NGSF Internship Program 2026 – Funded Life Science Internships in India

NGSF Internship Program 2026

The Next Gen Scientists Foundation (NGSF) is offering its annual funded internship program for 2025–26, open to undergraduate and postgraduate students in life sciences across India. Registered under the Trust Act of India (1882), NGSF supports motivated students who want hands-on exposure to research in biological sciences at Indian research institutes.

This internship program provides funding, mentorship, and structured training for students interested in building research skills through 2–3 month on-site or remote internships with Principal Investigators (PIs) at recognized Indian institutions.

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About the NGSF Internship Program

NGSF supports students in gaining practical experience, working in research laboratories, and developing strong scientific communication skills. Interns conduct independent research projects under the supervision of experienced faculty members in India.

Both on-site internships and remote internships (computational biology only) are accepted this year. Remote interns will form a maximum of 20% of the selected cohort.

Starting 2027, NGS interns can also apply for funding support for their thesis projects.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants are eligible if they meet the following requirements:

• Must be a UG/PG student in life sciences.

• Must be interested in a 2–3 month internship (minimum 56–84 days).

• Must be accepted to work with a PI/Professor at an Indian institute (outside the student’s current institute).

• Students receiving funding from KVPY, INSA, JNCASR, IIT, IISER, or PI-based fellowships are not eligible for additional support.

• NGSF does not support internships where students must pay fees.

Eligible student categories

• 2nd year students of 3-year UG programs

• 2nd/3rd year students of 4-year UG programs

• 1st year students of 2-year PG programs

• 2nd/3rd/4th year students of 5-year integrated programs

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Internship Duration

Internship period: May to July 2026
Duration: 2–3 months, depending on the mentor’s availability and student’s convenience.

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Application Timeline

• Application window: 1 December 2025 – 15 March 2026

• Review process: Rolling basis (early applications recommended)

• Interviews: April 2026 (via Skype)

• Result announcement: Before 31 April 2026

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Funding and Support

NGSF provides financial assistance to selected candidates:

• ₹6000/month for on-site internships

• ₹3000/month for remote internships (computational biology)

• Travel reimbursement (on-site): up to the cost of a III AC train ticket (round trip)

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Finding a Mentor / PI

NGSF does NOT assign labs. Students must independently secure a PI at any Indian institute.

Guidelines for selecting a PI:

• Minimum of 3 years faculty experience

• At least 3 peer-reviewed publications as corresponding author

Recommended institutes list is available on the NGSF website.

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Additional Program Benefits

Higher Studies Abroad Mentorship

Through collaboration with Scholarscape, selected interns receive free 1:1 mentorship for Master’s and PhD applications abroad.

Scientific Communication Training

Interns will:

• Submit monthly progress reports

• Contribute an article to the NGSF blog

• Present their research experience in the NGS Internship Webinar Series

Dissertation Program (Post-Internship)

Former interns can apply for:

• ₹6000/month stipend for thesis research (up to 6 months)

• Eligible only if thesis work is done at an institute different from the student’s home institute

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How to Apply

Applications accepted only via the online system.
Apply here: https://ngsf.in/ngs-internship-program/