FSSAI Internship 2026 (July-September): Eligibility, Stipend, and How to Apply
If you are a food technology, life science, or management student looking for a government internship this summer, FSSAI has just released its circular for the July to September 2026 internship batch. Applications opened on 18th June 2026, and the last date to apply is 27th June 2026, so you need to act fast.
Here is everything you need to know about the programme.
What is the FSSAI Internship Programme?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the apex regulatory body for food safety in the country, set up under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Every quarter, FSSAI opens its doors to students through a structured internship scheme. The programme gives you hands-on exposure to food regulation, food safety administration, laboratory work, and related areas depending on the location and department you are placed in.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
FSSAI accepts applications from students currently enrolled in full-time graduate, post-graduate, or higher degree programmes from recognised institutes in India or abroad. Students who have already completed their degrees are not eligible.
The eligible streams are:
(a) Science and Technical Fields Post Graduate / B.Tech / BE students in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Food Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition, Edible Oil Technology, Microbiology, Dairy Technology, Agricultural Sciences, Horticultural Sciences, Industrial Microbiology, Toxicology, Public Health, Life Science, Biotechnology, Fruit and Vegetable Technology, or Food Safety and Quality Assurance.
(b) Business and Management Students of Business Administration and Management including Finance, Taxation Law, Marketing, Psychology, Human Resource, Economics, Statistics, Information and Communication Technology, Entrepreneurship, and related fields.
(c) Mass Communication PG Diploma or Degree holders in Journalism, Mass Communication, and Public Relations.
(d) Computer Science B.E. / B.Tech students in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Software Engineering but only 3rd and 4th year students. 1st and 2nd year students are not eligible.
(e) Public Policy Post Graduate Degree or Diploma in Public Policy or Public Administration. This stream is available only at FSSAI Headquarters in New Delhi.
(f) Law Bachelor or Master of Law.
(g) Commerce Bachelor of Commerce and equivalent courses.
A few important notes before you apply:
- Students who have completed their degrees should not apply.
- Multiple applications from the same candidate will not be entertained.
- Candidates must ensure that the internship location they are applying to actually offers their subject or topic. For example, FSSAI labs only handle Food Sampling and Testing, so only technically qualified candidates will be eligible for those placements.
- For any queries, reach out to: internship-fssai@fssai.gov.in
How Long is the Internship?
The internship runs on a quarterly basis throughout the year. The minimum duration is 2 months and it can go up to a maximum of 6 months. Internships shorter than 2 months will not be offered under this scheme.
Where Can You Do Your Internship?
FSSAI offers internship placements across multiple locations in India. Here is a breakdown of the regions and the subjects available at each:
| Region | Topics Available |
|---|---|
| FSSAI HQ, New Delhi | Human Resource, Information Technology, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, Science and Standards, Imports/Trade and International Cooperation, Legal, Policy Coordination Unit, Social and Behavioural Change, Training, Central Procurement Unit and General Administration |
| Regional Offices: ERO Kolkata, NRO Ghaziabad, SRO Chennai | Food Imports Clearance and Licensing |
| National Food Laboratories: NFL Ghaziabad, NFL Kolkata, NFL Kolkata extension centre (Raxaul), NFL Chennai | Food Sampling and Testing |
Note that mentioning a preference in your application is not a guarantee of placement in that specific department or location.
What Will You Work On?
Interns will be attached to one of the divisions at FSSAI HQ, Regional Offices, or National Food Laboratories based on their academic background and the projects available. The work is related to different aspects of Food and Nutrition Management Processes.
Is There a Stipend?
Yes. A stipend of Rs. 10,000 for the entire internship period is available for deserving interns. It is not automatically given to everyone. It is awarded based on a recommendation from the Office or Division you are attached to, and is evaluated on three factors: attendance, assessment by your reporting officer, and evaluation of your final report by Divisional Heads at FSSAI HQ or Directors at Regional Offices and National Food Laboratories.
Will You Get a Certificate?
Yes. All interns who successfully complete the programme and submit their final report or presentation will receive a certificate. The certificate is awarded by their respective Divisional Head at FSSAI HQ or the Director at Regional Offices and National Food Laboratories.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the FSSAI portal. Here are the key dates:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application window opens | 18th June 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 27th June 2026 |
| Shortlist announcement | To be communicated |
| Date of joining | To be communicated |
Once shortlisted, candidates may be asked to submit a short write-up or presentation as part of the final selection process. Applications are reviewed by Nodal Officers nominated for the internship.
The final list of selected candidates, along with joining dates and internship tenure, will be published on the FSSAI website at: https://fssai.gov.in/internship@fssai.php
At the time of joining, you will need to carry:
- A letter from your institute confirming your student status
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your institute
- A character certificate from the institute authority
- Proof of educational qualifications as mentioned in the application
One more thing worth noting: joining time extension requests of more than one week will not be accepted, since the programme runs on a strict quarterly schedule.
Practical Details
FSSAI will provide working space and internet access. However, interns must bring their own laptops. Local lodging, travel, and boarding expenses will not be covered by FSSAI.
Should You Apply?
If you are a food technology, life science, or management student and want real exposure to how India's largest food regulatory body operates, this is a solid opportunity. The stipend is modest, but the learning environment and the certificate from a government organisation carry weight, especially if you are heading towards food regulation, quality assurance, or public health as a career.
The deadline is 27th June 2026, so if you are eligible, do not wait.
Apply here: https://sites.fssai.gov.in/internship
For queries: internship-fssai@fssai.gov.in