The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has opened two major doors for 2026. Whether you want a short-term 2-month stint at the Ministry in New Delhi or a long-term research fellowship (NREF) with a stipend of up to ₹67,000, the windows are closing fast.
The Urgent Deadline: NREF Fellowship 2026
If you are pursuing an M.Tech, M.Sc, or PhD in Renewable Energy, this is the big one. The National Renewable Energy Fellowship (NREF) is currently accepting applications on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
The MNRE Internship: ₹15,000 Monthly
This is for UG/PG students in Engineering, Science, Management, or Law who want to work directly with senior officers in the Ministry.
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The “Half-Yearly” Rule: Applications are accepted twice a year (January and July). Since we are in February, you should apply now for the July session to beat the “3-month advance” rule.
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Stipend: ₹15,000 per month (Physical internships only).
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The Laptop Rule: You must carry your own laptop. The Ministry provides internet and workspace but no hardware.
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Limit: Only 20 interns are selected per year.
Eligibility “Filters” (Why People Get Rejected)
Google’s 2026 algorithm prioritizes “Information Gain”—here is the fine print other blogs miss:
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The 85% Attendance Rule: For the Fellowship, you must maintain 85% physical attendance. If it drops, your stipend is auto-paused.
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The “Sandes” App Requirement: To register on the MNRE HRD portal, you must download the Sandes App (Government Instant Messaging) on your phone to receive the registration OTP. Standard SMS often fails.
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SOP (Statement of Purpose): For the Internship, don’t just say “I love green energy.” Mention a specific MNRE division like Green Hydrogen, Suryamitra, or PM-KUSUM.
How to Apply: The Technical Steps
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For Fellowship (NREF): Go to (NSP). You must complete the Face Authentication via the NSP OTR app.
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For Internship: Visit the . Register using your email and the Sandes App OTP.
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Documents: Have your NOC (No Objection Certificate) on college letterhead ready. Generic “permission letters” are the #1 cause of “Defective” status.
FAQ: Searchers Also Ask
Q: Is there a virtual internship option? A: Yes, but virtual interns receive ₹0 stipend. Only physical interns at the New Delhi headquarters or regional centers (NISE/NIWE) get paid.
Q: I am a working professional; can I apply? A: Yes! Professionals in the RE sector can apply for the research fellowship if they have an NOC from their current employer.
Q: What is the maximum age? A: For NREF JRF/SRF, the age limits usually follow CSIR/DST norms (approx. 28–32 years).