Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), through its Shaastra Magazine, has launched the National Internship, Placement Training, and Assessment (NIPTA) initiative aimed at creating a standard benchmark for internship and job readiness among students across India. According to an official statement, the programme is designed for engineering and diploma students and will combine a structured training programme with a standardised assessment to measure employability. The initiative will provide a 10-12 week curated training programme covering technical knowledge, mathematical aptitude, logical reasoning and communication skills. Free training resources such as video lectures and sample questions will be made available to students. At the end of the preparation period, a three-hour proctored assessment will be conducted in-person at designated centres across the country. The assessment is open to third- and final-year engineering students, recent graduates, final-year diploma students and diploma holders. Students will be required to pay a nominal fee for the exam, while training resources will remain free. Read | Will the H-1B visa rule impact upcoming placement season in engineering and management colleges? Each participant will receive a performance-based certificate issued by IIT Madras, which will serve as a transparent indicator of skills and competencies. According to IIT Madras, the assessment results will be shared with recruiters, helping companies identify talent more efficiently. To further connect students with employers, IIT Madras also plans to organise a National Job and Internship Mela in early 2026, either virtually or in-person. This platform will directly link assessed candidates with potential recruiters. The initiative was launched at IIT Madras by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Speaking about the programme, IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti said that the initiative aligns with the institute’s motto of “IITM For All” and is intended to democratise opportunities for students nationwide. Prof Srikanth Vedantam, Faculty at the Department of Medical Sciences and Technology and Editorial Board Chair of Shaastra Magazine, noted that NIPTA is aimed at making employability measurable and transparent. Shaastra Magazine, a monthly publication of IIT Madras, focuses on science, technology and innovation with an India-centric perspective. It publishes original, research-based articles aimed at bridging the gap in the coverage of science and technology issues in the country.
