Nationwide Internship Program Launched to Empower High School Students

In a significant move aimed at strengthening career readiness among students, the Ministry of Education has rolled out a nationwide internship program for high schoolers in Classes 11 and 12. The initiative, which began as a pilot in select urban districts, is now being expanded to rural and semi urban schools. Students will gain hands on experience in various industries including IT, agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. The program partners with over 2,000 companies and startups and includes mentorship, career counseling, and performance assessments. Internships will be optional and aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning. Experts say this initiative bridges the gap between academic knowledge and employability. Teachers and principals across states have welcomed the move, though logistical challenges remain in smaller towns where industry presence is limited. The government has allocated ₹200 crore for the first phase of the rollout and aims to reach one million students within two years.