The NGSF internship program funds life science internships across India. It exists to help students who secure a lab placement but need financial support to take up that opportunity. This guide explains who is eligible, what documents you need, how to approach PIs, and what to expect from the application and selection process.
What NGSF Does and how it is different
NGSF is a self-funded nonprofit that supports students with stipends and travel reimbursement. NGSF does not place students into labs. Instead, you must first get accepted by a principal investigator at a university or research institute and then apply to NGSF for funding.
Key differences from other programs
1. NGSF provides financial support only; it does not run or assign internships.
2. Both on-site and a limited number of remote internships are supported.
3. Stipends and travel reimbursement aim to make internships accessible rather than unpaid.
Stipend, travel reimbursement, and other benefits
Stipend: On-site interns receive Rs.6,000 per month. Remote interns receive Rs.3,000 per month.
Travel reimbursement: If you travel outside your hometown or home university, NGSF reimburses travel up to the cost of a third class AC train ticket or the equivalent. You may choose your mode of transport but reimbursement is capped.
Other program perks:
1. Regular reporting and a final presentation to build science communication skills.
2. An exclusive dissertation stipend for former NGSF interns: 6,000 rupees per month for up to six months for one funded thesis student per year.
3. Free one-on-one mentorship for students planning master or PhD applications abroad through a partner network.
Eligibility checklist
You must meet all of the following to be eligible:
1. Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree at the time of application and remain a student through the end of the internship. If your degree ends during the internship period you will not be eligible.
2. The internship must be undertaken at an institution different from the university where you are enrolled.
3. The internship must have a life science component. NGSF focuses on biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, ecology, medical biology, and related life science fields.
4. You must have a formal acceptance from a PI who will host you in their lab. NGSF will not fund students without that PI acceptance letter.
5. You cannot hold funding from another source for the same internship period. NGSF cannot be combined with other internship funding.
6. Typical approved internship length is two to three months (about 56 to 90 days). Check the website for exact duration limits.
Important dates and timeline
1. Applications are open until March 15, 2026.
2. Final selections and the published list of interns are typically released by the end of April.
3. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are short, roughly 15 minutes, and focus on the same project and motivation questions you write in the form.
Application documents and how to prepare them
Prepare the following before you start the Google application form:
-PI acceptance letter — Use the fillable template available on the website, send it to your PI to sign and return. This is the most important document.
-Mark sheets and transcripts — Upload current available transcripts. If you do not yet have marks for your current degree, upload your previous degree transcripts and any semester marks you have.
-Two-page CV — Keep it concise. One page is fine. Do not exceed two pages.
-Naming convention and application ID:
Create an application ID at the start of the form. The format is last name + last four digits of your phone number. Use this ID to name every uploaded file (for example, SMITH1234_CV.pdf). This ensures all documents remain linked to your application.
Application form: the essay questions that matter
The written section is the most heavily weighted part of your application. Think of these answers as the core of your case for funding.
-How your research interests align with the lab — Up to 1500 characters. Explain why this lab fits your interests and how the lab’s work connects to your goals.
-Project description or expected work — Up to 1500 characters. Describe the project you will work on or your expected role. If the PI gave only a general outline, summarize it clearly and honestly.
-Plans after graduation — Up to 600 characters. A short statement about your future plans and how this internship helps you get there.
Selection process
Selection is two steps:
1. Application review focusing on the PI acceptance, the written responses, and your academic record.
2. Short interview of about 15 minutes covering your motivation and project details. Strong written answers increase your chance of interview selection even if marks are not top tier.
How to approach PIs and write the email that gets noticed
Finding and convincing a PI to host you is the hardest and most time-consuming part. Start early and be methodical.
Steps to find PIs
1. Use institute department pages and lab websites to identify PIs whose work matches your interests.
2. Read a few of their recent papers and make notes about experiments or findings that genuinely interest you.
How to write your initial email
–Keep it short and clear. Aim for three short paragraphs:
–Introduce yourself and state the purpose of your email.
–Explain specifically why you are interested in that PI’s lab. Mention a paper, an experiment, or a technique and why it appeals to you.
–Briefly outline what you hope to gain and how long you want to intern. Attach your CV and indicate that you can provide the NGSF acceptance form if they are willing to host you.
–Apply to several PIs at once. Response rates vary and labs have limited spots.
–Being specific about the lab’s work differentiates you from generic applicants.
Common questions and quick answers
Can first year master’s students apply? Yes, as long as your degree does not end during the internship and you have a PI acceptance.
Can you apply for a dissertation or thesis funding without being an NGSF intern? Not for the dissertation stipend. That benefit is exclusive to former NGSF interns.
What if I do remote internships? Remote internships are considered but only a couple of remote spots are awarded each cycle.
Do marks decide everything? No. Written motivation and the PI acceptance are crucial. Marks are one of several factors.
Practical tips to increase your chances
-Start searching for PIs early. It can take weeks to find a lab and get a signed acceptance letter.
-Customize each PI email. Mention specific papers or techniques from their lab.
-Prepare concise written answers for the application. Practice your verbal answers for the short interview.
-Apply to multiple labs concurrently to improve your chances.
Contacts and where to apply
Website: https://ngsf.in/ngs-internship-program/ check the internship application page for the PI acceptance template and full instructions.
Questions: intern@ngsf.in
Final note
If you already have a lab acceptance, gather your transcripts, prepare a tight two-page CV, write strong answers to the alignment and project questions, and submit an application ID keyed set of documents. The most important step is securing the PI acceptance. Invest your time there and use the rest of the application to tell the story of why that lab and project matter for your scientific growth.
Questions and Answers Session on the NGSF Internship Program Application Guide (Youtube Video) Link: NGSF Internship Q and A