Legal Internships in Delhi: Complete Guide for Law Students (2026–27)
Delhi offers law students opportunities to intern with Supreme Court judges, Delhi High Court advocates, leading law firms, government departments, regulators, NGOs and legal policy organisations. These internships can help students develop legal research skills, gain courtroom experience and explore different career paths.
However, each organisation follows a different application process. Eligibility requirements, stipends and deadlines also vary. In this guide, we cover the major legal internship opportunities in Delhi, explain when to apply and share practical tips to strengthen your application.
Internship Requirements for Law Students
The Bar Council of India’s Rules of Legal Education prescribe internship requirements for law students. The general framework requires at least 12 weeks of internships for students pursuing a three-year LL.B. and 20 weeks for students pursuing a five-year LL.B.
The rules also address the duration of internships in each academic year and require students to gain experience with trial and appellate advocates. Students should check the current BCI rules and their university’s internship policy to confirm the requirements that apply to them.
A good internship plan should include different types of legal work. For example, students can combine litigation internships with corporate law, government or policy research placements. This approach helps them understand different areas of practice before choosing a specialisation.
1. Supreme Court Judicial Internships
Supreme Court judicial internships are useful for students interested in litigation, judicial clerkships, constitutional law and legal research. Interns may assist with case research, read judgments and prepare case briefs, depending on the requirements of the judge’s chamber.
There is no single application process covering every Supreme Court judge. Individual chambers announce their own internship programmes and selection criteria. Students should therefore look for current notices on official channels and verify application details before applying.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility depends on the chamber. Some programmes accept students in the second or third year of a three-year LL.B. For five-year programmes, certain chambers accept students from the third year onwards. Other chambers prefer final-year students or allow applications from penultimate-year students.
Many judicial internships require full-time, in-person attendance. Some chambers also conduct an orientation covering court procedures, research methods and drafting formats.
Application deadlines can be strict. Certain chambers may require applications by the 10th of the month before the intended internship. However, this is not a universal deadline. Always follow the date stated in the relevant notice.
Stipend and Career Benefits
Many judicial internship notices do not specify a stipend. Students should confirm the payment terms before accepting an offer.
Even when an internship is unpaid, the experience can be valuable. It helps students improve their judgment-reading, legal research and case analysis skills. These skills are particularly relevant to litigation, judicial clerkships and legal academia.
2. Delhi High Court Internships
Students can seek internships with individual Delhi High Court judges, advocates and government counsel. These opportunities provide exposure to court proceedings, legal research and litigation preparation.
Internships with Judges’ Chambers
Judges’ chambers may ask applicants to submit a CV and cover letter. Some notices specify a particular email subject line, such as “Judicial Internship – [Month – Year]”.
The required format, eligibility criteria and duration vary between chambers. Some programmes are full-time and in person. Others encourage applications from students in specific years of their law degree.
Before applying, check the notice carefully. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and include every document the chamber requests.
Internships with Advocates and Government Counsel
Individual advocates’ offices offer opportunities to work on civil, criminal and commercial matters. Students may assist with legal research, case preparation and the study of judgments.
Offices of Central Government Standing Counsel may also accept interns for work involving the Delhi High Court. These placements can help students understand how government litigation operates.
Courtroom Conduct for Law Interns
Law interns must understand their professional limits. They may observe proceedings, conduct research and assist their supervising advocates. However, they must not present themselves as practising advocates or speak for clients without the required legal authority.
Follow your supervisor’s instructions and the court’s rules. Professional conduct is an essential part of a successful internship.
3. District Courts and Tribunals in Delhi
District courts are a practical option for students who want to understand litigation at the trial level. Delhi has several major court complexes, including Tis Hazari, Saket, Patiala House, Karkardooma, Rohini, Dwarka and Rouse Avenue.
Advocates at these courts may accept interns for monthly placements. Depending on the cases they handle, students may observe hearings and learn about bail applications, evidence, trial procedure and case preparation.
Tribunals offer opportunities for students with specialised interests. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) may suit students interested in corporate law and insolvency. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) may be relevant for students interested in taxation.
If you want practical litigation experience, consider these placements alongside internships at larger courts. They can help you understand how legal principles operate in actual disputes.
4. Law Firm Internships in Delhi
Delhi is home to several leading corporate law firms. These firms offer exposure to professional legal work, although internships can be competitive. Application processes and stipend policies differ between firms.
