Purpose and Objectives of AICTE Internship
The primary objectives of AICTE internship training for technical students include the following:
- Introduce students to real industrial settings that go beyond theoretical classroom learning, helping them become industry-ready professionals.
- Offer practical exposure to modern technologies and management practices aligned with the student’s field of study.
- Enhance core technical and managerial competencies through hands-on tasks and active participation in live projects.
- Encourage the application of theoretical knowledge to solve actual industry problems, thereby reinforcing academic concepts.
- Foster a learning environment that promotes curiosity, innovation, and the practical application of knowledge.
- Provide opportunities to develop and improve skills in technical writing, documentation, and project reporting.
- Build awareness of ethical responsibilities and professional conduct expected from engineers in the workplace.
- Help students understand various materials, manufacturing processes, product standards, and quality assurance techniques.
- Support overall academic, professional, and personal growth through experiential learning.
- Enable students to interact with potential employers and explore career pathways in their chosen domain.
- Offer insights into workplace dynamics, including organizational structure, economic factors, and administrative processes.
- Develop a better understanding of workforce psychology, including behavior, problem-solving approaches, and team collaboration.
Benefits of the AICTE Internship
Given below are some key benefits of participating in an internship:
- Opportunity to be hired by the company or organization after the internship.
- Hands-on experience in a real work environment.
- Practical understanding of how classroom theories apply in real-life situations.
- Better insight into whether a particular industry or role aligns with your career goals.
- Opportunity to learn new skills and strengthen existing knowledge.
- Practice in essential soft skills like communication and teamwork.
- Experience in managing time, handling multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines.
- Exposure to new people and valuable networking opportunities.
- Stronger resume with relevant experience.
- Enhanced profile for higher education admissions.
- Opportunity to build connections with professionals in the industry.
- Insight into company culture before committing to a full-time role.
AICTE Internship Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
Given below are the NGLPT (National Guidelines for Learning and Practical Training) criteria that outline the eligibility requirements and step-by-step process for participating in this internship opportunity. Students must meet the following conditions and complete the required steps to be considered for selection:
- The internship is open to second and third year students pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, pharmacy, management, architecture and planning, hotel management and catering technology, and applied arts and crafts. This includes students enrolled in programs such as B.Tech, M.Tech, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, MBA, B.Arch, M.Arch, and other related disciplines.
- Students must be enrolled in institutions affiliated with the Cisco Networking Academy.
- Candidates must complete two essential courses—Introduction to Packet Tracer and Cyber Security Essentials—through the Cyber Security Internship pathway on NASSCOM FutureSkills Prime.
- Alternatively, the required courses may be accessed by contacting the NetAcad instructor at the student’s institution.
- Upon successful completion of the courses and registration on the virtual internship portal (link provided after account creation), candidates will be invited to attend a three-hour industry session conducted by Cisco.
- After the industry session, students must complete a practical assignment under the guidance of a faculty coordinator, which involves designing a secure network for their institution using the Packet Tracer Simulation Tool.
- Once the project is submitted, participants are required to appear for a final quiz as the concluding stage of the internship.
AICTE Internship Duration and Academic Credentials
AICTE has proposed a structured internship and training framework for B.Tech and Diploma students. This allows students to gain practical experience and also earn academic credits as part of their course.
Credit allocation:
- B.Tech students must earn 14–20 internship-related credits.
- Diploma students must earn 10–14 internship-related credits.
- 1 credit = 40–45 hours of work.
- This means a B.Tech student needs to complete 600–700 hours of internship work.
- Diploma students need to complete 450–500 hours.
