UGC issues guidelines for internships during lockdown – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has instructed universities and colleges to engage students to work as interns on ongoing projects. A notice released by UGC on Monday directs universities to allow students to take up online internships/ activities including the activities that can be carried out digitally or otherwise from home.

The official notification in this regard reads “The said guidelines also provide a framework for internship etc. However, keeping in view the current situation of lockdown across the country due to COVID- 1 9, the universities/ colleges may also take the following measures for internship and other related activities:

1. Allow the students to take up ‘online internships/ activities’ including the activities that

can be carried out digitally or otherwise from home.

2. Engage them to work as interns on ongoing projects.

3. Delay the start date for internship.

4. Reduce the period of internship clubbing with assignments etc.”

UGC has made clear that the guidelines are advisory and the Universities may accordingly plan their activities keeping in view the safety and interest of our stakeholders, giving the highest priority to the health of all concerned, while adopting and implementing the Guidelines.

UGC released the academic calendar on April 29, 2020. According to the academic calendar, the new academic session for old students will commence from August 1 while for the new students it will be September 1, 2020.