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Law Ministry Issues Strict NOC & Confidentiality Guidelines for Legal Affairs Interns
April 9, 2026 : The Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice has laid down detailed guidelines governing No Objection Certificates (NOC) and confidentiality obligations for students applying to its internship programme, reinforcing professional standards and data protection norms.
According to the official guidelines, law students seeking internship opportunities must submit a valid NOC issued by their respective college or university. The certificate must confirm that the applicant is a bonafide student, specify the internship duration, and clearly state that the institution has no objection to the student undertaking the internship. It must also certify that the student is not required to attend regular academic classes during the internship period and include an assessment of the student’s conduct. (Scribd)
The guidelines also place strong emphasis on confidentiality. Interns are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), acknowledging that they may be exposed to sensitive and proprietary information, including legal documents, policy inputs, and government data. Any unauthorized disclosure of such information is strictly prohibited. (Department of Legal Affairs)
Further, interns are expected to adhere to strict professional conduct standards, including maintaining discipline, following ethical guidelines, and complying with all applicable laws during their tenure. The programme mandates full-time physical attendance, typically from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and interns are required to maintain regular attendance and professionalism in their interactions. (Scribd)
The NOC requirement is mandatory for students currently enrolled in law programmes, while graduates may submit their degree certificate instead. The move ensures institutional accountability and confirms that students are officially permitted to participate in the government internship. (Scribd)
The Department’s internship programme is designed to provide hands-on exposure to government legal work, including research, drafting, and advisory functions across areas such as constitutional law, administrative law, and arbitration. The updated NOC and confidentiality norms aim to maintain integrity, discipline, and trust within the system while offering meaningful professional experience to aspiring legal professionals.
