About the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is a statutory institution established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Its primary objective is to ensure that eligible and disadvantaged sections of society have access to free legal services and that disputes are resolved through mechanisms such as Lok Adalats.
NALSA works to strengthen access to justice and supports the functioning of legal services institutions at the national, state and district levels.
For law students, the NALSA Internship Programme 2026 provides an opportunity to understand the practical functioning of legal aid institutions and gain exposure to different areas of the justice delivery system.
NALSA Internship Programme 2026
The NALSA internship is designed to provide law students with practical exposure to the functioning of NALSA and other legal services institutions.
During the internship, students may get an opportunity to learn about:
- Legal aid and access to justice
- Functioning of Legal Services Authorities
- Lok Adalats
- Legal Aid Defence Counsel system
- Court and institutional procedures
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
- Legal awareness and assistance programmes
- Field-level implementation of legal services schemes
The programme combines institutional learning, reading assignments, orientation sessions and field visits.
NALSA Internship 2026: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) |
| Internship | NALSA Internship Programme 2026 |
| Duration | One month / Four weeks |
| Mode | Full-time, physical internship |
| Eligibility | 3-Year LL.B and 5-Year Integrated Law Course students |
| Attendance | Minimum 90% required |
| Working Days | Monday to Saturday |
| Working Hours | Generally 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Stipend | No stipend or remuneration |
| Accommodation | To be arranged by the intern |
| TA/DA | Not provided |
| Laptop | Interns must carry their own laptop |
| Certificate | Issued after successful completion |
| Selection | Draw of lots and approval of competent authority |
Eligibility for NALSA Internship 2026
Students pursuing a recognised law degree may apply for the NALSA Internship Programme.
Eligible students
Applicants must be pursuing either:
- A Three-Year LL.B course from a recognised University, College or Institution; or
- A Five-Year Integrated Law Course from a recognised University, College or Institution.
Preference in selection
Preference is given to students who are in:
- 3rd to 5th year of a Five-Year Integrated Law Course; or
- 2nd to 3rd year of a Three-Year LL.B Course.
Students should carefully check the latest internship notice and application requirements before applying.
Duration of NALSA Internship
The NALSA internship is conducted for one month, equivalent to four weeks.
The internship is scheduled to begin on the first day of the respective month.
Students should therefore plan their academic schedule carefully before applying, particularly because the internship requires physical attendance and a minimum attendance percentage.
NALSA Internship Certificate
Students who successfully complete the internship are awarded an Internship Certificate.
However, the certificate is subject to fulfilment of the required internship conditions.
90% Attendance Requirement
A minimum of 90% attendance is mandatory for successful completion of the internship and issuance of the certificate.
Students are therefore advised to avoid applying for an internship period that conflicts with their university examinations.
Letter of Recommendation
NALSA does not provide a letter of recommendation to interns under the stated internship guidelines.
NALSA Internship Working Hours and Attendance
The internship is a full-time physical programme.
Interns are generally required to follow NALSA office timings:
- Working hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Working days: Monday to Saturday
- Minimum attendance: 90%
Interns should obtain permission from the concerned NALSA officer if any exception to the normal schedule is required.
What Do Students Learn During the NALSA Internship?
The internship provides exposure to the functioning of NALSA and other institutions involved in the legal services system.
The programme may include:
- Orientation sessions
- Study of NALSA schemes
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures
- Reading of modules and reports
- Understanding legal aid mechanisms
- Field visits
- Court visits
- Institutional visits
- Interaction with legal services professionals
- Understanding of Lok Adalat proceedings
- Exposure to mediation mechanisms
NALSA Internship Orientation
The internship begins with an orientation programme.
During the orientation, interns are introduced to:
- NALSA
- Its objectives
- Legal services institutions
- Access to justice mechanisms
- Internship activities
- Relevant institutional procedures
Interns may also receive reading materials relating to NALSA, including:
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Schemes
- Modules
- Statistical reports
- Reports concerning NALSA activities
Field Visits During NALSA Internship
A significant component of the programme involves field visits.
Interns may receive exposure to institutions such as:
- Delhi State Legal Services Authority
- District Legal Services Authority
- Legal Aid Defence Counsel Office
- National Lok Adalat
The field exposure helps students understand how legal aid and access-to-justice programmes operate at the ground level.
Court and Institutional Exposure
During the internship, students may also get an opportunity to understand the functioning of:
- Remand Courts
- Crime Against Women Cells
- District Magistrate’s Office
- Other relevant government and legal institutions
Such visits can help students connect theoretical legal education with practical aspects of the justice delivery system.
Exposure to Mediation and Supreme Court Legal Services
The internship programme may also include visits to institutions associated with the Supreme Court and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Students may visit:
- Mediation Centre at the Supreme Court of India
- Supreme Court Library
- Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
This exposure can help students understand the role of mediation, legal research, legal aid and institutional support in the justice delivery system.
What Happens at the End of the Internship?
Towards the conclusion of the internship, an interaction may be conducted with the NALSA team.
A group photograph may also be taken as part of the concluding activities.
Students who satisfy the applicable requirements, including the attendance requirement, may receive their Internship Certificate.
Why Should Law Students Consider the NALSA Internship?
The NALSA Internship can be particularly useful for law students interested in:
- Legal aid
- Constitutional law
- Access to justice
- Litigation
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Human rights
- Public interest law
- Judicial and court procedures
- Legal research
- Social justice
The programme provides students with an opportunity to understand how legal services institutions function beyond classroom-based legal education.
NALSA Internship Application Process
Students interested in applying for the internship are required to submit their applications through the prescribed online application process.
The application generally requires the following documents:
1. Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Applicants should upload an updated CV or resume containing relevant academic and extracurricular information.
2. Expression of Interest
Students are required to submit a short Expression of Interest (EOI) explaining:
- Why they want to undertake the NALSA internship
- Their interest in legal aid and access to justice
- Their academic background
- How the internship would contribute to their legal education and career
The Expression of Interest should generally be one page or shorter.
3. No Objection Certificate
Applicants are required to submit an NOC from the appropriate authority of their institution.
The NOC may be issued by the:
- Dean
- Head of Department
- Internship Committee
- Placement Committee
- Or another competent authority of the institution
The NOC should specifically mention the student’s course and semester/year.
Apply Online: APPLICATION FORM FOR INTERNSHIP | LAW STUDENTS
Contact Details for NALSA Internship
For queries or clarification regarding the internship programme, students may contact NALSA through the official contact details mentioned in the internship guidelines.
Telephone: 011-23382778
Email: nalsa-dla@nic.in
Students should verify contact details and the latest internship instructions on the official NALSA website before relying on any older notification.
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