In college
Your degree needs one.
Most degrees in India now include a compulsory internship. Pick your course to see how long, when, and how it is checked.
What does my course need?
Set by UGC
One compulsory internship, 60 to 120 hours
How long60–120 hours (2–4 credits)
WhenUsually after Semester 4
How it's checkedLogbook, supervisor report, viva
Honours with Research students also do a 12-credit research project in Semester 8. The internship can be job-focused or research-focused.
Your college may ask for more, so check your syllabus. Source: UGC guidelines for internship / research internship (2023) ↗ · checked 28 Oct 2026
Where college students can intern
- 1 · Companies and startupsThrough your placement cell, LinkedIn or Internshala.Good for: work experience for your CV. Watch out: run the five safety checks.
- 2 · Government and PSUsNITI Aayog, ministries, and the PM Internship Scheme in your final year.Good for: public-sector exposure. Watch out: apply only on official sites.Government routes →
- 3 · Research labsYour own college's labs, and summer research programmes at IITs, IISc and research institutes.Good for: research and higher study. Watch out: apply early; seats are few.
- 4 · NGOs, farms and artisansUGC counts community, rural and craft work for your internship credit.Good for: real-world problem solving. Watch out: agree tasks with your college first.
- 5 · Family businessAICTE allows it for engineering students with a parent's declaration.Good for: running a real business. Watch out: your college must approve it.
- 6 · OnlineAllowed, and useful if you can't travel.Good for: flexible hours. Watch out: never pay, never share OTPs or bank details.
Five safety checks
- Never pay to intern. A genuine internship does not charge you for “training”, a “kit” or a certificate.
- Get it in writing. An offer letter with the organisation's name and address, your dates, tasks, hours and pay.
- Check it with your school or college. Your placement cell or teacher can tell you if it is real.
- You're protected from harassment. The law against sexual harassment at work covers interns and trainees, paid or unpaid. You can complain to the organisation's committee.
- Online internship? Never share OTPs, bank details or ID copies over chat.
Checked at official sources on 28 Oct 2026 · See sources
Which one fits your plan?
A counsellor can match it to your subjects, course and goals. The first chat is free.
Checked at official sources on 28 Oct 2026. See sources