Suggested schedule and credit allocation:
| Internship phase | Suggested duration | Credits (B.Tech) | Credits (Diploma) |
| Summer after 2nd semester | 3–4 weeks | 3–4 | 3–4 |
| Summer after 4th semester | 4–6 weeks | 4–6 | 4–6 |
| Summer after 6th semester (only B.Tech) | 4–6 weeks | 4–6 | 3–4 |
| 8th semester | 3–4 weeks | 3–4 | – |
Activity descriptions by phase:
1. After 2nd semester students participate in inter or intra-institutional activities, such as:
- Soft skills training
- Higher education workshops
- Conferences, seminars, competitions
- Lab or workshop learning
- Participation in the Institute’s Innovation Council activities
- Working on consultancy or research projects
2. After the 4th or 6th semester, students take part in industry or community-based internships, including:
- Work in industries, MSMEs, NGOs, or government organizations
- Innovation or entrepreneurship projects
- Family business (with parent declaration)
- Rural or social internships (as part of AICTE’s village transformation program)
- Final project work
- Seminars (excluding those for advanced course credits)
Internship activities and evaluation:
| Activity Category | When | Evidence Required | Evaluator | Performance Grading |
| Inter/Intra Institutional | After 2nd semester | Certificates, reports | Programme Head/Cell In-charge | Satisfactory/Good/Excellent |
| Innovation/Entrepreneurship/IPR | After 4th/6th semester | Certificates, approvals | Faculty Mentor/ICC Convener | Satisfactory/Good/Excellent |
| Internship (Industry/NGO/etc.) | After 4th/6th semester | Internship report | Faculty Mentor/ TPO/Supervisor | Satisfactory/Good/Excellent |
| Rural Internship | After 4th/6th semester | Evaluating report | Faculty/TPO/NSS/NCC Head | Satisfactory/Good/Excellent |
| Project Work & Seminar | 8th semester | Project report | Project Head | Satisfactory/Good/Excellent |
Internship Application Guidelines
The Training and Placement (T&P) Cell plays a central role in organizing internships for students after their second, fourth, and sixth or seventh semesters. Students are expected to actively participate in the process, while the T&P Cell and faculty coordinators manage communication with companies and ensure smooth execution. The following steps outline the complete process and student responsibilities:
Step 1: Student Participation and Committee Formation
- At the beginning of the academic year, students interested in joining the placement/internship committee must apply to the TPO.
- From the pool of volunteers, one Student Coordinator is appointed to lead the group and work closely with the TPO.
- Committee members assist with activities such as:
- Designing the internship/placement brochure
- Preparing a list of potential and past recruiters
- Coordinating company visits and communications
- Supporting logistical arrangements for internships
Step 2: Request to Companies
- The T&P Cell sends official internship request letters or emails to companies, typically for 4–6 weeks of training during the summer break.
- Student profiles and areas of interest may be shared to help companies match suitable interns.
- Students may also personally reach out to companies. If an internship is secured independently, the student must submit the company’s confirmation letter through their department to the T&P Cell.
Step 3: Industry Confirmation and Slot Allocation
- Companies respond with details of available internship slots and the number of students they can accommodate.
- Based on this, the TPO allocates students accordingly.
- Communication may be through email, letters, phone calls, or faxes, managed by the TPO or designated faculty members.
Step 4: Submission of Internship Application
- All students must submit the Student Internship Program Application before the specified deadline (as per the provided format).
- Once selected, students are expected to accept the internship offer regardless of the company, job profile, location, or stipend.
Step 5: Joining and Confirmation
- Upon joining the internship, students must submit a joining report or a confirmation letter/email from the company to the department or T&P Cell.
Step 6: Training and Faculty Evaluation
- Students complete their internship at the assigned company.
- One or more faculty mentors will visit the organization once or twice to evaluate student progress.
- Each mentor supervises a group of students (typically 20 or based on department size).
- An evaluation report, signed by the industry supervisor or trainer, must be submitted to the department.
Step 7: Training Report Submission
- After the internship, students are required to submit a comprehensive training report documenting their learning and work experience.
Step 8: Internship Completion Certificate
- Students must collect a completion certificate from the company and submit it to the T&P Cell.
Step 9: Final Documentation and Exemption Option
- The T&P Cell will maintain a complete record of students who have successfully completed their internships.
- Students not seeking placement support (e.g., those pursuing higher studies, joining a family business, or preparing for competitive exams) may submit a written declaration to opt out of internship and placement assistance.
Also Read: All India Council For Technical Education (AICTE) Scholarships 2025-26
FAQs
What is the AICTE Cybersecurity Internship, and who is eligible to apply?
The AICTE Cybersecurity Internship is a government-backed online internship program offering 20,000 seats for students across India. It is open to engineering, diploma, and undergraduate students from AICTE-approved institutions who have a basic understanding of computers and IT.
How long is the internship, and what is the learning format?
The internship typically lasts for 6–8 weeks and is conducted entirely online. Students can learn through video lectures, assignments, and real-world cybersecurity case studies at their own pace.
Are there any fees involved in applying or participating in the internship?
No, the internship is completely free of charge. AICTE and its partner organizations cover all associated costs to ensure accessibility for all students.
Can students apply for this internship along with their academic schedule?
Yes. Since the internship is flexible and online, it is designed to fit around students’ academic calendars, allowing for weekend or evening learning.
Will this internship help in building a cybersecurity career?
Definitely. Completing this internship builds practical knowledge, enhances your resume, and may open doors to future internships, placements, or advanced certifications in cybersecurity.