Belagavi:  Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Vice-Chancellor Karisiddappa informed that the students of the varsity may pursue internships in industries or research-based internships in the institutes of their choice in the country or abroad.

Speaking to media persons here on Saturday he said, the varsity has developed a portal for colleges and industries that facilitates the students for internship. The VTU and the State Government have entered into a memorandum of understanding with industries, he added.

He said: “The internship programme provides scope for students to choose the industry and those who can afford, may go abroad too. We provide stipends for students for doing internships here. It will be helpful to them. For research-based internships, options of Indian Institute of Technology like institutes can be chosen by them,” he advised.

He said, the VTU has adopted the National Education Policy (NEP) and has prepared the new syllabus in accordance with the needs of the industry. Board of Studies has industry experts and their cooperation has been sought while preparing the new syllabus that would also allay grievances of students who weren’t industry-ready. Under the NEP internal evaluation marks too have been increased to 50 marks and students now have 165 credits. Students could also opt for yoga, sports and music that too have credit, he added.

He said, major and minor degrees are being awarded by the VTU. It would facilitate students to get knowledge of more than one domain. All subjects are computer-integrated and students can also opt for Arts, Science and Commerce subjects, he informed.

On Kannada medium

Prof Karisiddappa said: “Engineering education in Kannada medium cannot be started this academic year as none of the students opted for it. Three colleges had come forward and we had prepared textbooks with teachers being trained by AICTE. Students have hesitation in opting for Kannada medium, but we shall continue the efforts during the next academic year too,” he said.