The rapid and unprecedented transformations unfolding across all spheres of life in the twenty-first century pose profound challenges to traditional modes of education. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it presents both immense opportunities and complex challenges. In this context, education systems must evolve swiftly to inculcate twenty-first-century skills that enable learners not merely to survive, but to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global environment. Higher education, in particular, must assume greater social responsibility and contribute to the creation of a knowledge society—one capable of driving sustainable development through social and technological innovation.

Recognising this imperative, the Government of Kerala has envisioned, as the central objective of the undergraduate curriculum, the building of a robust knowledge society that can nurture and sustain a vibrant knowledge economy.

With the exception of a few premier national institutions, the existing higher education system largely remains regulation-driven, with an overemphasis on discipline-bound syllabi. This approach offers limited scope for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning, provides minimal early exposure to research, fosters a weak innovation ecosystem, and reflects low levels of meaningful industry engagement. Predominantly teaching-centric in nature, the system assigns teachers the role of transmitters of information while confining students to memorisation and reproduction in examinations. Consequently, insufficient attention is paid to conceptual understanding, real-world relevance, logical reasoning, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities.

Establishing the primacy of learning over teaching necessitates a fundamental transformation of the higher education system. Globally, education in many countries has already transitioned to learner-centric models, while several others are rapidly moving in that direction. Advances in digital technologies and the widespread availability of the internet have enabled unprecedented access to flexible, web-based learning opportunities across disciplines. Open-source knowledge repositories empower students to learn anytime, anywhere, and at varying levels, according to their interests and aspirations. Provisions such as multiple entry and exit options and the Academic Bank of Credits further enhance learner mobility across institutions, nationally and internationally. Students today are part of a global community of learners, enabling broader interaction, collaboration, and networking.

In recognition of these gaps, and in alignment with the Government’s vision of developing Kerala as a knowledge society, it has become imperative to strengthen undergraduate programmes through curricula that equip students with a strong knowledge base, intellectual depth, a global outlook, flexible skill sets, and foundational expertise. Such an approach aims to produce effective, responsible citizens of a knowledge society while offering multiple pathways for employment and lifelong learning.

INTERNSHIP KERALA PORTAL

Internship Kerala Portal is a flagship initiative of the Government of Kerala, conceptualized under the Higher Education Department and strategically guided by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC)—the apex academic advisory body of the state. The initiative is designed to systematically bridge the gap between classroom-based learning and real-world industrial exposure for undergraduate students, with a special focus on the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) framework.

Anchored in KSHEC’s vision of outcome-based education and enhanced employability, Internship Kerala establishes a structured, statewide platform that integrates academia and industry. The programme spans 800+ Arts and Science Colleges across Kerala and engages over six lakh undergraduate students, equipping them with industry-relevant skills, practical exposure, and workplace readiness.

By aligning academic curricula with evolving industry requirements, and under the academic leadership of KSHEC, Internship Kerala aims to create a future-ready talent pool while strengthening Kerala’s position as a knowledge-driven and employment-oriented higher education ecosystem.

This program facilitates meaningful collaborations between government, government-aided, and self-financing colleges and various industries across Kerala. By offering a structured platform, Internship Kerala ensures that students gain hands-on experience, practical knowledge, and valuable industry exposure, enhancing their employability and career prospects.

The program provides diverse internship opportunities, including paid internships, non-paid internships, and internships with stipends, catering to students' varied needs. Colleges can seamlessly register on the platform, while industries can list internship programs, making it easier for students to find suitable placements. Through training, placement drives, and quality monitoring, Internship Kerala ensures a well-rounded and impactful internship experience that benefits students, educational institutions, and industry partners alike.

The purpose of this document is to define the eligibility criteria and conditions for empanelment of industries, organizations, and institutions willing to participate in the Internship Kerala Programme. The empanelment process aims to ensure that students are placed in credible, professionally managed organizations capable of providing meaningful industry exposure and skill development in alignment with academic and employability objectives.

