IGICBS Completes One Year : Advancing India’s Internet Governance Capacity
Context
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has marked the successful completion of one year of the Internet Governance Internship & Capacity Building Scheme (IGICBS). The milestone was commemorated through a national-level programme held in New Delhi, reflecting India’s growing emphasis on building expertise and leadership in internet governance.
Overview of IGICBS
The Internet Governance Internship & Capacity Building Scheme is a nationwide internship and skill-development initiative aimed at developing a strong understanding of internet governance frameworks. It equips India’s youth for informed participation in national and international internet policy deliberations, technical standard-setting bodies, and multistakeholder forums.
Launched in 2025, the scheme completed one year in January 2026.
Institutional Arrangement
The programme is implemented by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) as the nodal agency, with administrative oversight provided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Key Objectives
IGICBS seeks to create a competent pool of professionals in internet governance, enhance India’s visibility and influence in global digital governance platforms, and contribute to a secure, inclusive, resilient, and trustworthy internet ecosystem.
Programme Structure and Components
The scheme offers three-month and six-month internship tracks, integrating research-based work with practical outreach activities. A structured expert-led mentorship framework connects interns with senior professionals from government, academia, and international internet governance institutions.
An important component is capacity enhancement and grassroots outreach, requiring interns to conduct awareness programmes in educational institutions, civil society organisations, and community settings. Participants gain international exposure through engagement with global internet governance processes.
High-performing interns are recognised through the NIXI Internet Influencer track, enabling them to act as long-term advocates of internet governance. The programme follows a multidisciplinary approach, covering technology, law, public policy, cybersecurity, digital identity, and Universal Acceptance (UA).
Significance
IGICBS addresses India’s strategic need for informed and effective participation in global internet governance. By bridging policy, technology, and academia, the scheme supports the creation of future-ready digital leadership and strengthens India’s role in shaping an inclusive and rules-based global digital order.
Source : PIB
