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

In a groundbreaking initiative, Odisha has engaged over 1.18 lakh students in internships and community service as part of the NEP-2020 framework for the academic year 2025-26. This program aims to provide practical exposure and enhance students' understanding of grassroots administrative processes. With placements in various sectors, including government offices and NGOs, students will earn academic credits and gain valuable experience that will benefit their future careers. Learn more about this transformative educational approach and its impact on students in Odisha.

By Ambika Singh May 22, 2026, 15:17 IST

Internship Opportunities for Odisha's Students

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, over 1.18 lakh students from various higher education institutions in Odisha have been offered internships and community service roles in line with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 for the academic year 2025-26, as announced by officials on Friday.

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

The Odisha Higher Education department has successfully engaged more than 1.18 lakh undergraduate students in these programs during the 2025-26 academic session.

The internships lasted for six weeks, providing students with mentorship and hands-on training.

Internship placements were made available in various sectors, including government offices, educational institutions, Anganwadi centers, Panchayat Samiti offices, health facilities, 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 during their internships.

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

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

Students were 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 would gain practical insights and understand the functioning of grassroots administrative processes.

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