Industries can engage with the program by hosting students as interns for short-term internships carrying 2 credits /4 credits or long-term internships during Semester 8. This engagement model enables firms to access a pool of industry-ready talent, assess potential future hires through hands-on project involvement, and contribute directly to skill development aligned with academic and industry requirements, while strengthening industry–academia collaboration.

Universities and Colleges are permitted to enter into formal MoUs directly with genuine industries, organizations, or establishments that are independently capable of providing internship opportunities under FYUGP.

Institutions are advised to collaborate only with verified, direct industry partners and to exercise due diligence before finalizing any internship arrangement. Engagement with intermediary agencies, private web portals, or platform-based internship aggregators should be strictly avoided.

All Central Government and State Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, statutory bodies, Government autonomous institutions, and government-controlled agencies are eligible for empanelment without restriction, subject to compliance with program guidelines.

Private sector organizations shall be eligible for empanelment provided they meet the following minimum criteria:

1. The organization shall be legally registered under applicable Indian laws and shall possess a valid statutory registration certificate.
2. The organisation shall have a minimum of three years' experience.
3. The organization shall have a minimum annual turnover of ₹1 Crores for each of the preceding three financial years.
4. The organization shall have a minimum workforce strength of 10 employees
5. The organization shall not have been blacklisted, debarred, or declared ineligible by any Government authority, statutory body, or regulatory agency at any time.
6. The organization shall have the necessary infrastructure, technical capacity, and manpower to provide meaningful internship exposure.

Recognized research institutions, laboratories, innovation centres, and centres of excellence engaged in academic, scientific, or industrial research shall be eligible for empanelment. These institutions must demonstrate the capacity to offer research-oriented internships aligned with academic learning outcomes

Institutions affiliated to a recognised State University in Kerala, or those approved by statutory and regulatory authorities such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), or National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), shall be eligible for direct affiliation to the Internship Kerala Portal.

Such institutions must possess valid and current affiliation and recognition status and shall comply with all applicable regulatory norms, quality standards, and statutory requirements prescribed by the concerned authorities. Only institutions fulfilling these criteria shall be considered for onboarding to the Portal.

Companies offering Learning Management Systems (LMS) shall be eligible for empanelment provided they meet the following minimum criteria:

1. The organization shall be legally registered under applicable Indian laws and shall possess a valid statutory registration certificate.
2. The organisation shall have a minimum of three years' experience.
3. The organization must be approved by AICTE or UGC, or NCVET to be eligible to facilitate internships through their approved LMS.
4. With in this Priority shall be accorded to firms that offer reputed, industry-recognized certifications such as those from IBM, Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, CompTIA, Oracle, or other nationally and internationally accredited bodies.
5. The organization shall have a minimum annual turnover of ₹5 Crores for each of the preceding three financial years.
6. The organization shall have a minimum workforce strength of 20 employees.
7. The organization shall be legally registered under applicable Indian laws and shall possess valid statutory registrations.
8. The organization shall not have been blacklisted, debarred, or declared ineligible by any Government authority, statutory body, or regulatory agency at any time.
9. The organization shall have the necessary infrastructure, technical capacity, and manpower to provide meaningful internship exposure.

Industry experts or persons from an unorganised sector may be considered for empanelment if recommended by a recognized academic institution participating in the Internship Kerala Programme.

Such recommendations shall be supported by:

• Justification for relevance of the internship: A clear explanation of how the proposed internship aligns with the program’s objectives and the student’s field of study, demonstrating its practical significance.

• Academic value and learning outcomes: A detailed outline of the knowledge, skills, and competencies students are expected to gain from the internship, ensuring it contributes meaningfully to their academic development.

• Assurance of mentorship and supervision: A commitment from the Industrial expert to provide structured guidance, mentorship, and supervision to students throughout the internship period, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.

Final approval in such cases shall be subject to review and approval by the competent authority or coordinating agency.

All firms onboarded on the Internship Kerala Portal shall offer a specified number of internships free of cost. In instances where demand exceeds the available free internship positions, firms may expand the intake of interns under a self-sustaining model, subject to the maintenance of prescribed quality standards, adequate infrastructure, and meaningful skill training outcomes.

