The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, through the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), has launched the DESW Internship Scheme, offering Indian students and young graduates a unique opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to policies and welfare initiatives designed for India’s veteran community.
The internship allows participants to study and understand various aspects of Ex-Servicemen welfare, healthcare, resettlement, rehabilitation, and administrative systems, while contributing valuable research that may assist the government in improving policies and programs for veterans and their families.
For students aspiring to build careers in public policy, governance, defence studies, social welfare, administration, law, healthcare management, or research, this internship provides an excellent platform to work closely with the Ministry of Defence ecosystem.
What is the DESW Internship Scheme?
The DESW Internship Scheme is an initiative of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence.
The primary objective of the scheme is to:
- Engage Indian youth in understanding issues concerning Ex-Servicemen.
- Promote research-based policy recommendations.
- Provide practical exposure to government functioning.
- Encourage academic participation in veteran welfare initiatives.
- Create awareness about rehabilitation and resettlement programs for retired Armed Forces personnel.
Interns will be assigned specific study topics and are expected to conduct structured research and submit reports at the end of the internship.
Why is this Internship Important?
India has one of the world’s largest veteran populations. Thousands of retired Armed Forces personnel and their families depend upon various welfare, pension, healthcare, and rehabilitation schemes administered by the government.
The internship provides an opportunity to understand:
- Veteran welfare mechanisms
- Healthcare delivery systems
- Pension-related administration
- Resettlement policies
- Skill development initiatives
- Challenges faced by Ex-Servicemen and their dependents
The findings and recommendations submitted by interns may assist DESW in improving existing systems and introducing new policy interventions.
Internship Duration
One of the major attractions of the scheme is its flexibility.
| Particulars | Duration |
| Minimum Internship Period | 2 Months |
| Maximum Internship Period | 12 Months |
| Availability | Throughout the Year |
| Extension | Subject to DESW requirements |
Applicants can choose the duration according to their academic schedule and availability.
Areas of Work During the Internship
Selected interns will work on topics related to Ex-Servicemen welfare and administration.
Key Research Areas
1. Welfare Schemes for Ex-Servicemen
Study of various welfare initiatives available to:
- Retired Armed Forces personnel
- Widows of veterans
- Dependents of Ex-Servicemen
- Disabled veterans
2. Resettlement and Rehabilitation Programs
Research on:
- Employment opportunities
- Skill development
- Vocational training
- Entrepreneurship support
- Transition from military to civilian life
3. Healthcare Policies
Analysis of healthcare initiatives such as:
- Veteran healthcare systems
- Medical facilities
- Health insurance support
- Healthcare accessibility issues
4. Administrative Processes
Understanding and evaluating:
- Service delivery mechanisms
- Grievance redressal systems
- Administrative challenges
- Policy implementation processes
Benefits of the DESW Internship Scheme
The internship offers several professional and academic benefits.
Practical Exposure to Government Policy
Interns gain firsthand understanding of how government departments formulate and implement welfare programs.
Research Experience
Participants work on real-world issues affecting veterans and their families.
Professional Certification
A certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the internship and submission of the final report.
Opportunity for Publication
Exceptional reports may be published by DESW with due acknowledgment and credit to the intern.
Career Enhancement
The internship can strengthen profiles for:
- Civil Services aspirants
- Public Policy students
- Defence Studies scholars
- Researchers
- Social sector professionals
- Management and Law students
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to a wide range of students and young scholars.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
✅ Be a citizen of India.
✅ Be a Graduate or Postgraduate student.
✅ Belong to any academic discipline or stream.
✅ Be studying in a recognized university or institution.
✅ Submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their institution if currently enrolled.
Educational Qualification
The scheme accepts applicants from virtually all academic backgrounds, including:
- Arts
- Science
- Commerce
- Management
- Law
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Defence Studies
- Public Administration
- Research Programs
This multidisciplinary approach allows students from diverse educational backgrounds to participate.
