VTU Restructures Internship Schedule to Help Students
Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has taken a significant step to address the mounting pressure on engineering students. The university will now spread the mandatory internship period over two semesters instead of one.
Current System Creates Problems
Currently, all VTU students must complete a four-month internship during their seventh semester. This compressed timeline creates intense competition for limited positions. Many students feel forced to pay companies substantial amounts just to secure work experience.
Recent data reveals the troubling reality. VTU reported that out of 65,710 students who found internships, only 28,162 received them for free. Another 7,203 students earned stipends. The remaining 46% paid companies between Rs 500 and Rs 1.2 lakh for their internship placements.
New Approach Divides Students
The university's new plan will divide colleges and courses between the seventh and eighth semesters. For example, 50% of colleges will send their computer science students during the first term, while the other half will complete internships later.
VTU Vice-Chancellor S Vidyashankar explained the reasoning behind this change. "We will soon form a schedule based on colleges and courses," he said. "This will reduce the burden on the colleges as well. Some of them have an intake as high as 2,500. How is it even possible for them to arrange so many internships?"
Addressing Previous Resistance
The university considered this approach earlier but faced opposition from some colleges. These institutions argued they had already arranged company interviews. However, VTU has now decided to proceed with the semester division despite these concerns.
Vidyashankar expressed optimism about future improvements. "In another one year, many centres of excellence are coming up," he noted. "There could be at least 10 such centres where our students can intern. By next year, things will be smoother and students will have enough free internship opportunities."
Extended Deadlines and Verification
Meanwhile, VTU has extended the internship application deadline to January 25. Approximately 5,000 students still need to register for internships. The university promises to give everyone adequate time to apply.
The institution continues to approve student-arranged internships based on college recommendations. However, VTU plans to form an inspection team to verify these placements. "We will also form a team that will inspect these internships and confirm they are genuine," Vidyashankar warned. "If they are found to be fake, action will be taken against the colleges."
Media Coverage Sparks Discussion
The Times of India's recent series 'Internship Imbroglio' highlighted the difficulties engineering students face. These reports received strong responses from students and stakeholders across Karnataka.
Many students expressed relief that the issue finally received public attention. One letter to the newspaper stated, "TOI's reporting brought much-needed attention to an issue that was widely known but rarely spoken about."
With approximately 81,000 VTU students required to complete internships, this structural change represents a substantial shift in engineering education policy. The university hopes spreading students across two semesters will create more opportunities and reduce financial pressure on aspiring engineers.
