Internship in Social Sciences at ISEC Bengaluru 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Postgraduate Students

The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) in Bengaluru, India, has officially opened applications for its 2026 Social Sciences Internship Programme, offering postgraduate students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary research.

This prestigious internship is designed for students who are eager to deepen their understanding of social science research, engage with leading academics, and contribute to policy-relevant studies. With a strong legacy of research excellence and policy impact, ISEC provides an ideal environment for young researchers to develop critical skills and practical knowledge.

About the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC)

Established in 1972, ISEC is one of India’s leading interdisciplinary research institutions dedicated to advancing knowledge in social sciences. The institute has played a significant role in shaping public policy through rigorous research in areas such as economics, sociology, political science, and education.

ISEC is widely recognized for:

• Conducting high-quality macro and micro-level research
• Promoting equity and social justice
• Bridging the gap between research and policy-making
• Hosting a distinguished team of economists, sociologists, political scientists, and educationists

A major focus of the institute is capacity building among young researchers, making this internship a valuable stepping stone for students aiming to pursue academic or policy-oriented careers.

Objectives of the ISEC Internship Programme

The primary goal of the programme is to provide postgraduate students with practical exposure to interdisciplinary research in social sciences.

This is achieved through:

1. Hands-on Research Experience

Interns will actively participate in research projects, gaining insight into methodologies, data analysis, and academic writing.

2. Developing Research Skills

Students will be guided in:

• Formulating research questions
• Designing research frameworks
• Conducting independent or collaborative studies

3. Academic Interaction

Interns will engage with:

• Faculty members
• Researchers
• PhD scholars

from nine academic centres within ISEC.

4. Understanding Policy Dynamics

Participants will gain first-hand exposure to how research informs policy decisions, including situations where research and policy may align or diverge.

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Internship Duration and Format

The 2026 internship will be conducted entirely in offline mode, requiring physical presence in Bengaluru.

• Duration: 2 months
• Period: Between May and August 2026
• Commitment: Full-time

ISEC offers flexibility in scheduling within this timeframe, but interns are expected to maintain consistent engagement and collaborate closely with faculty supervisors.

Stipend, Accommodation, and Travel Benefits

The internship provides financial and logistical support to ensure accessibility for selected candidates.

Stipend

• INR 5,000 per month (for two months)
• Awarded based on performance, diligence, and deliverables

Accommodation

• Free accommodation (excluding food)
• Provided at ISEC hostels, guest houses, or quarters
• Available only for students coming from outside Bengaluru

Travel Support

• Reimbursement of train travel (non-AC sleeper class)
• Applicable for interns traveling from outside Bengaluru

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this internship, candidates must:

• Be currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in social sciences
• Be between the 2nd and 3rd semesters of their Master’s programme

This ensures that applicants have foundational academic knowledge while still benefiting from early research exposure.

Research Themes Available

ISEC offers a wide range of interdisciplinary research areas, allowing students to align their interests with ongoing projects.

1. Agriculture

Includes agricultural economics, rural development, agribusiness, econometrics, and AI/ML applications in agriculture.

2. Environment and Climate Change

Focuses on socioecology, environmental valuation, and climate change analysis.

3. Economic Studies

Covers development economics, trade, industrial economics, public finance, and socio-economic impact analysis.

4. Urban and Gender Studies

Explores urban governance, poverty, informality, land use, transport, and gender-related issues.

5. Education and Employment

Includes labour markets, migration, education systems, and human capital development.

6. Public Health and Population

Addresses public health systems, population studies, and medical anthropology.

7. Decentralisation and Development

Focuses on local governance, cooperatives, and fiscal decentralisation.

Application Process

Applicants must follow a structured application procedure:

1. Download the application form from the official ISEC website
2. Complete the form carefully
3. Attach two recommendation letters:
   • One from the Head of Department
   • One from a senior faculty member
4. Send the complete application,

Application Deadline

21 April 2026

Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications early, as ISEC will not be responsible for postal delays. All submissions will undergo a rigorous selection process, and decisions made by the selection committee will be final.

Why You Should Apply

This internship is a rare opportunity to:

• Work with leading experts in social sciences
• Gain practical research experience
• Understand the relationship between research and policy
• Build a strong academic and professional network
• Strengthen your profile for future careers in academia, public policy, or international organizations

For postgraduate students seeking meaningful exposure and career growth, the ISEC Internship 2026 stands out as a highly valuable and enriching experience.

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