The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 outlines guidelines for internships for final-year undergraduate students in both three-year and four-year programs. Here are the key points and recommendations:

General Guidelines for All Final-Year Undergraduate Students:

1. Integration of Internships:

   • Internships should be a mandatory component of the curriculum for final-year students to provide practical exposure and industry experience.
   • Institutions should ensure that internships are well-integrated into the academic schedule and not just optional or add-on activities.
2. 
   

   Industry Collaboration:

   • Educational institutions should establish strong collaborations with industry partners to facilitate internship opportunities.
   • Collaborations should span across various sectors, including business, technology, arts, sciences, and more, to provide diverse opportunities.
3. 
   

   Skill Development:

   • Internships should focus on developing both technical skills relevant to the student's field of study and essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical practices.
   • Practical exposure should complement theoretical knowledge gained during the course of study.
4. 
   

   Assessment and Credit:

   • Internships should be assessed and credited as part of the final-year curriculum.
   • Evaluation criteria should include performance during the internship, project outcomes, and feedback from industry supervisors.
5. 
   

   Mentorship and Supervision:

   • Institutions should provide guidance and support to students in securing and completing internships.
   • Faculty mentors or advisors should be assigned to oversee the students' progress and coordinate with industry supervisors.
6. 
   

   Duration and Timing:

   • Internships should be of a substantial duration to ensure meaningful learning and contribution, typically ranging from a few months to a full semester, depending on the program.
   • Internships should ideally be undertaken during designated periods within the academic calendar, such as summer or winter breaks, or the final semester.
7. 
   

   Flexibility and Inclusivity:

   • Students should have the flexibility to choose internships that align with their career aspirations and interests.
   • Institutions should make special efforts to ensure that all students, including those from underprivileged backgrounds, have access to quality internships.
8. 
   

   Feedback and Improvement:

   • Regular feedback from students and industry partners should be collected to improve the internship programs.
   • Continuous improvement and adaptation of internship guidelines based on feedback and evolving industry requirements are encouraged.

Specific Guidelines for Three-Year Undergraduate Programs:

1. Early Exposure:

   • For three-year programs, it is crucial to introduce students to internships and practical experiences early, with an emphasis on the final year.
   • Final-year students should be encouraged to take up internships that align with their major subjects and career goals.
2. 
   

   Project-Based Learning:

   • In addition to internships, project-based learning should be integrated into the final year to provide hands-on experience in solving real-world problems.

Specific Guidelines for Four-Year Undergraduate Programs:

1. Capstone Projects and Internships:

   • Similar to engineering programs, four-year undergraduate students should undertake capstone projects or extended internships in their final year.
   • These projects should integrate learning from the entire program and provide significant practical exposure.
2. 
   

   Research and Innovation:

   • Four-year programs should emphasize research and innovation, encouraging students to engage in research projects or innovative industry internships.

These guidelines aim to provide final-year undergraduate students with substantial practical experience, enhance their employability, and prepare them for professional careers or further studies after graduation.