AKTU ties up with tech giants to offer online internships

Lucknow: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) has introduced a new initiative that integrates online internships into its academic credit system to enhance students' practical exposure.Under the initiative, students will earn one academic credit for every 30 hours of virtual internship completed. The university administration has prepared detailed guidelines to ensure smooth implementation. AKTU has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IBM, SmartBridge, NIELIT, Infosys, Nemi, and Softpro, to offer both paid and unpaid online internships to students of the university and its affiliated colleges. Vice-chancellor Prof JP Pandey said that students in their third, fifth, and seventh semesters are eligible to undertake a minimum of 60 hours of internship, which will translate into two academic credits. These virtual internships will be treated as mini-projects, in alignment with the National Credit Framework, which stipulates that 30 hours of practical work equals one credit. The evaluation process will be jointly carried out by industry partners and the university. After the completion of the internship, industry partners will issue certificates to students, acknowledging their work and learning. The university has informed the directors and principals of all affiliated institutions that the system will be implemented from the academic session 2025–26. (BOX)Importance of virtual internships AKTU vice-chancellor JP Pandey said, "Virtual internships save students time and resources. Earlier, students had to physically visit companies and make rounds to secure internship opportunities. With virtual internships, they can gain experience while continuing their regular classes." He added that virtual internships are especially beneficial for engineering students as they provide practical skills, enhance resumes, and offer a flexible, cost-effective way to gain industry exposure from anywhere.