The Centre for Civil Society (CCS) has announced that applications are open for 2026 for the position of Intern at Centre for Civil Society, inviting students and recent graduates who are interested in public policy, education reform, data-driven research, and social change. Based in New Delhi, with a hybrid work model, this paid internship offers hands-on exposure to policy research and stakeholder mapping within India’s education policy ecosystem.
Founded in 1997 by Parth Shah, the Centre for Civil Society is a leading non-profit think tank that works to advance social change through public policy reform. CCS promotes liberal principles such as choice, accountability, and individual rights across sectors including education, livelihood, and governance. The internship program provides early-career professionals with an opportunity to contribute to real-world research initiatives while developing practical skills in policy analysis, stakeholder research, and data management.
About the Centre for Civil Society
The Centre for Civil Society is a New Delhi-based think tank known for its work on education policy, school choice, regulatory reform, and governance innovation. CCS conducts research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving policy outcomes and empowering individuals through informed choice and accountability mechanisms.
The organisation works closely with policymakers, researchers, educators, media professionals, and civil society stakeholders. Interns at CCS gain exposure to how research-driven policy advocacy is conducted, including stakeholder engagement, media tracking, and evidence-based policy communication. The working environment is fast-paced and research-oriented, making it an ideal setting for interns who want to build careers in public policy, education reform, research, and social impact.
Role Overview: Intern at Centre for Civil Society
The Intern at Centre for Civil Society role focuses on research and data-driven support for CCS’s education policy initiatives. Interns will be part of a team responsible for mapping key stakeholders, tracking policy discourse, and maintaining internal research databases that support CCS’s advocacy and outreach efforts.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting systematic online research to identify stakeholders in the education policy ecosystem, including policymakers, researchers, institutions, and influencers
- Maintaining and updating a live internal database of education policy stakeholders
- Tracking latest news, media coverage, and public discussions involving education experts and institutions
- Preparing detailed stakeholder profiles to support outreach and engagement initiatives
- Assisting with data collation, cleaning, and formatting to ensure database accuracy and usability
This role allows interns to build strong research and data management skills while gaining insight into how think tanks track policy discourse and engage with key stakeholders.
Eligibility and Ideal Candidate Profile
The internship is open to candidates who are currently enrolled in or recent graduates of social sciences, education, public policy, data science, communications, or related fields. The Centre for Civil Society is looking for candidates who demonstrate strong research aptitude and an interest in education policy.
The ideal candidate for the Intern at Centre for Civil Society position should have:
- Strong online research skills with attention to detail
- Good understanding of the education policy landscape in India
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Hindi
- Comfort working with data in spreadsheets such as Google Sheets or Excel
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Comfort working in a fast-paced research environment
Candidates with prior exposure to policy research, data analysis, or communications will find this role particularly aligned with their interests, though prior experience is not mandatory.
Duration, Work Mode, and Location
The internship is for a minimum duration of six weeks, requiring approximately 40 hours per week, or equivalent hours in case of part-time engagement. This structure ensures that interns can contribute meaningfully to ongoing research projects and gain substantial learning exposure.
The role is based in New Delhi, with a hybrid / in-office mode. Interns may be required to spend time at the CCS office for collaboration, mentorship, and team coordination, while also having flexibility to work remotely as per project requirements.
The date of joining is 23 February 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged to improve the chances of selection.
Stipend and Professional Development
This is a paid internship, with stipend aligned with industry standards. In addition to financial support, interns gain valuable professional exposure to:
- Policy research methodologies
- Stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies
- Data management and documentation practices
- Media tracking and policy discourse analysis
- Professional communication within a think tank environment
This experience can be particularly beneficial for students aspiring to build careers in public policy research, education reform, social sector consulting, think tanks, and development organisations.
Learning Outcomes and Career Exposure
Interns at CCS can expect to develop:
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Understanding of education policy stakeholders and ecosystems
- Data management and reporting discipline
- Professional communication skills in policy environments
- Exposure to how research informs advocacy and policy dialogue
The internship provides a practical introduction to the operations of a public policy think tank, offering insights into how research, media tracking, and stakeholder engagement come together to influence policy conversations.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare a concise application highlighting their academic background, research skills, interest in education policy, and comfort with data and communication tools. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submissions are recommended.
