Under UGC’s new guidelines, UG students will now required be to complete mandatory internships

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently introduced new draft guidelines for undergraduate students, emphasizing the importance of internships and research. These guidelines align with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 and aim to provide students with practical learning experiences.

Requirement for undergraduate students to complete internships

One crucial aspect of these guidelines is the requirement for undergraduate students to complete internships and earn credits for them. The draft guidelines state that a minimum of two to four credits, out of the required 120 to 160 credits for a three-year I-JG degree, a four-year UG degree (Honours), or a four-year UG degree (Honours with Research), can be assigned for internships. This means that students will not only gain valuable experience but also receive academic recognition for their internships.

The draft guidelines specify that internships must take place after the fourth semester of the program.

The duration of these internships will range from 60 to 120 hours. This mandatory internship requirement applies to students enrolled in various undergraduate programs, such as the three-year I-JG degree, the four-year I-JG degree (Honours), and the four-year UG degree (Honours with Research). These requirements are in strict alignment with NEP-2020, the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF), and the Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programs (CCFUP).

For students pursuing a three-year undergraduate degree, an internship of 60 to 120 hours will be compulsory after the fourth semester. In contrast, those pursuing a four-year degree will have to complete a research internship during the eighth semester. This distinction ensures that students have practical experience in their field and can also engage in research activities, depending on the duration of their degree program.

Students have the flexibility to choose where they wish to do their internships. The draft guidelines allow for internships in both government and private organizations, non-governmental organizations, enterprises, business organizations, local industries, artists, craftspeople, and similar entities. Students can also gain internship experience by working with faculty, scientists, mentors in higher education institutions (HEIs), research institutions, universities, industrial research labs, nationally and internationally renowned organizations, farmers, and entrepreneurs. This wide range of options ensures that students can explore diverse career paths and interests.

To ensure the effective implementation of these guidelines, each higher education institution (HEI) should designate a nodal officer responsible for developing industry-specific verticals and understanding the needs and expectations of students. HEIs are encouraged to conduct surveys in the local market to identify the requirements of companies and student expectations. This step ensures that internships are well-aligned with industry demands and student aspirations, promoting a more meaningful learning experience.

Additionally, the evaluation of students after their internships is a crucial part of these guidelines. Students will be assessed based on their efforts and the research output during their internships. This evaluation may include a presentation or viva-voce, allowing students to showcase their acquired skills and knowledge. This assessment process ensures that students not only participate but also demonstrate their learning outcomes.

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