The Assam government has officially invited applications for its Internship 2.0 program, a revamped initiative aimed at providing hands-on experience in digital governance and artificial intelligence (AI). The program, managed by the Directorate of Information Technology and Electronics (DITEC), seeks to engage young talent in the state's e-governance transformation.
Key Features of Internship 2.0
DITEC Director Ashwani Kumar highlighted that the internship focuses on exposing participants to cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and data analytics. Interns will work on live projects related to digital public services, including portals for citizen services, grievance redressal, and state-level IT infrastructure. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application in governance.
According to Kumar, "The internship is designed to equip students with skills in digital governance and AI, which are critical for modern administration. Participants will get direct exposure to policy implementation and technology-driven solutions." The state expects to onboard 100 interns in the first batch, selected through a merit-based process.
Eligibility and Application Process
Applications are open to final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students in computer science, information technology, or related fields. Candidates must have a minimum of 60% marks in their current course. The internship duration is six months, with a stipend of Rs 10,000 per month. Interested applicants can apply through the DITEC official website until July 31, 2026.
The selection process includes a written test and an interview focusing on technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Kumar emphasized that preference will be given to candidates from Assam, though out-of-state students are also eligible. "We want to harness local talent while also inviting fresh perspectives from across the country," he added.
Impact on Digital Governance
Internship 2.0 is part of the Assam government's broader Digital Assam mission, which aims to digitize all public services by 2028. The program is expected to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to state-level IT projects. Past interns from the first version of the program have been involved in developing the Assam e-District portal, which now processes over 50,000 applications monthly.
Kumar noted that the AI component will expose interns to predictive analytics for resource allocation and chatbot-based citizen interaction systems. "We are building a framework where interns can experiment with AI models on real data, ensuring they are job-ready," he said. The program also includes workshops on cybersecurity and cloud computing.
Future Prospects
Successful interns may receive priority consideration for future government IT roles or recommendations for private sector positions. The Assam government plans to expand the program to 500 slots by 2027, depending on the response. Kumar urged educational institutions to encourage students to apply, stating, "This is a unique opportunity to contribute to governance while building a career in technology."
