In this article, you will learn in detail about various concepts concerning the Mandatory Internships for College Students as per the New UGC Directive.
Mandatory Internships for College Students—New UGC Directive
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made internships mandatory for all undergraduate and postgraduate students in India in a landmark decision aimed at aligning academic learning with real-world industry skills. The new directive, effective from the 2025–26 academic session, applies to all universities and colleges under UGC regulations.
This reform is part of a broader push to improve graduate employability and ensure students are work-ready by the time they complete their degrees. The internships will be credit-based and integrated into the curriculum of both general and professional courses.
Key Features of the Internship Mandate
According to the official guidelines released by UGC, the mandatory internships will follow a structured model with clear timelines and assessment criteria.
Here’s a breakdown of the main features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicability | UG & PG students across all disciplines |
| Duration | Minimum 8 weeks for UG; 4–6 weeks for PG |
| Credit Allocation | 3 to 6 academic credits |
| Timeline | To be completed during summer/winter breaks |
| Internship Type | In-person, virtual, or hybrid |
| Assessment Method | Reports, supervisor feedback, and viva-voce |
Students can pursue internships in various sectors, including industries, research institutions, NGOs, government bodies, and start-ups. Colleges are tasked with helping students identify suitable opportunities through placement cells and industry tie-ups.
Skill Integration into Higher Education
OThis policy aims to establish a connection between academic theory and industry application. UGC’s focus lies in ensuring students not only understand the theoretical frameworks taught in classrooms but also apply them in real-life scenarios.
We are introducing the following measures to achieve this objective:
- Skill-based orientation sessions before internship commencement
- Mentorship support from faculty and industry professionals
- Integration of project work and soft skills into internship activities
- Dedicated faculty internship coordinators for each department
These initiatives are expected to standardize the internship experience and provide students with meaningful exposure rather than token participation.
Institutional Responsibilities and Compliance
All higher education institutions will now be required to:
- Partner with companies and organisations for internship placements
- Maintain an updated internship portal
- Submit annual internship performance reports to UGC
- Track student progress through digital internship diaries
The UGC has also announced that compliance with this directive will be a key factor in accreditation and ranking by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) from 2026 onward.
Challenges in Implementation
While the decision is being widely appreciated, several colleges, especially in Tier-2 and rural areas, face challenges such as
- Lack of established industry networks
- Limited awareness among students and faculty
- Logistical issues in organising internships for large batches
- Difficulty in finding subject-relevant internships for non-technical courses
To address these concerns, UGC is planning to launch a centralized internship portal with AI-based matching for students and organizations, along with government-sponsored stipends for students from economically weaker sections.
Student and Industry Reception
Students, particularly those in general courses like B.A. and B.Sc., have welcomed the decision as a step towards gaining practical skills that were earlier missing from their education.
“I’m doing my B.A. in history. This internship policy gives me a chance to work with museums and archives, which was never part of our academic plan before,” said a third-year student from Rajasthan University.
Industry players too have responded positively. Many are seeing it as an opportunity to nurture talent early, reduce training costs post-hiring, and help shape future professionals.
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