Documents Required
Applicants must keep the following documents ready:
Mandatory Documents
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (Maximum 200 Words)
- Proof of Indian Nationality
- Educational Qualification Certificates
Educational Documents
- Class 10 Marksheet and Certificate
- Class 12 Marksheet and Certificate
- Graduation Marksheet and Certificate
- Post-Graduation Marksheet and Certificate (if applicable)
For Current Students
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Parent Institution
Proof of Nationality
Any one of the following:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Government-issued Identity Card
Special Provision
Applicants who are not currently enrolled in any institution are not required to submit an NOC.
How to Apply for DESW Internship Scheme?
The application process is completely online.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1
Visit the official website of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. Link of the website is given at the end of this article.
Step 2
Navigate to:
Scheme → DESW Internship Scheme
Step 3
Open the scheme guidelines and click on the highlighted “Click Here” link.
Step 4
The DESW Internship Application Google Form will open.
Step 5
Fill personal details:
- Name
- Father’s/Mother’s Name
- Date of Birth
- Nationality
Step 6
Provide:
- Correspondence Address
- Mobile Number
Step 7
Enter educational details:
- Class 10
- Class 12
- Graduation
- Post-Graduation
Including:
- Board/University Name
- Year of Passing
- Percentage Obtained
Step 8
Select:
- Current Course (if applicable)
- Internship Duration
- Area(s) of Interest
Step 9
Mention previous government internship experience, if any.
Step 10
Write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) in not more than 200 words.
Step 11
Accept the undertaking and submit the application form.
Documents Required After Shortlisting
Candidates shortlisted for interview/selection may be asked to submit hard copies of:
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- No Objection Certificate
- Supporting educational documents
Final Report Submission
Every intern is required to submit a final report to the designated officer upon completion of the internship.
The report should include:
- Research findings
- Analysis
- Observations
- Recommendations
The quality of this report will play an important role in obtaining successful completion certification.
Will Interns Receive a Certificate?
Yes.
Upon satisfactory completion of:
- Assigned work
- Internship duration
- Final report submission
DESW will issue a Certificate of Successful Completion.
This certificate can significantly enhance a student’s academic and professional credentials.
Can DESW Publish Interns’ Research Work?
Yes.
One of the unique features of the scheme is that DESW may publish:
- Complete reports
- Excerpts
- Research findings
with appropriate credit given to the intern.
This provides valuable recognition and visibility for outstanding work.
Is There Any Stipend?
Based on the currently available scheme details, no monetary benefit or stipend has been specified.
Applicants should therefore treat the internship primarily as a learning, research, and career-development opportunity.
However, candidates are advised to refer to the latest official guidelines for any future updates.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This internship is particularly beneficial for:
- BBA Students
- MBA Students
- Public Policy Aspirants
- UPSC Aspirants
- Defence Studies Students
- Law Students
- Social Work Researchers
- Healthcare Administration Students
- Public Administration Scholars
Anyone interested in understanding government policy-making and veteran welfare can benefit from this opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main objective of the DESW Internship Scheme?
To provide Indian youth with practical exposure to welfare, healthcare, rehabilitation, and administrative schemes meant for Ex-Servicemen.
Who can apply?
Any Indian graduate or postgraduate student from a recognized institution.
Is an NOC compulsory?
Yes, for students currently enrolled in a university or college.
What is the internship duration?
Minimum 2 months and maximum 12 months.
Is there a stipend?
No stipend has been mentioned in the current scheme guidelines.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, after successful completion and submission of the final report.
Can previous government interns apply?
Yes. Applicants who have completed internships with other government bodies may also apply.
Are internships available throughout the year?
Yes, depending upon DESW requirements.
Can my research be published?
Yes. DESW may publish selected reports or excerpts with proper credit to the intern.
Conclusion
The DESW Internship Scheme is a valuable initiative by the Ministry of Defence that bridges the gap between academic learning and public policy implementation. It offers students a rare opportunity to engage with issues affecting India’s veteran community while gaining exposure to government administration and research-based policymaking.
For young scholars interested in defence affairs, governance, social welfare, healthcare policy, or public administration, this internship can serve as an important stepping stone toward a rewarding career while contributing meaningfully to the welfare of India’s Ex-Servicemen and their families.
Application Link for DESW Internship Scheme – – https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/deswinternship
& Website of the DESW – www.desw.gov.in