Over 1.18 Lakh Odisha Students Participate in Internship Programme Under NEP 2020

Higher Education Department Provides Internship and Community Service Opportunities Across State

More than 1.18 lakh undergraduate students from institutions under the Odisha Higher Education Department have participated in internship and community service programmes during the academic session 2025–26.

The initiative has been implemented in accordance with the provisions of the National Education Policy 2020 and the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission, which make internships and community service mandatory for undergraduate students during the fourth semester.

Six-Week Internship Programme With Practical Training

Under the programme, students are undergoing six weeks of internship and practical training under the guidance of mentors.

Internship opportunities have been provided in:

• Government offices
• Educational institutions
• Anganwadi centres
• Panchayat Samiti offices
• Health centres
• Financial institutions
• Private organisations
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

These institutions are functioning under various departments of the Odisha Government.

Academic Credits and Certificates for Students

The Higher Education Department has issued separate guidelines for the internship programme. Students will receive academic credits based on:

• Attendance
• Weekly reports
• Presentations
• Overall performance during the internship

These credits will also be reflected in the students’ Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). Certificates will be awarded after successful completion of the programme.

Highest Participation Recorded in Five Districts

According to officials, the highest participation in the internship programme this year has been recorded from:

• Ganjam
• Sundargarh
• Mayurbhanj
• Cuttack
• Balangir

Students have been placed in offices functioning under departments such as:

• Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water
• Women & Child Development
• Health & Family Welfare
• Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment
• Higher Education
• School & Mass Education

Minister Highlights Importance of Practical Learning

Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said the government is giving priority to quality and research-oriented education in higher educational institutions.

He stated that internships and community service programmes would help students gain practical exposure and understand grassroots-level administration and functioning.

The minister further said that internships in government institutions, private industries, and NGOs would help students understand the real-world application of their academic curriculum and support future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Focus on Skill Development and Employability

The initiative reflects the Odisha Government’s emphasis on skill development, experiential learning, and employability under the NEP 2020 framework.

Officials believe the programme will help students develop professional skills, administrative understanding, and social responsibility while preparing them for future career opportunities.