadors of human rights awareness in society.
Lectures, Workshops and Academic Activities in the Programme
The NHRC internship curriculum includes a mix of academic sessions and interactive learning activities to help participants build practical understanding of human rights. The programme will include the following activities:
- Lectures by experts and human rights practitioners
- Group research project presentations
- Book review and declamation competitions
- Interactive discussions and knowledge sessions
These activities are intended to strengthen students’ analytical skills while deepening their understanding of human rights issues in contemporary society.
Virtual Institutional Visits for Practical Exposure
Apart from lectures and academic activities, the internship programme also includes virtual tours of institutions involved in the justice and welfare system. These visits are designed to provide participants with a practical perspective on the functioning of public institutions. Virtual exposure sessions will include visits to:
- Tihar Jail
- Shelter homes
- Police stations
Such interactions aim to help students observe how human rights principles are applied in real institutional environments.
NHRC Encourages Youth Participation in Human Rights Awareness
Addressing the interns during the inaugural session, NHRC officials encouraged participants to use the internship period to develop a deeper understanding of social justice and discrimination issues. The commission emphasised that young people have an important role in recognising injustice, raising awareness and promoting dignity for every individual in society.