The ORC Research Internship 2026 is offered by the Odisha Research Centre (ORC), Bhubaneswar in collaboration with TISS, Mumbai. A total of 45 posts are available — 15 Senior (Rs.25,000/month, 6 months) and 30 Junior (Rs.15,000/month, 3 months) — with the last date to apply being 15 November 2026 via Google Form.
- Organisation: Odisha Research Centre (ORC), Bhubaneswar
- In Collaboration With: TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), Mumbai
- Location: IIT Kharagpur Extension Campus, Samantapuri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751013
- Total Posts: 45 (15 Senior + 30 Junior)
- Senior Stipend: Rs.25,000 per month (6 months duration)
- Junior Stipend: Rs.15,000 per month (3 months duration)
- Discipline: Social Sciences, Humanities, or Allied Disciplines
- Last Date to Apply: 15 November 2026
- Application Mode: Online via Google Form
- Official Website: odisharesearchcentre.org
ORC Research Internship 2026 is now open for eligible students and young researchers across India. The Odisha Research Centre (ORC), established under the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, has released its call for applications for the Senior and Junior Research Internship Programme 2026-27. With a combined total of 45 internship positions and a competitive monthly stipend of up to Rs.25,000, this is one of the most prestigious paid research internship opportunities available in India this year for Social Sciences and Humanities scholars.
This guide is for graduates and postgraduates in Social Sciences, Humanities, or allied disciplines aged 21–35 who are looking to gain structured research experience at a nationally recognized institution. This article covers eligibility, stipend details, how to apply, important dates, and expert tips to help you submit a strong application before the deadline of 15 November 2026.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is the ORC Research Internship 2026?
- Who Should Apply for This Internship?
- Stipend and Financial Benefits
- Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process
- Senior vs Junior Research Internship – Comparison
- Pros and Cons of ORC Internship 2026
- Important Terms and Concepts
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the ORC Research Internship 2026?
The ORC Research Internship 2026 is a structured, paid fellowship programme offered by the Odisha Research Centre (ORC), Bhubaneswar, in partnership with TISS, Mumbai. Established on 26 November 2023 by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education, IIM Sambalpur, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Bhubaneswar, ORC is a premier multidisciplinary research centre dedicated to exploring Odisha’s history, culture, economy, and society.
The internship programme is available in two tiers — Senior Research Internship (for postgraduates) and Junior Research Internship (for undergraduates) — each offering distinct durations, stipend amounts, and academic requirements. The 2026-27 cycle offers a combined total of 45 positions, making it one of the larger social science internship cohorts announced this year. Interns work on research themes covering Odisha’s heritage, policy, political economy, and social development under the direct mentorship of experienced faculty.
This programme is particularly valuable because it combines the institutional credibility of TISS Mumbai — a deemed university ranked among India’s top social science institutions — with the focused regional expertise of the Odisha Research Centre, offering interns genuine exposure to applied social science research.
Who Should Apply for This Internship?
The ORC Research Internship 2026 is well-suited for a specific set of candidates. Here are the 8 profiles who stand to gain the most:
- 🎓 Postgraduate students pursuing or recently completing a Master’s in Sociology, Political Science, History, Economics, or allied Social Sciences
- 📚 Undergraduate students in their final or penultimate year of a Bachelor’s programme in Social Sciences or Humanities with strong academic standing (55%+)
- 🔬 Aspiring researchers planning to pursue M.Phil or PhD and seeking structured research experience as part of their academic portfolio
- 🏛️ Heritage and culture enthusiasts interested in Odia language, history, archaeology, tradition, and cultural documentation
- 📊 Policy analysts in the making who want hands-on exposure to social policy, governance, and political economy research
- ✍️ Academic writers and documentation specialists who want to build their research writing portfolio with institutional backing
- 🌏 Students from Odisha and neighboring states who want to contribute to regional knowledge production while earning a competitive stipend
- 🤝 Candidates from ICSSR-affiliated universities looking for high-credibility research experience that strengthens their CSIR/UGC NET or JRF applications
Stipend and Financial Benefits
The ORC Research Internship 2026 offers one of the most competitive stipends available for social science interns in India. The stipend structure is as follows:
| Internship Category | Monthly Stipend | Duration | Total Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Internship | Rs.25,000 | 6 Months | Rs.1,50,000 (total) |
| Junior Research Internship | Rs.15,000 | 3 Months | Rs.45,000 (total) |
The Senior Research Internship offers a total payout of approximately Rs.1,50,000 over the 6-month engagement — a significant sum for a postgraduate researcher. The Junior Research Internship offers Rs.45,000 over 3 months, making it a valuable short-term paid research exposure for undergraduate students.