The following table summarises application information and stipend figures reported in available internship guides. These amounts are indicative, not guaranteed current offers.
| Law firm | Application process and stipend information |
|---|---|
| Khaitan & Co. | Applications may be submitted through an online form or a college placement committee. Some guides report a stipend of around ₹8,000 per month, but applicants should confirm the current amount. |
| Trilegal | Applications are made through the firm’s website. Some guides describe a two-stage assessment process and report a stipend of around ₹15,000 per month. For certain May–June internships, applications may need to be submitted several months earlier. |
| Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas | Application methods may include submitting a CV and cover letter to the designated internship email address. Some reported internships have been unpaid. |
| AZB & Partners | Older internship guides recommend applying several months in advance. Applicants should check the current recruitment process and deadlines. |
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Start by identifying the firm’s practice areas. Then tailor your application to the team you want to join. For example, if you are applying to a tax practice, highlight relevant coursework, research projects and previous experience.
Avoid sending the same generic email to every firm. Instead, explain why you want to work with that firm and what you can contribute.
Prepare your CV carefully and follow the firm’s application instructions. If the firm specifies a subject line, file format or application form, follow it exactly.
Finally, confirm the stipend, internship dates and work arrangements before accepting an offer. Firms may change their policies, so older stipend figures should not be treated as current guarantees.
5. Government Bodies and Regulators
Government internships provide exposure to public institutions, legal research and regulatory work. Some programmes offer stipends, while others are unpaid.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
The National Human Rights Commission offers internship programmes for students interested in human rights and public law.
The four-week, in-person programme described in the available information offers a stipend of ₹12,000 and third-class AC train fare for travel to and from Delhi. The stated eligibility includes students who have completed three years or Semester VI of a five-year LL.B. and are in the fourth or fifth year. LL.M. students may also qualify. Students who have previously completed an NHRC internship are stated to be ineligible.
The available information also describes a two-week online programme with a stipend of ₹2,000.
NHRC Winter Internship 2026: The published details available for this guide state that the programme runs from 14 December 2026 to 8 January 2027, with applications closing on 15 October 2026 at 6:00 PM. Since this deadline falls on the date of this guide, applicants should immediately check whether the application window remains open.
Official website: National Human Rights Commission
Law Commission of India
The Law Commission’s voluntary internship scheme is described as an unpaid programme with a standard duration of four weeks at its office in Khan Market, Delhi.
The stated eligibility includes students who have completed at least two years of a five-year law degree or one year of a three-year LL.B. programme.
Interns may assist with legal research and law reform projects. This internship may suit students interested in legislative development, statutory interpretation and legal policy.
Ministry of Law and Justice
The Ministry offers opportunities through departments such as the Legislative Department and the Department of Legal Affairs.
The Legislative Department’s scheme is described as targeting fourth- and fifth-year students. It reportedly favours applicants who have studied legislative drafting and does not offer a stipend.
The Department of Legal Affairs has also advertised a monthly internship programme with a ₹5,000 honorarium. Applicants should consult the current departmental notices for eligibility, application dates and payment terms.
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
The Competition Commission of India offers internship opportunities for students interested in competition law and market regulation.
Published listings have reported different stipend arrangements, including figures of ₹15,000 and unpaid placements. Therefore, applicants should not rely on third-party listings to determine the current stipend.
Check the latest notice on the official CCI website before applying.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
The CBI’s Law Internship Scheme has been described as accepting 30 interns across several cities, including Delhi. The programme lasts three to six months and is unpaid.
Interns must arrange their own accommodation and sign an Oath of Secrecy. The 2026 application round described in available information closed on 20 May 2026.
Students interested in criminal law and investigative institutions should monitor the official CBI website for future announcements.
6. NGOs and Legal Policy Think Tanks
NGOs and legal policy organisations provide opportunities to work on human rights, public interest litigation, law reform and policy research. These placements can be useful for students interested in public service or research-oriented careers.
Human Rights Law Network (HRLN)
The Human Rights Law Network provides pro bono legal services to people with limited access to justice. Its work includes public interest litigation, advocacy and legal awareness programmes.
An internship may suit students interested in human rights, constitutional law and access to justice.
Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
Vidhi is an independent legal policy think tank that works on legal research, policy analysis and law reform.
