Big Announcement By UGC, Internship To Be Made Compulsory For Undergraduate Students

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Big Announcement By UGC, Internship To Be Made Compulsory For Undergraduate Students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released its latest guidelines which state that undergraduate students continuing their studies in recognized Indian universities must compulsorily complete a research internship spanning from 8 to 10 weeks. These internship programs are intended to improve the employability of the students along with the development of their research capabilities.

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UGC Guidelines 2022: Research Internship

After the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 made its official announcement, the University Grants Commission made internships compulsory for students. Under a research internship, students will be provided hands-on training in research tools, methodologies, techniques, and equipment. Students will also be able to learn other aspects of pursuing quality research.

In order to gain experience, students will be working with faculty and scientists in Higher Education Institutions (HIEs), research institutes, nationally-reputed organizations, industrial research labs, and also individuals distinguished in specific fields (such as artisans, musicians, artists, choreographers, etc.). Students will be assigned a research supervisor, preferably from another HEI, to conduct a time-bound internship project.

UGC Guidelines 2022: Credit System

For students willing to quit their FYUP(Four Year Undergraduate Programme) after two years with a certificate or a diploma, completion of one research internship at the end of the second or the fourth semester will be mandatory. On the other hand, students who want to complete their four years of the FYUP program will have the option of completing their second internship of 10 weeks at the end of their fourth semester or the second year of the FYUP.

A total engagement duration of 450 hours is required to gain the assigned credits. A minimum work duration of 45 hours will award 1 credit point. In other words, 1 credit means a minimum of 45 hours of engagement in internship activities in a week.

HIEs or Higher Educational Institutions have also been proposed to offer Research Ability Enhancement Courses (REAC). These REACs will amount to 10 additional credits. The draft of the UGC guidelines also says that ‘research work in the form of dissertation/project work preferably in interdisciplinary/multi-disciplinary/trans-disciplinary areas worth 30 credits.’

Performance evaluation as per UGC guidelines

Research internship supervisors from respective host institutes assigned to students will monitor and assess their internship progress. These supervisors will carry out the evaluation process for the host organization and through seminar presentation/ viva-voce at the HEI, for which the marks will be assigned by a group of experts from HEI including the supervisor.

Students will also be assessed by parent HEI on the basis of the following:

Activity logbook
Evaluation report of the internship supervisor
Format of presentation and the quality of the intern’s report
Skill sets acquired and showcased
Originality and innovative contribution

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Internship portal and selection process

A centrally run portal will be implemented soon, allowing Internship Provider Organisations (IPOs) to provide internships with particular eligibility requirements, and help students to search for internships of their choice along with records and feedback. Students will have to register at the research internship portal to apply for research internships on their own or through their parent HEI's faculty mentor.

Students will be chosen by host organizations based on their selection criteria after they register and apply for the internships. The host organization will notify the potential intern either through the site or via email. After the completion of the internship, an internship report will have to be submitted by the students. Copies of this report will be given to the host organization as well as the parent HEI.

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Edited by

Shreeya Thakur

As a biotechnologist-turned-writer, I love turning complex ideas into meaningful stories that inform and inspire. Outside of writing, I enjoy cooking, reading, and travelling, each giving me fresh perspectives and inspiration for my work.