For context, the average monthly stipend for social science research interns at comparable institutions in India ranges from Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000. The ORC’s Senior Internship at Rs.25,000/month therefore places it in the top tier of paid social science fellowships nationally. Candidates selected for the internship can use this stipend to cover accommodation costs in Bhubaneswar and contribute to their living expenses while gaining full-time research experience.
When calculating the value of this internship, go beyond the monthly stipend. A TISS-backed research internship adds significant credibility to your academic CV, particularly if you are planning to apply for competitive fellowships like UGC-JRF, ICSSR Junior Research Fellowship, or PhD admissions at central universities. The institutional affiliation alone can strengthen your Statement of Purpose significantly.
Eligibility Criteria
The ORC Research Internship 2026 has separate eligibility criteria for each category. Here is the complete breakdown:
Senior Research Internship Eligibility
- ✅ Education: Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Allied Disciplines
- ✅ Minimum Marks: 55% or above (≥55%) in Master’s programme
- ✅ Positions Available: 15
- ✅ Duration: 6 months
- ✅ Application Mode: Online via Google Form
- ✅ Stipend: Rs.25,000 per month
Junior Research Internship Eligibility
- ✅ Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Allied Disciplines
- ✅ Minimum Marks: 55% or above (≥55%) in Bachelor’s programme
- ✅ Positions Available: 30
- ✅ Duration: 3 months
- ✅ Application Mode: Online via Google Form
- ✅ Stipend: Rs.15,000 per month
Eligible Disciplines (Social Sciences, Humanities and Allied Fields): Sociology, Political Science, History, Economics, Geography, Anthropology, Philosophy, Psychology, Public Administration, Law, Odia Studies, Cultural Studies, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Environmental Studies (Social Perspective), and related interdisciplinary fields.
Note: Students who are currently pursuing their final year of their qualifying degree may also be considered eligible. Candidates are advised to check the official application form at odisharesearchcentre.org/internship-programs for the latest eligibility confirmation.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process
The application process for ORC Research Internship 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a complete and error-free submission:
- Visit the official website — Go to odisharesearchcentre.org/internship-programs to access the latest notification and application Google Form link.
- Read the official notification — Download and carefully read the complete internship notification to confirm your eligibility and understand all terms and conditions.
- Prepare required documents — Keep the following ready in digital format (PDF/JPEG): updated CV/resume, academic mark sheets (Bachelor’s or Master’s), degree certificate or provisional certificate, a short Statement of Purpose (SOP) outlining your research interests, and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport).
- Click the Google Form link — The application is accepted through an official Google Form. Access the form directly from the official website or the notification.
- Fill in the application form — Enter all personal, academic, and research interest details accurately. Choose between Senior or Junior category based on your qualification.
- Upload documents — Attach scanned copies of required documents as specified in the form. Ensure file sizes and formats comply with the form’s instructions.
- Submit before the deadline — Complete and submit your Google Form application on or before 15 November 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Await shortlisting communication — Selected candidates will be contacted via their registered email. Keep checking your inbox (including spam folder) after the deadline.
Senior vs Junior Research Internship – Comparison
| Parameter | Senior Research Internship | Junior Research Internship |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Master’s Degree (≥55%) | Bachelor’s Degree (≥55%) |
| Positions Available | 15 | 30 |
| Monthly Stipend | Rs.25,000 | Rs.15,000 |
| Duration | 6 Months | 3 Months |
| Total Stipend Payout | Rs.1,50,000 | Rs.45,000 |
| Competition Level | Higher (fewer seats) | Moderate (more seats) |
| Research Responsibility | Independent research tasks | Guided research exposure |
| Best For | PhD aspirants, UGC-JRF candidates | Final-year undergrad / MA aspirants |
| CV Value | Very High (TISS + 6 months) | High (TISS + 3 months) |
| Application Platform | Google Form (same) | Google Form (same) |
If you hold a Master’s degree with 55%+ marks in Social Sciences or Humanities, the Senior Research Internship is unquestionably the better choice — the Rs.25,000/month stipend over 6 months, combined with TISS mentorship, makes it one of the best-value paid research programmes in India right now. For undergraduates, the Junior Internship offers an excellent entry point into structured research. Apply as early as possible — with only 15 senior seats, competition is expected to be intense.
