National Legal Services Authority Internship Programme 2026 – Apply by August 31
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is inviting applications from law students for its Internship Programme 2026. The one-month physical internship provides students with practical exposure to legal services, access to justice, courts and the functioning of NALSA.
Students should submit the online application and upload all required documents before the applicable deadline.
NALSA will not provide any stipend, remuneration, TA/DA or accommodation. Interns must make their own accommodation arrangements and attend the internship physically.
- About National Legal Services Authority
- About the Internship Programme
- Eligibility Criteria
- Year-Wise Preference
- Duration of Internship
- Submission of Internship Report
- Internship Certificate
- Important Internship Guidelines
- Working Hours and Attendance
- Stipend, Accommodation and Expenses
- Laptop and Local Travel
- Dress Code
- Application Procedure
- Documents Required
- Selection Process
- Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Job/Internship Summary
1. About National Legal Services Authority
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is a statutory authority constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
NALSA works towards providing free legal services to weaker sections of society and organising Lok Adalats for the amicable settlement of disputes.
The organisation plays an important role in promoting access to justice and creating awareness about legal aid and legal services.
Why NALSA Experience Can Be Valuable for Law Students
An internship with NALSA can give law students practical exposure to the functioning of a national legal services institution and help them understand how legal services and access-to-justice mechanisms operate in practice.
2. About the NALSA Internship Programme 2026
NALSA offers an internship programme for law students from recognised universities, colleges and institutions across India.
The programme is designed to acquaint young law students with the working of the National Legal Services Authority and provide hands-on exposure in specialised areas of legal services.
The broader objective is to help students understand the practical side of legal services and the importance of access to justice.
Unlike a purely academic internship, the programme requires interns to attend physically and follow the working schedule of the NALSA office.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Students pursuing either a three-year LL.B. programme or a five-year integrated law course can apply, provided they are studying at a recognised university, college or institution.
| Course | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 3-Year LL.B. | Students pursuing a Three-Year LL.B. from a recognised institution. |
| 5-Year Integrated LL.B. | Students pursuing a Five-Year Integrated Law Course from a recognised institution. |
The notification specifically states that preference will be given to students in particular years of their respective law programmes.
4. Year-Wise Preference
Preferred Candidates
- 3-Year LL.B.: Preference will be given to students in the 2nd or 3rd year.
- 5-Year Integrated Law Course: Preference will be given to students in the 4th or 5th year.
This means students in other years may not necessarily be excluded if they satisfy the eligibility criteria, but candidates in the preferred years may receive preference during selection.
5. Duration of Internship
The NALSA internship is for a period of one month, equivalent to four weeks.
The internship is scheduled to commence from the first day of the month for which the student has been selected.
Plan Your Internship Month Carefully
Since the internship requires high attendance and is a full-time physical programme, students should avoid applying for a month in which they have college examinations or other academic commitments.
6. Submission of Internship Report
At the end of the internship programme, every intern is required to submit a report covering the work undertaken at NALSA.
Students should therefore maintain proper records of their work, assignments, observations and learning throughout the internship so that they can prepare the final report effectively.
7. Internship Certificate
Interns will receive an Internship Certificate only after successfully completing the internship to the satisfaction of the Member Secretary, NALSA.
90% Attendance Requirement
The certificate is subject to meeting the prescribed 90% attendance requirement.
Students should therefore treat the attendance requirement seriously and plan their internship period accordingly.
No Letter of Recommendation
NALSA states that no Letter of Recommendation (LOR) will be provided by the Authority.
8. Important Internship Guidelines
Candidates should carefully understand the programme guidelines before applying because this is a structured, full-time and physical internship.
- Interns must arrange their own accommodation.
- No TA/DA will be paid by NALSA.
- No stipend or remuneration will be paid.
- Interns must follow NALSA office timings.
- Interns are required to work six days a week.
- Second and fourth Saturdays of each month are holidays.
- 90% attendance is mandatory for successful completion.
- Interns must carry their own laptops.
- Interns may need to travel locally to courts and other offices.
- Formal black-and-white dress code is required.
- Unsatisfactory performance can result in discontinuation of the internship.
- The internship is full-time and physical.
9. Working Hours and Attendance
Interns are required to follow the NALSA office schedule of 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, unless otherwise permitted by the concerned NALSA officer.
| Working Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Office Timing | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Working Days | Monday to Saturday |
| Second Saturday | Holiday |
| Fourth Saturday | Holiday |
| Attendance Required | Minimum 90% |
| Mode | Physical / Full-Time |
The programme is therefore not designed as a flexible part-time internship. Students should be prepared to devote the required working hours to the internship throughout the four-week period.
10. Stipend, Accommodation and Expenses
The NALSA Internship Programme does not provide any stipend or remuneration to interns.
