Jaipur: Rajasthan University (RU) has signed MoUs with leading institutions, including NASSCOM, RCAT, RKCL and Skill India, to facilitate internships and skill-based training for students, while also making internships mandatory under the NEP 2020 framework.The decisions were taken at a special syndicate meeting held at the vice-chancellor secretariat Tuesday. “As per NEP 2020, undergraduate students will now have to complete 120 hours (four credits) of internships through recognised institutions in online, offline or hybrid modes. Through these collaborations, students will get exposure to real-world work environments and industry-relevant skills,” a university official said. The university will introduce Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) across affiliated colleges, with courses such as BCom in Human Resource Operations, BCom in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance, and BA in Content and Creative Writing. “These programmes are designed to bridge the gap between academics and industry requirements,” officials’ press statement said. The syndicate also approved the university’s 2026–27 budget, raising concerns over its financial health. “The university is facing increasing financial pressure due to rising pension liabilities, reduced jurisdiction and fee concessions for students,” an official said. RU is expected to bear a pension burden of Rs 165 crore in the upcoming financial year, while the budget projects a deficit of Rs 57.99 crore. Highlighting the financial strain, Syndicate members urged the state govt to restore full funding. “The earlier decision to cut 25% of the block grant should be reconsidered. The university needs full financial support to function effectively,” a Syndicate member said. The meeting also reviewed steps taken to resolve land-related issues of Maharaja and Maharani Colleges and discussed broader administrative reforms. “The focus is on improving both academic quality and institutional governance,” officials said.
