Law Commission of India Voluntary Internship Scheme: Complete Guide for Law Students
The Law Commission of India has introduced a revamped Voluntary Internship Scheme, effective from 1 July 2025, replacing its earlier internship guidelines. This Law Commission of India internship gives law students direct exposure to legal research, law reform projects, and policy drafting work at one of India’s most influential legal institutions.
About the Scheme
This internship is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate law students, as well as law scholars, who want practical exposure to the Commission’s research-driven work in legal reform, law and policy development, and legal system modernisation. Selected interns engage directly with drafting, analysis, and review processes that shape Indian legal policy. Since this is a voluntary internship, it is entirely unpaid, and it does not create any right to future employment with the Commission.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this Law Commission of India internship, a candidate must meet the following conditions:
- Completed at least 2 years of a 5-year law degree course, or 1 year of a 3-year law degree course, at a recognised University, Law School, or Law College
- Not have already availed an internship under this Scheme during the same financial year
Duration of the Internship
The internship ordinarily runs for four weeks, though it may be extended up to a maximum of eight weeks, subject to the intern’s request, the supervising officer’s recommendation, and the Chairperson’s approval.
Nature of Work
Interns at the Law Commission of India may be assigned the following tasks:
- Conducting legal research and analysis on existing and proposed legislation, as well as judicial decisions
- Analysing Law Commission reports in light of contemporary requirements
- Assisting in drafting research papers, consultation reports, and working documents
- Participating in seminars and discussions organised by the Commission
- Compiling case laws, statutes, comparative legal materials, and literature reviews
- Assisting the Chairperson, Members, or Research Officers with ongoing studies
- Submitting a short research paper or digitised presentation at the end of the internship
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted only in online mode, sent to lci-dla@nic.in, at least two months in advance of the intended start date. Incomplete applications are rejected outright, and no correspondence will be entertained regarding them.
Along with the application form (Appendix A), candidates must submit:
- An updated CV
- A scanned copy of their institution-issued ID card
- A scanned copy of a signed and stamped recommendation letter from a professor or dean
- A scanned copy of their latest or last marksheet
Selection Process
Selection is based on academic performance, the quality of the candidate’s statement of purpose, and slot availability. The Commission ordinarily offers no more than 12 slots at any given time, though the Chairperson may vary this. Selected candidates are notified by email and must report to the Law Commission’s office with their ID proof, a passport-size photograph, and the original copies of their recommendation letter and marksheet.
Place of Work
Interns ordinarily work from the Law Commission’s office at Lok Nayak Bhavan, ‘B’ Wing, 2nd Floor, Khan Market, New Delhi. However, hybrid or remote working options may be considered at the discretion of the competent authority, depending on circumstances.
Attendance and Conduct
Interns must maintain at least 75% attendance throughout the internship. Falling below this threshold means no extension will be granted, and no certificate will be issued. Interns are also required to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all material and information encountered during the internship, and any external publication or communication based on internship work must be cleared in writing by the competent authority beforehand.
Logistics and Facilities
Since this is an unpaid internship, all travel, accommodation, and related expenses must be borne by the intern. Interns are expected to bring their own laptops and essential gadgets. In return, the Commission provides access to its library, legal databases, internet facilities, and workspace, subject to availability.
Certification
At the end of the internship, a certificate is issued after the competent authority evaluates the intern’s research paper, digitised presentation, or overall work.
Why This Internship Matters
A Law Commission of India internship offers rare, direct exposure to how legal reform actually takes shape in India — from legislative drafting to policy analysis. For students interested in legal research, policy work, or academia, this experience adds significant depth and credibility to a legal resume.
Looking to strengthen your profile before applying? Explore our guide on how to convert your internship into a PPO, or check the highest-paying law firms in India for freshers if you’re also exploring corporate options.
Not sure if this internship aligns with your career goals? Ask a mentor directly on The LawCademy’s QnA Mentorship Segment for real, practice-based guidance.