In addition, NALSA does not provide accommodation and does not pay TA/DA.
| Expense / Benefit | NALSA Provision |
|---|---|
| Stipend | Not Provided |
| Remuneration | Not Provided |
| Accommodation | Intern must arrange independently |
| TA/DA | Not Provided |
| Laptop | Intern must carry own laptop |
11. Laptop and Local Travel Requirements
Own Laptop Required
Interns are required to carry their own laptops for the smooth completion of internship-related tasks.
Local Travel
The internship may require interns to travel locally to visit Courts and other offices as needed.
Candidates should therefore consider local transportation requirements and associated expenses before accepting the internship.
12. Dress Code
Formal Black & White Dress Code
Interns are required to follow a formal Black & White dress code as prescribed by the Bar Council of Delhi.
Students should ensure that they are prepared to follow the prescribed professional dress code throughout the internship.
13. Physical Internship – Not Work From Home
The NALSA internship is a full-time physical internship. Interns are expected to attend the programme in person and are not expected to pursue another course or work during the internship tenure.
Students looking specifically for online or work-from-home legal internships should not confuse this programme with a remote internship.
14. Application Procedure
Students interested in the NALSA Internship Programme must apply through the prescribed online application form.
The application requires students to provide the necessary personal and academic details and upload the documents specified by NALSA.
Application Mode: Online Only
The notification states that applications must be submitted through the online mode. No other means of requesting an internship will be entertained.
15. Documents Required
Applicants are required to submit the application form along with the relevant supporting documents.
1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Students should submit an updated CV or resume containing their academic background, achievements, skills, internships and other relevant information.
2. Expression of Interest
Applicants must provide an Expression of Interest of one page or shorter explaining:
- Why they are interested in the NALSA internship.
- Why they are suitable for the programme.
- Their interest in legal services and access to justice.
- What they hope to learn from the internship.
3. No Objection Certificate
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the appropriate authority of the student's institution is mandatory.
The NOC may be issued by the Dean, Head of Department, Internship & Placement Committee or another appropriate higher authority.
Important NOC Requirement
The NOC must specifically mention the student's name and semester/year of the particular law course.
16. Application Window
The NALSA application system follows a specific advance application schedule. The application form is made accessible for a defined period before the month immediately preceding the intended internship period.
The notification gives the following example: if a student wants to undertake an internship in January 2026, the application form would be accessible from 1 September 2025 to 30 November 2025.
Students should therefore carefully check the application window applicable to their desired internship month and avoid waiting until the last moment.
17. Selection Process
Selection for the NALSA internship will be based on individual merit.
The orders of the competent authority regarding selection will be final.
| Selection Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must satisfy the prescribed law-course requirements. |
| Merit | Selection will be based on individual merit. |
| Competent Authority | Final decision rests with the competent authority. |
| Documents | Required documents must be submitted with the application. |
18. How to Write a Strong Expression of Interest
The Expression of Interest is an important part of the application because students are required to explain their interest in the programme and suitability for the internship.
A good one-page statement can briefly cover:
- Your current year and law programme.
- Your interest in legal aid and access to justice.
- Why you want to learn about NALSA's functioning.
- Relevant academic subjects or experiences.
- Any previous legal research, drafting or social-justice-related exposure.
- How the internship fits into your legal career goals.
Keep It Specific
Avoid writing a generic statement such as "I want this internship because NALSA is prestigious." Instead, explain your genuine academic interest in legal services, access to justice, Lok Adalats or the practical functioning of legal aid institutions.
19. Who Should Apply?
This internship may be particularly relevant for law students interested in:
- Legal Services and Legal Aid
- Access to Justice
- Constitutional Law
- Public Interest Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Lok Adalats
- Human Rights and Social Justice
- Court Procedures
- Public Institutions
- Legal Research
20. Important Things Students Should Know Before Applying
| Point | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Stipend | None |
| TA/DA | None |
| Accommodation | Self-arranged |
| Mode | Physical |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Office Timing | 10 AM – 5 PM |
| Working Days | Monday–Saturday |
| Attendance | 90% mandatory |
| Laptop | Own laptop required |
| Local Court Visits | May be required |
| Dress Code | Formal Black & White |
| LOR | Not provided |
21. Internship Certificate Conditions
Successfully completing the internship does not automatically mean that every intern will receive the certificate regardless of attendance or performance.
The certificate is awarded after successful completion of the internship to the satisfaction of the Member Secretary, NALSA.
In addition, the prescribed 90% attendance criterion must be met.
Students should therefore maintain professional conduct, complete assigned work responsibly and follow the instructions of the concerned officers.
22. Unsatisfactory Performance
The internship guidelines state that an intern may be asked to discontinue the internship in the event of unsatisfactory performance.
Students should treat the programme like a professional legal internship and maintain punctuality, discipline and appropriate workplace conduct.
