Finance
The UGC has published guidelines for research internships: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that all undergraduate students in recognised Indian universities will be required to complete an eight to ten week research internship.
“The integration of Research, Innovation and Technology Development is the foundation of Atma-Nirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India). An institutionalisation of Research Internship at Undergraduate Levels is expected to play a pivotal role in catalysing inter disciplinary/multi-disciplinary/transdisciplinary and translational research culture embedded in NEP 2020,” the guidelines from UGC read.
According to the newly released guidelines, these internship programmes aim primarily at increasing students’ employability while also assisting in the development of students’ research capabilities.
The UGC made the decision after it was announced in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 that internships will now be promoted and made mandatory.
Internship in research
Students will be assigned to a research supervisor, preferably from another Higher Education Institution (HEI), but it could be from the same organisation, for a set period of time at the supervisor’s research facility and will complete a time-bound internship project.
Students pursuing a research internship will receive hands-on training in research tools, techniques, methodologies, and equipment, as well as learn about other aspects of conducting high-quality research. Students will be able to gain this experience by working with faculty and scientists in HEIs, research institutes, industrial research labs, nationally renowned organisations, and individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields (draftsmen, artisans, musicians, artists, choreographers, etc.)
Credit System
Internships of eight to ten weeks for ten credits will be required after the second or fourth semester for students wishing to graduate with a certificate or diploma, respectively. Students will be required to complete 450 hours of internships. A research internship requires a minimum of 45 hours of participation in internship activities per week–a total of 450 hours is required to earn the assigned credits.
Students who wish to leave their FYUP programme after two years with a certificate or diploma must have completed one research internship by the end of the second or fourth semester. Students who wish to complete their four years of the FYUP programme will have the option of completing their second 10-week internship at the end of their fourth semester or second year of the FYUP.
Furthermore, UGC has proposed that respective HIEs offer Research Ability Enhancement Courses (REAC) worth 10 credits. The draught states, “A few Research Ability Enhancement Courses (RAEC) in research and analytical tools and techniques, worth 10 credits, to be offered during the 7th semester as pre-requisite courses for 4-year degree (Research) students.” “30 credits for dissertation/project work in interdisciplinary/multi-disciplinary/trans-disciplinary areas.”
Evaluation
The assigned Research Internship Supervisor from the host institute will monitor and evaluate students’ internship progress. The supervisor for the host organisation will conduct the evaluation, as well as a seminar presentation/viva-voce at the HEI, for which a group of HEI experts, including the supervisor, will assign marks.
“The interns will be evaluated by the research internship supervisor based on their sincerity, and research output,” the draft reads. Students will also be assessed by parent HEI on the basis of activity logbook and evaluation report of internship supervisor, format of presentation and the quality of intern’s report, skill sets acquired and showcased, originality and innovative contribution.
Portal for Internships
A centrally operated portal will also be launched soon, allowing Internship Provider Organizations (IPOs) to offer internships with the specification of eligibility conditions, students to search for internships of their choice, internship allotment, and record and feedback.
Students will register at the research internship portal to apply for research internships on their own or through the faculty mentor of their parent HEI. Students will be chosen by host organisations based on their selection criteria after registering and applying for internships. The host organisation will arrange to notify the potential intern via the portal or via email and will request confirmation or acceptance. Following that, students will obtain permission from their parent institution and enrol to the concerned host organisation.
Portal for Internships
A centrally operated portal will also be launched soon, allowing Internship Provider Organizations (IPOs) to offer internships with the specification of eligibility conditions, students to search for internships of their choice, internship allotment, and record and feedback.
Students will register at the research internship portal to apply for research internships on their own or through the faculty mentor of their parent HEI. Students will be chosen by host organisations based on their selection criteria after registering and applying for internships. The host organisation will arrange to notify the potential intern via the portal or via email and will request confirmation or acceptance. Following that, students will obtain permission from their parent institution and enrol to the concerned host organisation.
“Student will undergo internship in the supervisor’s lab/ working space at the host organisation. During the period of internship, the parent HEI through the mentor will arrange to keep a track of the activities and performance of students as interns at the host organisation, based on periodic reports submitted by students,” the draft reads.
After the internship, students will submit an internship report, one copy of which will be given to the host organisation and the other to the parent HEI.
Source:IE