Pros and Cons of ORC Research Internship 2026
Advantages
- ✅ Highly competitive stipend — Rs.25,000/month for Senior is above average for social science internships in India
- ✅ TISS institutional backing — adds significant credibility to your research CV and academic profile
- ✅ ICSSR affiliation — exposure to one of India’s premier social science funding bodies
- ✅ Broad discipline coverage — open to all Social Sciences and Humanities fields, not restricted to a single subject
- ✅ Two-tier structure — both undergraduate and postgraduate students can apply, creating wider accessibility
Disadvantages
- ⚠️ Location constraint — based at IIT Kharagpur Extension Campus, Bhubaneswar; outstation candidates need to arrange accommodation
- ⚠️ High competition for Senior posts — only 15 seats means shortlisting will be stringent
- ⚠️ Application via Google Form only — no formal portal; candidates must monitor the official website for form link and updates
Important Terms and Concepts Related to ORC Internship 2026
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the application and selection process effectively:
- ICSSR (Indian Council of Social Science Research): The apex government body in India that funds and promotes social science research. Established in 1969, ICSSR provides fellowships, grants, and institutional support to social science researchers across the country.
- TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences): A multi-campus deemed public university in Mumbai, declared under Section 3 of the UGC Act 1956. TISS is consistently ranked among the top social science institutions in India and is a key collaboration partner for the ORC programme.
- ORC (Odisha Research Centre): Established on 26 November 2023, ORC is a dedicated research centre housed at the IIT Kharagpur Extension Campus in Bhubaneswar, created specifically to promote multidisciplinary research on Odisha’s history, culture, and society.
- Senior Research Internship: A 6-month paid research engagement for Master’s degree holders with a monthly stipend of Rs.25,000, involving independent or semi-independent research under faculty supervision.
- Junior Research Internship: A 3-month paid research engagement for Bachelor’s degree holders with a monthly stipend of Rs.15,000, providing guided research exposure for early-career scholars.
- Research Stipend: A monthly financial allowance provided to interns to cover living and research-related expenses. Unlike a salary, a research stipend is not subject to TDS in most cases but candidates should verify their tax applicability.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A key document typically required in research internship applications that outlines the applicant’s academic background, research interests, and what they hope to achieve through the internship.
- Allied Disciplines: Subjects that are closely related to Social Sciences and Humanities, such as Cultural Studies, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Environmental Social Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | October 2026 |
| Application Start Date | Applications OPEN (as per notification) |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 November 2026 |
| Programme Duration – Senior | 6 Months (2026-27) |
| Programme Duration – Junior | 3 Months (2026-27) |
| Official Website | odisharesearchcentre.org |
| Application Mode | Online – Google Form |
Important Links
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Website – ORC | odisharesearchcentre.org |
| Apply Online – Internship Programme | odisharesearchcentre.org/internship-programs |
| Official Notification / PDF Download | Download Notification – Agrijob Telegram |
| Contact – ORC Email | info@odisharesearchcentre.org |
| ICSSR Official Website | icssr.org |
| TISS Mumbai Official Website | tiss.edu |
| IIM Sambalpur – ORC Programme Page | iimsambalpur.ac.in – ORC Programme |
| Ministry of Education – ORC Establishment | education.gov.in – ORC PIB Release |
Conclusion
The ORC Research Internship 2026 is a genuinely exceptional opportunity for Social Sciences and Humanities students in India. With a stipend of up to Rs.25,000 per month, TISS institutional affiliation, and a focus on cutting-edge regional research through ORC, this programme stands well above the average paid research internship available in India right now. Whether you are a postgraduate looking to build a research career or an undergraduate eager to explore academia seriously, this internship offers the credibility, mentorship, and financial support to take your next step.
Do not wait until the last moment — with only 15 Senior and 30 Junior positions across the entire country, every day you delay reduces your edge. Prepare your documents, refine your Statement of Purpose, and apply online at odisharesearchcentre.org/internship-programs before 15 November 2026.
- ORC Research Internship 2026 offers 45 total positions — 15 Senior and 30 Junior — in Social Sciences and Humanities
- Senior interns earn Rs.25,000/month for 6 months (Rs.1,50,000 total); Junior interns earn Rs.15,000/month for 3 months
- Minimum 55% marks required in Master’s (Senior) or Bachelor’s (Junior) degree in relevant disciplines
- The programme is jointly run by ORC Bhubaneswar and TISS Mumbai — one of India’s top-ranked social science institutions
- Last date to apply is 15 November 2026 via Google Form at odisharesearchcentre.org/internship-programs
- Download the official notification from the Agrijob Telegram link and apply early to maximise your selection chances
Frequently Asked Questions About ORC Research Internship 2026
What is the ORC Research Internship 2026?
