Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Experience: Not applicable
Salary: ₹24,000 (postgraduate students) or ₹30,000 (PhD students) on successful completion.
Kerala State Planning Board
The Kerala State Planning Board (KSPB) is the principal advisory body to the Government of Kerala, set up in 1967 to guide the state’s development journey. Chaired by the Chief Minister, with a Vice Chairperson and a team of expert members, the Board’s mission is to shape Kerala’s economic and social progress through scientific planning and policy advice. KSPB is known for its role in formulating Five-Year and Annual Plans, preparing the annual Economic Review, and monitoring the implementation of development schemes across the state.
The Board’s work spans a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, industry, infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare. It coordinates with various government departments, commissions studies, and provides recommendations on externally aided and centrally sponsored schemes. KSPB is also a key driver of decentralised planning, empowering local governments to participate in Kerala’s development.
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, the Board is a hub for research, policy analysis, and innovation, attracting experts from diverse fields. Its commitment to inclusive growth and evidence-based policymaking has made it a model for other states in India. The Board’s annual Economic Review is a much-anticipated publication, offering insights into Kerala’s progress and challenges.
KSPB’s vision is to ensure sustainable, equitable development for the state, making it a cornerstone of the state’s governance and planning landscape.
Role
The Kerala State Planning Board’s Student Internship Programme offers a unique opportunity for postgraduate and PhD students to gain hands-on experience in public policy, research, and state-level planning. Interns work alongside experts, contributing to Kerala’s development agenda while building valuable skills for their future careers.
Responsibilities
- Assist in research and analysis on topics such as agriculture, environment, education, health, social justice, industry, and more.
- Support the preparation of reports, policy briefs, and background papers.
- Participate in field visits and data collection as required.
- Work closely with Board members and technical divisions on assigned projects.
- Prepare and submit a final report on the assigned research topic.
Requirements
- Indian citizen.
- Pursuing a PhD or in the final year/semester of a postgraduate programme in a recognised Indian university/institution.
- Fields: Economics, Econometrics, Sociology, Development Studies, Statistics, Commerce, Demography, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Work, Fisheries, Education, or Law.
- Selection based on academic record, research proposal, and personal interview.
- Recommendation letter from Head of Department required.
Benefits
- Fellowship: ₹24,000 (postgraduates) or ₹30,000 (PhD students) on successful completion.
- Certificate of internship upon satisfactory completion of 3 months of internship.
- Exposure to real-world policy and planning processes.
- Opportunity to contribute to Kerala’s development.
Apply
You need to send an application in the format given, which includes a research proposal and a letter from the head of the department. Eligible candidates will be selected on the basis of an interview and the research proposal submitted.

