Odisha's NEP-2020 Initiative: Over 1.18 Lakh Students Engage in Internships

In a significant move under the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, Odisha has engaged over 1.18 lakh students in internships and community service for the academic year 2025-26. This initiative aims to provide practical exposure and enhance students' understanding of administrative processes. With placements across various sectors, including government and NGOs, students will earn academic credits and gain valuable experience that could aid their future careers. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj highlights the importance of quality education and real-world applications in shaping students' professional journeys.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 15:17 IST

Internship Opportunities for Students in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: An official announcement revealed that over 1.18 lakh students from various higher education institutions in Odisha have been offered internship and community service roles in line with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 for the academic year 2025-26.

According to the NEP-2020 and University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, undergraduate students are mandated to participate in internships and community service during their fourth semester.

In this regard, Odisha's Higher Education department has successfully engaged more than 1.18 lakh undergraduate students in these programs for the 2025-26 academic session.

The internships lasted for six weeks, during which students received mentorship and hands-on training.

Internship placements were made available in various sectors, including government offices, educational institutions, Anganwadi centers, Panchayat Samiti offices, health centers, financial institutions, private companies, and NGOs associated with different government departments.

As per the internship program guidelines, students will earn academic credits based on their attendance, presentations, weekly reports, and overall performance throughout the internship.

These credits will be recorded in their Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), and students will receive certificates upon successful completion of the program.

This year, the highest number of internship participants came from the districts of Ganjam, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, and Balangir.

Students have been placed in various departments, including Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Higher Education, and School and Mass Education.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj emphasized the focus on quality and research-driven education in higher institutions.

He noted that through internships and community service, students will gain practical insights and understand the functioning of grassroots-level administrative processes.

Internships in government bodies, private sectors, and NGOs will help students grasp the real-world applications of their academic studies, enhancing their future employment and entrepreneurial prospects.