The ORC Research Internship 2026 is a paid fellowship programme offered by the Odisha Research Centre (ORC), Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with TISS, Mumbai. It offers 45 internship positions — 15 Senior and 30 Junior — for students and young researchers in Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines. Applications are open until 15 November 2026.
What is the monthly stipend for ORC Research Internship 2026?
The monthly stipend for the Senior Research Internship is Rs.25,000 for a 6-month duration, making it a total payout of Rs.1,50,000. The Junior Research Internship offers Rs.15,000 per month for 3 months, totalling Rs.45,000. These are among the highest stipends for social science internships in India in 2026.
Who is eligible for the Senior Research Internship at ORC?
Candidates holding a Master’s Degree (with at least 55% marks) in Social Sciences, Humanities, or allied disciplines are eligible to apply for the Senior Research Internship. There are 15 seats available in this category. Candidates currently completing their postgraduation may also be considered — verify on the official website.
Who is eligible for the Junior Research Internship at ORC?
Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree (with at least 55% marks) in Social Sciences, Humanities, or allied disciplines are eligible for the Junior Research Internship. This category has 30 seats and offers a duration of 3 months with a stipend of Rs.15,000 per month. Final-year undergraduate students may also be eligible.
What is the last date to apply for ORC Research Internship 2026?
The last date to apply for ORC Research Internship 2026 is 15 November 2026. Applications must be submitted online via the official Google Form available at odisharesearchcentre.org/internship-programs. No applications will be considered after the deadline, so candidates are advised to apply well in advance.
How do I apply for ORC Research Internship 2026?
To apply for ORC Research Internship 2026, visit the official website at odisharesearchcentre.org/internship-programs and access the Google Form application link. Prepare your academic documents, a Statement of Purpose outlining your research interests, and a valid ID proof. Fill in all required fields, upload documents, and submit the form before 15 November 2026. No offline or email applications are accepted.
What disciplines are covered under ORC Research Internship?
The ORC Research Internship 2026 covers Social Sciences, Humanities, and allied disciplines. Eligible subjects include Sociology, Political Science, History, Economics, Geography, Anthropology, Philosophy, Psychology, Public Administration, Odia Studies, Cultural Studies, Development Studies, Gender Studies, and related interdisciplinary fields. Candidates from sciences or engineering are generally not eligible unless their degree has a significant social science component.
Where is the Odisha Research Centre located?
The Odisha Research Centre (ORC) is located at the IIT Kharagpur Extension Campus, Samantapuri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha – 751013. It was established in November 2023 under the ICSSR in collaboration with the Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education, and premier institutions including IIM Sambalpur, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Bhubaneswar.
Is the ORC internship affiliated with TISS Mumbai?
Yes, the ORC Research Internship Programme 2026-27 is offered by the Odisha Research Centre in direct collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. TISS is a nationally ranked deemed university and one of India’s most prestigious social science institutions. This affiliation adds significant value to the internship certificate and strengthens the academic credibility of selected interns.
Is there an application fee for ORC Research Internship 2026?
As per the official notification published by the Odisha Research Centre, no application fee has been mentioned for the ORC Research Internship 2026. The application process is online via Google Form and appears to be free of charge. However, candidates should verify this on the official website at odisharesearchcentre.org/internship-programs as the Centre reserves the right to update application terms.
What are the career benefits of completing an ORC Research Internship?
Completing the ORC Research Internship 2026 offers multiple career advantages: it adds a TISS-affiliated research credential to your CV, strengthens applications for UGC-JRF, ICSSR Junior Research Fellowship, and PhD admissions at central universities, provides hands-on exposure to policy and heritage research methodology, and opens networking opportunities with senior researchers from IIM Sambalpur, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Bhubaneswar. The stipend also allows candidates to pursue full-time research without financial burden.
Last Updated: October 2026 | Source: Official ORC Notification, odisharesearchcentre.org | This article is reviewed and updated regularly. Bookmark this page for the latest information on ORC Research Internship 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All eligibility criteria, stipend figures, and application deadlines are based on the official notification issued by the Odisha Research Centre. Candidates are advised to verify all details on the official website before applying. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with the Odisha Research Centre or TISS Mumbai.
