NACO Internship: Eligibility, Application Process, and Career Benefits

The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) started the NACO Internship Program in 2018 to allow students to participate in government policy-making and implementations of the National AIDS Control Program in India.  Students can contribute to HIV/AIDS prevention and control initiatives by being a part of this internship program. 

If you are interested in government policies and programs and want to be a part of this internship, read on to know the eligibility, application process, and other benefits of this NACO internship.

What is the NACO Internship Program?

National AIDS Control Organisation offers internship opportunities to candidates pursuing undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), M.Phil, and PhD programs. NACO offers a structured internship for applicants to learn under the Government of India’s Health and Family Welfare Ministry. This internship is an excellent chance for interns to get familiarized with the health policy formulation and implementation process of the government, especially regarding the National HIV/AIDS and STD Control Program. The structured internship allows interns the required exposure to understand the functioning of the government and serves as a mutually beneficial proposition for applicants and NACO.     

Who is Eligible for the NACO Internship Program?

NACO Internship Program can be availed by students pursuing UG, PG, M.Phil, and PhD courses in subjects like social sciences, statistics, public health, preventive & social medicine, and health management among others. Students must be a part of UG/PG courses offered by recognized colleges/universities in India.

NACO prefers applicants with exceptional academic backgrounds and PhD scholars. Candidates who are working on projects applicable to NACO’s programs will also be given preference.  

However, NACO specifies that the internship option is not a job and it doesn’t give any job assurance to interns. The final decision on candidate selection for the internship program rests with NACO officials.

How to apply for the NACO Internship Program?

Interested candidates can apply for a NACO internship once they get an authentication from their college/university. Internship applications can be emailed or shared by regular speed post along with copies of necessary documents to the following address:

Deputy Secretary

National AIDS Control Organisation 

9th Floor, Chandralok Building,

36, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001

Candidates can email their application and include a Cover Letter and other attachments to naco.internship@gmail.com. For more information, you may visit the link below: https://naco.gov.in/naco-internship-programme.

NACO Internship Committee scrutinizes and shortlists candidates within four weeks of receiving the application as per the eligibility criteria defined. The committee may also conduct personal interviews with the applicant either through physical interactions or online. Selected candidates are then intimated by email. At the time of joining the internship, candidates must submit their joining letter to NACO. They get to work under the supervision of the concerned HODs of different departments. 

Note that enrolment for internships is open throughout the year and the internship is offered depending on program requirements. In case of any queries, applicants can send an email to usadmin.dac@gmail.com

Duration of the Internship 

NACO offers internships for a minimum period of 6 weeks and a maximum period of 3 months based on different prerequisites of the program. Interns are also eligible to apply for a second term of internship with NACO. 

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Documents Required

• A letter of introduction from the institution (on their letterhead) where the applicant is pursuing their studies or has completed their degree.
• NOC from the college if the candidate needs to pursue the internship parallel with their course.
• Self-attested copies of qualification certifications and proofs of courses and projects being pursued.
• Three proofs of identity such as passport/Aadhar card/Voter ID/PAN card for Indian candidates. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) candidates require documents like a passport, OCI card, and National Identity card.

Benefits of the NACO Internship Program?

The interns will receive a stipend of Rs 8,000/month paid once the candidates complete the internship successfully. Remember, if students stop the internship in between, they will not receive any remuneration. 

Interns are also eligible for certificates issued only after the candidates complete the internship program. They are also required to submit the reports after completing the internship, which must be accepted by the reporting officer. However, like remuneration, students discontinuing the internship halfway through will not receive a certificate either.

Interns will also be allowed to access the required office logistics such as workspace, stationery, and others. However, they must arrange for their laptops and internet.

Conclusion

The NACO Internship Program allows interns to avail of a unique platform to acquire practical experience in public health, particularly related to HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Along with skill enhancement, the internship opens doors to networking with health professionals to help candidates build an excellent career in public health. 

To join a NACO internship program, you need a strong educational background and expertise in the relevant domain. The best institute to avail of the relevant UG, PG, and short-term courses online to support your NACO internship is Amity University Online. Visit the Amity Online portal to learn about the various courses and certifications you can pursue to upskill and enhance your scope of a NACO internship. Enrol now.

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