Past internship calls have requested a résumé, a writing sample of up to 1,500 words and the applicant’s exact internship dates. Some guides recommend applying two to six months in advance.
Requirements may vary between projects. Applicants should check the relevant call and tailor their applications to the research area.
Other Organisations to Explore
Students can also explore opportunities at PRS Legislative Research, Project 39A at NLU Delhi, Lawyers Collective and the Centre for Policy Research.
Each organisation has its own focus. Before applying, identify the work that interests you and check whether the organisation has an active internship programme.
NGOs and think tanks may also offer opportunities to first- and second-year students, depending on the role. These placements can provide an early understanding of how law affects individuals, communities and public institutions.
When Should You Apply for Legal Internships in Delhi?
Application timelines depend on the organisation. The following table provides a general planning guide.
| Internship type | Suggested application timeline |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court and Delhi High Court chambers | Some chambers follow monthly cycles and require applications by the 10th of the previous month. |
| Large corporate law firms | Apply several months in advance. Some internships require applications during the preceding year. |
| NHRC | Follow the published internship calendar and the deadline in the current notice. |
| Think tanks and NGOs | Applying two to six months ahead may be useful where the organisation accepts advance applications. |
| Individual advocates’ chambers | Some accept applications on a rolling basis. Contacting them four to eight weeks ahead may provide time to plan. |
These are general planning suggestions, not universal deadlines. Always follow the current notice and the organisation’s stated application process.
How to Write a Strong Legal Internship Application
A good application should make it easy for the organisation to assess your suitability. Your CV, cover letter and supporting documents should reflect the role you are applying for.
Keep your CV concise. One page is a useful target for many applications, although some judges’ chambers may request two pages. Highlight relevant moots, publications, coursework, research projects and previous internships.
Next, follow the prescribed subject line and application format. Some chambers use these details to organise applications. Following instructions also demonstrates attention to detail.
Your cover letter should explain why you want to join that particular organisation. Mention a relevant practice area, judgment, research project or policy issue. Avoid generic statements that could apply to any employer.
If you have a suitable writing sample, include it when requested or when it strengthens a research-focused application. Finally, follow up politely after about a week, unless the organisation specifies a different timeline.
Legal Internship Red Flags and Important Precautions
Never pay someone to secure an internship or obtain a certificate. Fee demands may indicate a scam. Apply through official websites, verified email domains or the organisation’s stated recruitment process.
Before joining, confirm the internship dates, work arrangements, certificate terms and any stipend in writing. Keep copies of your application and the organisation’s replies. These records can help if a disagreement arises about attendance or certification.
You should also maintain an internship diary if your university requires one. Ask your internship cell about the format and supporting documents needed for academic credit.
Finally, verify whether an online internship satisfies your university’s requirements. Do not assume that every remote placement qualifies for internship credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can first-year law students get internships in Delhi?
Yes. First-year students can explore NGOs, district court advocates and research organisations. However, some judicial chambers, government programmes and corporate firms require students to have completed more years of study.
Are legal internships in Delhi paid?
Some are paid, but many are unpaid. The programmes described in this guide include NHRC internships with reported stipends of ₹12,000 for four weeks and ₹2,000 for two weeks. Some law firms and government departments have also advertised stipends or honorariums. Confirm the current terms in the official notice.
Are online legal internships valid for BCI credit?
That depends on the applicable BCI requirements and your university’s policy. Ask your internship cell before relying on a remote placement to meet your academic requirements.
How many internships should a law student complete?
First, meet the internship requirements that apply to your degree and university. Then aim for a mix of experiences, such as litigation, corporate law, government and policy research. This can help you understand different career paths before specialising.
When should I apply to law firms in Delhi?
Apply according to each firm’s recruitment cycle. Some large firms accept applications several months in advance. Check the firm’s official website and placement notices for the current process.
Conclusion
Delhi offers legal internship opportunities across litigation, corporate law, government institutions, regulators and public policy organisations. The right choice depends on your year of study, career interests and practical requirements.
Start by checking eligibility and deadlines. Then prepare a tailored application and confirm the internship terms in writing. Most importantly, verify every stipend, opening and deadline through the relevant organisation before applying.
A well-planned mix of internships can help you build research skills, understand courtroom practice and make more informed career decisions.
