India’s National Education Policy 2020 is flipping the script on traditional schooling by urging internships for students as early as grade 9. It’s not just about books anymore-it’s about blending learning with doing.

The India Skills Report shows over 89% of graduates are craving internship experience-why wait till graduation? Real-world exposure in school boosts employability, bridges the gap between theory and practice, and sparks early career exploration.

Forget rote learning. The World Economic Forum and McKinsey agree: today’s job market values critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving-skills best built through hands-on experiences. Studies even show internships improve academic performance and motivation!

Rural schools often lack resources to build such programs, and outdated mindsets still treat internships as distractions. Without equity-focused solutions, these benefits might only reach privileged students.

Countries like Germany and Finland show how combining classroom knowledge with real-world training transforms education. India can do the same-with local context and collaboration between schools, businesses, and policymakers.