GU advances NEP 2020 vision with largest UG summer internship in AI and emerging IT

 Guwahati, 29 June 2026: The Department of Information Technology, Gauhati University today inaugurated the Summer Internship Programme–2026, the largest internship initiative for undergraduate students ever organised by the University. A total of 280 students from Assam, other North-Eastern states and institutions outside the region have enrolled in 11 cutting-edge internship domains, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Natural Language Processing, Cyber Security, Computer Vision, Data Science, Multimedia, VFX, AI for Cognition and Computer Hardware & Networking.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Minister of Education and Information Technology, Government of Assam, as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, graced the occasion as the Distinguished Guest. Deans, faculty members, senior university officials, research scholars and students were also present.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pegu emphasised that the Government of Assam is committed to building a robust ecosystem for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence across the State. "Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence are no longer confined to the IT industry; they are becoming a way of life and an essential component of every profession. The Government of Assam is committed to building IT and AI education, innovation and entrepreneurship on a large scale. Our youth must acquire future-ready digital skills so that they can lead the transformation of Assam into a knowledge-driven economy," the Minister said.

In his address, Prof. Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, highlighted the University's vision of combining its rich academic heritage with emerging technologies. "As the oldest university in the North-East, Gauhati University has the responsibility to preserve academic excellence while embracing the technologies of the future. We are committed to expanding interdisciplinary teaching, research and innovation in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence across faculties. Such initiatives will empower our students with the skills required in the rapidly evolving global knowledge economy," he said.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. Shikhar Kumar Sarma, Head of the Department of Information Technology and Dean, Faculty of Technology, said that the internship programme reflects the University's commitment to the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He mentioned- "Under the NEP framework, internships have become an integral component of undergraduate education. Through this initiative, the Department of Information Technology is creating opportunities for students from diverse disciplines to gain hands-on experience in contemporary technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Data Science and Generative AI.” 

The Summer Internship Programme will continue until 22 July 2026 and will be conducted in the Department's laboratories under the guidance of expert faculty members and teaching assistants, coordinated by Dr. Kishore Kashyap and Mr. Ahidur Zaman of the Department. The initiative aims to equip undergraduate students with practical knowledge, interdisciplinary exposure and industry-relevant competencies, thereby strengthening the implementation of experiential learning envisioned under the National Education Policy 2020. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks followed by interaction between the dignitaries, faculty members and participating students.