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Semester Long External Exposure

The Semester-Long External Exposure program at IIT Gandhinagar enables eligible undergraduate students to spend a full semester gaining structured, credit-earning experience outside the institute. This may include research, internships, or entrepreneurial work that complements academic learning and enhances career readiness.

Objective

  • Integrate real-world engagement into the undergraduate curriculum.
  • Provide practical experience in academic, industrial, or entrepreneurial settings.
  • Improve employability and skills through long-term projects.
  • Align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • Encourage exploration of research, development, or startup pathways.

Eligibility

  • B.Tech and B.Tech-M.Tech students: Eligible in their seventh semester.
  • B.Tech Dual Major students: Eligible in seventh or ninth semester.
  • Prior approval from the institute is mandatory.

Types of Activities Allowed

  • Research internships at reputed academic institutions.
  • Industrial internships in core or interdisciplinary sectors.
  • Projects at R&D labs (e.g., ISRO, DRDO).
  • Startup or entrepreneurial activities (must be hosted at an incubation center such as IITGN’s IIEC).

Note: Employment engagements are not permitted.

Credit Structure

  • Course code: IN 498 – External Exposure
  • Credit allocation: 4-credit modules, up to a maximum of 16 credits.
  • Maximum per quad: 4 credits.
  • Grading: Based on host organization feedback and departmental evaluation (interviews, exams, etc.).
  • Evaluation: Conducted by a departmental committee or designated faculty members.

Credit Application

Credits earned can be counted toward the following graduation requirements: - Open electives - Open project course (up to 4 credits) - HSS electives (up to 8 credits)

Grades received in IN 498 are included in SPI/CPI calculations.

Administrative Guidelines

  • Students may begin their external engagement during the summer prior to the seventh semester, but summer activity will not count for credit.
  • The viva-voce in the seventh semester is waived for students participating in this program.
  • The engagement must be offline and full-time (no online or hybrid modes).
  • No change of activity or host organization is permitted once registered.
  • Discontinuation after registration results in an F grade.
  • Students cannot be employed during this period, but stipends or honoraria may be accepted if offered by the host.

Summary Table

Feature Details
Eligible Semesters 7th (or 9th for Dual Major)
Max Credits 16 (4-credit modules)
Evaluation Department-led, host feedback
Credit Application Open electives, HSS, project course
Mode Offline only
Stipend Allowed Yes
Employment Engagement Not allowed
Registration Switch/Exit Not allowed after registration
Viva Waiver Yes (for 7th semester students)

Reference

Adapted from:
- Academic Affairs Advisory 66 (Version 1.1, July 2025)