The Delhi University is set to launch a new paid internship scheme for students of undergraduate and postgraduate courses from this academic year, in order to provide a more holistic education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP), according to officials. 

The Vice Chancellor Internship Scheme (VCIS) is designed to provide training on both soft and hard skills by integrating cognitive knowledge with experiential learning, VC Yogesh Singh said. All full-time regular students of the University of Delhi studying in any course at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels will be eligible to apply for the VCIS.

The internship scheme at Delhi University is a great way for students to get some real-world experience while still studying. The scheme is available throughout the year, based on the requirements of the various departments, centers, and institutes of the university. 

As per an official document, “The scheme is a unique experience in helping students broaden their mental faculties by learning skills and inculcating a sense of responsibility towards the university system. It is a method to intertwine holistic knowledge with the innovative avenues of earning while learning the nitty gritty of academics and administration.”

Speaking about the scheme, university official Rakesh Singh said, “It is a great opportunity for our students to learn new skills and gain some valuable experience. I would encourage all eligible students to apply for the scheme.”

Based on an interview, a total of 200 students will be selected for the internship program. The office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare has been entrusted with the responsibility of facilitating VCIS at Delhi University. The number of interns may be changed periodically after review and recommendation by DSW following the approval of the Vice Chancellor, officials said.

There are two types of internships under the VCIS program: a regular internship and a summer internship. The summer internship will be offered during the summer break and will last for eight weeks. Interns will work a flexible 15-20 hours per week. The regular internship, which takes place during the academic year, will also last for eight weeks with a flexible 8-10 hour work week. According to the program’s guidelines, students can avail of the VCIS program only once during their course of study at the University of Delhi. The maximum period of an internship, under any circumstances, is six months.

The regular intern will receive a stipend of Rs 5,000 per month, while the summer intern will get Rs 10,000 per month. Stipend will be enhanced by five per cent each financial year, it said. A certificate from the DSW at the end of the internship tenure and the appraisal report from the concerned employing department, centers, and institutes will be given.