Project 39A Invites Applications for Internship Programme 2026
Project 39A, a renowned criminal justice initiative of National Law University (NLU), Delhi, has invited applications for its Internship Programme 2026. The internship offers students an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research and litigation projects relating to criminal justice, human rights, legal aid, torture, mental health, forensic science, and the death penalty.
Students from law, humanities, social sciences, management, media, and other academic disciplines can apply for the programme. Interested candidates must submit their applications by June 15, 2026.
About National Law University, Delhi
National Law University, Delhi is one of India's premier law universities, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes in legal education.
The university aims to provide comprehensive and interdisciplinary legal education while promoting constitutional values, ethical standards, social justice, and the rule of law. Through its academic and research initiatives, NLU Delhi has emerged as a leading institution in legal scholarship and policy development.
About Project 39A
Project 39A is a formal initiative of National Law University, Delhi, dedicated to research and pro bono litigation concerning India's criminal justice system.
The project derives its inspiration from Article 39A of the Constitution of India, which promotes equal access to justice and free legal aid. Through empirical research, strategic litigation, and policy engagement, Project 39A seeks to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.
The initiative has played a significant role in shaping national conversations around:
- Death Penalty
- Legal Aid
- Forensic Science
- Mental Health and Criminal Justice
- Torture and Custodial Violence
- Human Rights Protection
About the Internship Programme
The Project 39A Internship Programme is designed to provide meaningful exposure to the realities and complexities of India's criminal justice system.
Selected interns will work closely with researchers, lawyers, policy experts, and project teams engaged in ongoing research and litigation initiatives.
The internship offers practical experience in some of the most important contemporary issues affecting criminal law and human rights in India.
Areas of Work
Interns may be assigned work in one or more of the following domains:
Death Penalty
- Research on death penalty jurisprudence
- Litigation support
- Data collection and analysis
Forensic Science
- DNA Forensics
- Criminal investigations
- Scientific evidence in criminal trials
Legal Aid
- Access to justice
- Legal representation
- Criminal justice reforms
Mental Health and Criminal Justice
- Rights of persons with mental illness
- Mental healthcare in prisons
- Criminal responsibility and mental health
Torture
- Custodial violence
- Human rights violations
- Prevention and accountability mechanisms
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to students enrolled in recognized undergraduate or postgraduate programmes in India or abroad.
Eligible disciplines include:
Law
- BA LLB
- BBA LLB
- LLB
- LLM
- Legal Research Programmes
Humanities and Social Sciences
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Public Policy
- International Relations
Management
- BBA
- MBA
- Management Studies
Media and Communications
- Journalism
- Mass Communication
- Digital Media Studies
Other Disciplines
Candidates from other academic backgrounds may also be considered based on merit and relevance of their profile.
Internship Duration
The internship programme is available for:
Full-Time Internship
- Minimum Duration: 4 Weeks
- Maximum Duration: 12 Weeks
Applicants must clearly specify their preferred internship dates while applying.
Part-Time Internship
Although part-time applications are considered, Project 39A strongly prefers full-time interns.
Candidates selected for part-time internships must commit to:
- Minimum Duration: 12 Weeks
Internship Location
Selected interns will work at:
Project 39A
National Law University Delhi
Sector 14, Dwarka
New Delhi
The internship provides an opportunity to engage directly with one of India's leading criminal justice research and litigation centres.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Project 39A team.
Shortlisting Process
- Applications will be evaluated based on academic background, experience, and interest in criminal justice issues.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted through email.
- Further instructions regarding internship dates and assignments will be communicated to selected applicants.
Last Date to Apply
Application Deadline
June 15, 2026
Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing date.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates must send their applications through email.
Application Email
Applicants should ensure that their application clearly mentions:
- Educational qualifications
- Area of interest
- Preferred internship dates
- Relevant experience and achievements
Application Procedure
Why Students Should Apply?
The Project 39A Internship is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious opportunities in the field of criminal justice research and human rights law in India.
Interns gain:
- Exposure to real-world criminal justice issues
- Research and litigation experience
- Opportunity to work with leading lawyers and researchers
- Understanding of human rights and constitutional law
- Practical insights into legal aid and forensic science
- Experience that strengthens academic and professional profiles
For law students and researchers interested in criminal law, constitutional law, public policy, human rights, and legal reform, the internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful work.
Key Highlights
- Organization: Project 39A, NLU Delhi
- Internship Type: Research and Litigation Internship
- Eligible Courses: Law, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management, Media and Other Disciplines
- Location: Sector 14, Dwarka, New Delhi
- Duration: 4–12 Weeks
- Mode: Full-Time Preferred
- Last Date: June 15, 2026
- Application Mode: Email
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