Andhra Pradesh makes 360-hour semester internships mandatory for UG students

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has introduced a mandatory semester-long internship of 360 hours, carrying 12 academic credits, for undergraduate students across all State universities and their affiliated colleges from November 16, 2026.

Announcing the initiative on Tuesday, APSCHE Chairman (in-charge) S. Vijaya Bhaskar Rao said the move was aimed at strengthening industry-academia linkages and improving graduate employability. The programme was designed in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, UGC guidelines, the Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes (CCFUP) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), he said.

The mandatory internships will be incorporated into the final-year curriculum of three-year and four-year undergraduate programmes. Students pursuing three-year degree courses will undertake the internship in the sixth semester, while those enrolled in four-year UG programmes, including Honours with research and professional courses, will complete it in the eighth semester.

The APSCHE has directed universities and their affiliated colleges to give priority to stipend-based internship opportunities available through its newly launched Institute-Industry Connect (IIC) portal. Non-stipendiary internships will be permitted only when suitable stipend-based opportunities are unavailable.

All undergraduate students must register on the portal (https://iic.apsche.ap.gov.in), which is integrated with DigiLocker to retrieve their Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) IDs. Universities and colleges have been instructed to appoint nodal officers, internship coordinators and mentors to facilitate registration, monitor student progress and oversee evaluation.

Meanwhile, registration of industry and enterprise partners will commence on November 4. Organisations offering internships to students graduating from State universities and affiliated colleges must register on the IIC portal and complete profile verification before posting opportunities.

Companies, MSMEs, government departments, public sector undertakings, defence establishments, research institutions, NGOs and technology organisations have been invited to offer internship opportunities in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors, solar energy, green hydrogen, ports and other emerging sectors.

Opportunities may be offered in physical or virtual modes, with details of stipends, working hours, learning outcomes and other facilities. Industry partners have been asked to submit organisational details and supporting documents, including incorporation certificates, PAN, GST registration and income-tax returns for the preceding three financial years.

After verification and approval by APSCHE, they can post internships and screen student applications through the portal. Prof. Rao has directed Vice-Chancellors and Registrars to ensure immediate circulation of the guidelines and compliance by all affiliated institutions.