The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has introduced a six-month internship program for B.Tech students, aimed at enhancing their chances for pre-placement offers and providing greater industry exposure, according to a TNN report. As part of this new structure, students enrolling in 2024-25 will not have core courses in their sixth semester, allowing them to complete elective courses either earlier or later in their academic journey. This shift is designed to give students more flexibility and time to focus on internships. Currently, B.Tech students typically complete summer internships lasting up to three months, but both industries and students agree that longer internships will better develop the technical and soft skills needed to make graduates more industry-ready. Practical experience gained through these extended internships will not only improve students’ resumes and increase their chances of securing good job offers but will also provide a deeper understanding of industry practices.
While discussing the new framework with TNN, Prathap Haridoss, Dean of Academic Courses at IIT Madras, explained, “All departments will now uniformly ensure that there is no core course during the sixth semester. Now, students can plan well ahead and take elective courses in earlier or following semesters to keep the sixth semester free.” This flexibility allows students to take advantage of the eight-month window between mid-November and July, during which they can complete two shorter internships, one long internship, or engage in projects at universities or labs.
The move comes as part of IIT Madras’ broader effort to streamline and refine its curriculum, a change that has been influenced by feedback from both the industry and the placement office. However, Haridoss acknowledged that second- and fourth-year students might find it more challenging to benefit from the extended opportunities, as they will need to put in additional effort to make the most of this new structure.
Faculty members are optimistic that this initiative will bolster the pre-placement process and help students secure better job opportunities. Further emphasizing the positive impact on students’ career prospects, Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, Dean of Students at IIT Madras, shared her observations with TNN saying, “Companies will be able to assess students better in longer internships. More pre-placement offers will lead to less competition during campus placements.”
How has IIT Madras performed on the placement parameter?
IIT Madras has consistently demonstrated impressive placement outcomes over the past few years. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), the institute’s placement records reveal both steady growth in graduate numbers and an increase in the quality of job offers. In the 2020-21 academic year, IIT Madras graduated 338 students, with 292 securing placements and a median salary of Rs. 15 lakh. The number of students opting for higher education stood at 17. The following year, in 2021-22, saw a notable rise in graduate numbers to 388, with 297 students placed, and a median salary increase to Rs. 17 lakh. The pursuit of higher education also grew, with 78 students choosing this route. The trend continued in 2022-23, where the number of graduates surged to 639, of which 496 secured placements, maintaining a strong median salary of Rs. 16.63 lakh. Ninety six students opted for higher studies. These statistics reflect IIT Madras’ sustained focus on both academic rigour and industry relevance, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for successful careers.
How will IIT Madras students benefit from the extended internship ?
This unique six-month internship opportunity for the B.Tech students of IIT Madras marks a significant shift towards providing industry-focussed, practical learning experiences. This initiative is designed to complement the rigorous academic curriculum of IIT Madras and equip students with the hands-on skills required to excel in the professional world. Here is a look at how it will benefit students.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice: One of the primary benefits of this six-month internship opportunity is that it allows B.Tech students to apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained in their courses to real-world problems. While the academic curriculum at IIT Madras is renowned for its rigor and depth, the addition of practical experience ensures that students are industry-ready. The opportunity to work on live projects helps students understand the nuances of engineering challenges that they cannot learn through textbooks alone.
Industry Exposure and Networking Opportunities: The internships will provide students with exposure to leading companies and research organizations in their field of study. This exposure will allow students to observe industry best practices, adopt the latest technologies, and see firsthand how different sectors operate. Additionally, students will be able to network with professionals, mentors, and peers, which can help them forge meaningful relationships and build a solid professional network that may lead to future job opportunities.
Enhancing Employability and Technical Skills: With hands-on experience in solving real-world engineering problems, students will not only enhance their technical skills but also gain practical insights into the latest industry trends. The six-month duration of the internship ensures that students can dive deep into their projects, adding value to their portfolios and boosting their resumes. Employers highly value candidates with practical experience, and these internships will give IIT Madras B.Tech students an edge over others.
Development of Soft Skills: Beyond technical expertise, internships also help in the development of essential soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and time management. Working in an industry setting requires students to adapt to professional environments, interact with diverse teams, and effectively communicate their ideas. These experiences contribute to personal growth and prepare students to take on leadership roles in their careers.
