Objectives

The main objective is to build a skilled, industry-ready workforce by integrating academic knowledge with practical exposure. The initiative creates a collaborative and innovation-driven ecosystem involving industry, academia, startups and government to enhance employability, foster emerging technologies and support inclusive growth. Key objectives include:

Scope of Engagement

Empanelled Firms shall host WBL candidates for a continuous duration of six (6) months and provide:

• Real-time project exposure in relevant domains
• Structured mentorship and supervision
• A professional industry work environment conducive to learning

Candidates will be engaged in emerging technology areas such as Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, IoT & Embedded Systems, Data Analytics, Semiconductor & Electronics Design, Cloud Computing, Digital Health and other emerging technology domains.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible organizations (Firms) include:

• Industry Partners – Companies, MSMEs, IT/ESDM firms
• Startups – DPIIT-recognized startups
• Incubation Units

Mandatory conditions:

• Minimum annual turnover of INR 2 Crores
• Not blacklisted by any Government Department, Agency or Public Sector Undertaking
• Actively engaged in Research & Development (R&D), manufacturing, assembly or related technical operations
• Operate in relevant domains such as Computer Science (CS), AI/ML, Data Science, Information Technology (IT), Electronics and Embedded Systems, Robotics and Automation, Industrial Automation and Process Control

Roles & Responsibilities of Industry Partners

Firms shall be responsible for:

• Onboarding of candidates jointly with Implementing Organizations
• Providing project-based internship aligned with relevant technology domains
• Assigning a dedicated mentor/supervisor for each candidate during the 6-month tenure
• Regular attendance tracking and sharing with the Implementing Organization
• Periodic performance evaluation jointly with Implementing Organizations and sharing monthly assessments
• Contributing a stipend of ₹5,000 per candidate per month (minimum)
• Submitting periodic progress reports (including mid-term and final evaluation reports) to the PMU
• Disbursing the full stipend only after clearance from PMU / Implementing Organization

Financial Model

Monthly stipend per candidate: ₹10,000 (shared 50:50)

• Industry / Startup contribution: ₹5,000 (minimum)
• WBL Programme contribution: ₹5,000

Duration: 6 months. Payment mode: Online. The selected Firm shall disburse the full stipend amount directly to the candidates on a monthly basis. Thereafter, the Implementing Organization’s share of the stipend shall be reimbursed to the Firm on a monthly basis, subject to submission of requisite documents and compliance with programme guidelines.

Benefits to Industry Partners / Startups / Incubation Units

• Contribution to national skill development
• Fresh infusion of ideation by youth in R&D and innovation projects
• Opportunity to leverage CSR initiatives
• Opportunity to hone candidates for future employment opportunities

Candidate Profile

Categories: SC / ST / Women / EWS

Qualification:

• Final year or recent graduates (last 3 years) of B.Tech. / B.E. / M.Sc. / M.C.A.
• B.Tech. / B.E. / M.Sc. / M.C.A. final-year candidates
• ITI / Diploma (for industry-specific roles, where applicable)

Selection, Allocation & Empanelment Process

Candidate Selection & Allocation:

• Registration via AICTE / WBL Portal
• Screening and shortlisting of candidates jointly by Implementing Organizations and Firms
• Interview / test jointly by Implementing Organization and Firms
• Final allocation after approval by PMU / Implementing Organization and Firms
• MoU / Letter of Association (LoA) to be signed by the Firm and Implementing Organization

Empanelment Process for Firms:

• Step 1 – Submission of EoI: Organization Profile, Registration details (DPIIT / MSME / Company), Domain expertise, Infrastructure details, Past experience (if any), Number of interns proposed, Stipend payment undertaking
• Step 2 – Assessment by PMU: Technical capability, Financial viability, Domain relevance, Mentorship capacity
• Step 3 – Approval & Empanelment: Issuance of Empanelment Letter and Signing of MoU / Letter of Association (LoA)

Documents Required

• Registration Certificate
• PAN / GST details
• Startup recognition (if applicable)
• Company profile / brochure
• Undertaking for stipend contribution
• Other annexures as specified in the EoI (Covering Letter, Authority Letter, Organizational Details, MII / Land Border Sharing Undertaking, Self-Declaration of Non-Blacklisting, etc.)

Programme Management Unit (PMU)

C-DAC Mohali acts as the Programme Management Unit (PMU) and is responsible for efficiently managing, implementing and monitoring the overall programme. Key activities include overall coordination, preparation of Guidelines and SOPs, selection & centre allocation support, monitoring through MIS, stipend-related guidelines, interaction with Implementing Organizations, repository maintenance, progress reporting to MeitY, and support in fund disbursement and financial monitoring.