Only 354 of 80,000 VTU students take internship swap

Visvesvaraya Technological University’s semester swapping system has drawn a cold response, with only 354 of its 80,000 engineering students opting for an internship in the seventh semester instead of the eighth. VTU had launched the swap to ease competition for internships, hoping half the students would choose the earlier slot.

A VTU official said many hostel-dwelling students prefer completing classes by the seventh semester to vacate hostels early, saving six months of fees. Others with supplementary papers want time to clear failed subjects in the final semester. A college principal added that most students want to finish academic work in the seventh semester and relax in the eighth, making the swap unpopular.

VTU is now studying reasons for the low uptake and plans to create awareness among principals and students. The official noted that the change cannot be made mandatory; it will take time to shift mindsets.