Students and institutions who are interested and willing to bear the cost of self-sustained internship programmes may opt for such opportunities through the Internship Kerala Portal.

In cases where charges are levied, the concerned companies shall strictly adhere to the following maximum permissible limits:

• Priority shall be given to firms and industries that offer free internships or meet the cost of training through their CSR funds or other institutional support mechanisms.

• In unavoidable circumstances, organizations may charge only the actual cost of consumables, utilities, essential training-related expenses, and refreshments (if provided) incurred specifically for hosting interns. All such components shall be reasonable, itemized, and transparently disclosed in advance.

• For FYUGP internships of 120 hours or up to 20 days, the total permissible charges under the above heads shall not exceed ₹5,000 per student.

• If the internship involves specialized tools, licensed software, advanced equipment, or other high-cost inputs requiring charges beyond the prescribed ceiling, the proposal shall be placed before a duly constituted Committee for scrutiny and prior approval.

• Additional training days or optional certification beyond the mandatory FYUGP requirement may attract a nominal fee, subject to a cap of ₹50 per hour of relevant additional training.

• In all cases where any fee is proposed, such internships shall be permitted only if they demonstrate substantial relevance and measurable skill enhancement aligned with the student’s academic programme, employability, and future placement prospects. Only internships with clear academic and career value shall be allowed to levy charges.

• No extra fee should be charged to students other than the approved internship fee. All payments must be made only through the official payment portal. The industry must not accept any cash payments from students.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPANELLED ORGANIZATIONS

All empanelled organizations shall:

1. Register the students exclusively through the Internship Kerala Portal: All student registrations for internships must be conducted solely through the Internship Kerala Portal. This means that no student should be enrolled or added directly through the individual portals, websites, or internal systems of the organizations offering the internships.
2. Provide a safe, professional, and conducive learning environment for students: Ensure that the internship setting promotes learning, fosters professional growth, and adheres to safety and workplace standards appropriate for student interns.
3. Designate qualified mentors to guide interns during the internship period: Assign personnel with sufficient industry experience who can offer structured guidance, monitor progress, and provide constructive feedback throughout the internship.
4. Clearly define internship roles, learning outcomes, and duration: Establish clear expectations for each intern, specifying their responsibilities, the skills and knowledge they are expected to acquire, and the total duration of the internship.
5. Ensure that interns are not engaged in hazardous or exploitative activities: Guarantee that all tasks assigned to interns are safe, lawful, and aligned with learning objectives, preventing exposure to any harmful or inappropriate work.
6. Adhere to the guidelines, monitoring mechanisms, and reporting requirements prescribed under the Internship Kerala Programme: Follow all prescribed protocols, maintain necessary documentation, and provide timely reports as required for program oversight and evaluation.
7. Cooperate with the coordinating agency and academic institutions for monitoring and evaluation: Actively engage with the program’s coordinating bodies and participating academic institutions to facilitate performance assessments, feedback collection, and overall program review.

RIGHT OF APPROVAL AND REJECTION

KELTRON/Higher Education Council reserves the right to:

• Approve or reject any application for empanelment without assigning reasons

• Conduct verification or due diligence as deemed necessary

• Suspend or cancel empanelment in case of non-compliance or misrepresentation

VALIDITY OF EMPANELMENT

Empanelment shall remain valid for the period specified at the time of approval, subject to satisfactory performance and compliance with program guidelines. Renewal or continuation shall be based on performance review and adherence to norms.

FINAL AUTHORITY

CONCLUSION

The empanelment framework under the Internship Kerala Programme is designed to ensure meaningful, safe, and high-quality internship opportunities for students through active collaboration with industry and other participating organizations. By establishing transparent eligibility criteria, defined responsibilities, and robust monitoring mechanisms, the programme aims to strengthen industry–academia partnerships while enhancing students’ employability and practical skills. All empanelled organizations are expected to uphold the standards and objectives of the programme, thereby contributing to a structured, outcome-oriented internship ecosystem that benefits students, academic institutions, and industry alike.