23. No Other Course or Work During Internship
NALSA describes this as a full-time internship. Interns are not expected to pursue another course or work during the tenure of the internship.
Students should therefore ensure that their academic schedule allows them to attend the internship for the complete four-week period.
24. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the NALSA Internship Programme?
It is an internship programme offered by the National Legal Services Authority for law students to gain practical exposure to legal services and the functioning of NALSA.
Q2. Who can apply for the NALSA internship?
Students pursuing a recognised Three-Year LL.B. or Five-Year Integrated Law Course can apply.
Q3. Which law students are preferred?
Preference is given to students in the 2nd or 3rd year of a Three-Year LL.B. and the 4th or 5th year of a Five-Year Integrated Law Course.
Q4. What is the duration?
The internship lasts for one month or four weeks.
Q5. Is the NALSA internship paid?
No. The programme is unpaid. NALSA states that no stipend or remuneration will be paid.
Q6. Does NALSA provide accommodation?
No. Interns must make their own accommodation arrangements.
Q7. Does NALSA provide TA/DA?
No. The internship guidelines state that no TA/DA will be paid.
Q8. Is this a work-from-home internship?
No. This is a physical, full-time internship.
Q9. What are the working hours?
Interns are generally required to follow NALSA office timings of 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Q10. How many days per week do interns work?
Interns work Monday to Saturday, with the second and fourth Saturdays of each month being holidays.
Q11. What attendance is required?
A minimum of 90% attendance is required for successful completion and the internship certificate.
Q12. Is a laptop required?
Yes. Interns are required to carry their own laptops.
Q13. Will interns receive a certificate?
Yes, subject to successful completion of the internship to the satisfaction of the Member Secretary, NALSA and compliance with the attendance requirement.
Q14. Will NALSA provide an LOR?
No. The internship guidelines specifically state that no Letter of Recommendation will be provided.
Q15. What documents are required?
Applicants need to submit a CV/resume, a one-page-or-shorter Expression of Interest and a mandatory No Objection Certificate from the appropriate institutional authority.
Q16. How will candidates be selected?
Selection is based on individual merit, with the decision of the competent authority being final.
Q17. Is there a dress code?
Yes. Interns are required to follow a formal Black & White dress code as prescribed by the Bar Council of Delhi.
Q18. Can students apply during their college examinations?
Students are advised not to apply during examination periods because the programme requires 90% attendance and is full-time.
25. Contact Information
| Organisation | National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) |
|---|---|
| Phone | 011-23382778 |
| nalsa-dla@nic.in | |
| Application Mode | Online |
26. Application Link
Apply for NALSA Internship Programme 2026
Eligible law students can submit their application through the prescribed online application form.
Before applying, keep your CV, Expression of Interest and NOC ready.
APPLY ONLINE →27. Official Notification
Students should read the complete official notification carefully before submitting their application because the programme has specific requirements relating to attendance, working hours, documents, accommodation, dress code and physical attendance.
Read the Official NALSA Internship Notification →
28. NALSA Internship 2026 – Quick Summary
| Organisation | National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) |
|---|---|
| Programme | NALSA Internship Programme 2026 |
| Eligible Courses | 3-Year LL.B. / 5-Year Integrated Law Course |
| Preferred Years | 2nd/3rd Year LL.B. and 4th/5th Year Integrated Law |
| Duration | 1 Month / 4 Weeks |
| Mode | Physical / Full-Time |
| Stipend | None |
| TA/DA | None |
| Accommodation | Self-Arranged |
| Working Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Working Days | Monday – Saturday |
| Attendance | 90% Mandatory |
| Laptop | Own Laptop Required |
| Certificate | Yes, subject to successful completion and attendance |
| LOR | Not Provided |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Selection | Individual Merit |
| Apply By | 31 August 2026 |
29. Final Words
The National Legal Services Authority Internship Programme 2026 is an important opportunity for law students who want practical exposure to legal services, access to justice and the functioning of a national legal services institution.
Students pursuing a Three-Year LL.B. or Five-Year Integrated Law Course from a recognised institution can apply, with preference given to students in the specified years of their respective courses.
However, candidates should understand that this is not a paid or remote internship. It is a full-time physical programme, requires 90% attendance, involves working Monday to Saturday, and requires interns to arrange their own accommodation and carry their own laptops.
The programme can nevertheless provide meaningful practical exposure to legal services and access-to-justice work. Students interested in public-interest legal work, legal aid, Lok Adalats and institutional legal practice may find the experience particularly relevant.
Ready to Apply?
Prepare your CV, Expression of Interest and NOC, then submit the online application before the applicable deadline.
NALSA Internship 2026 • 1 Month • Physical • Unpaid • 90% Attendance
APPLY NOW →
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