Five-Days ITBP Internship Programme: RRU Puducherry Students Gain Hands-on Paramilitary Training Experience

The II Year BA/BSc Criminology and Police Science students of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Puducherry Campus, successfully completed a five-day internship programme at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Recruit Training Centre (RTC), Sivagangai, Tamil Nadu, from 02-06 February,  2026. A total of 44 students, accompanied by faculty members Mr. A.K. Karthikeyan (Drill Instructer-RRU), Ms. Sandra Sunil (TCRO-RRU), and Mr. M.G. Rakesh (Master student of RRU), participated in this immersive training programme designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world paramilitary practices.

The internship formally commenced on 02 February 2026 at 9:30 AM addressed by Inspector Ankit Singh and an inaugural address by Justin Robert, DIG and other senior ITBP officials.  The dignitaries presented an overview of the programme, outlining its objectives and expected learning outcomes. An official documentary and informative videos were screened to familiarize students with the history, mandate, and achievements of the ITBP.

On 03 and 04 February 2026, students began their days with early morning physical training, including running and fitness drills, experiencing the discipline and physical standards of paramilitary recruits. The sessions included indoor classes on explosives handling, sand model demonstrations, laboratory visits, and tactical exercises at the park with trench systems and military symbols. Classroom lectures also covered the history, role, crowd control, and internal security functions of the ITBP. Evening hours were reserved for outdoor games and team-building activities, while the planned cultural practice was postponed due to a capacity-building inspection at the centre.

On 05 February 2026, students attended a firing demonstration session to familiarise themselves with various arms and weapons, followed by cultural rehearsals, artificial rock climbing, and drill demonstrations that showcased rope climbing and other endurance activities. The day concluded with a vibrant cultural programme featuring performances by all 44 students and faculty members, after which Justin Robert, DIG appreciated their discipline and enthusiasm and distributed certificates.

On 06 February 2026 the programme formally ended with a closing ceremony, where reflections were shared and votes of thanks were delivered. The Campus Director I/c, Mr. Arsh Ganesh, joined the programme online and conveyed his gratitude to the ITBP team for facilitating the training and providing valuable learning exposure to the students.

Overall, the ITBP internship served as a valuable platform for experiential learning, equipping students with insights into the challenges, responsibilities, and professionalism required in paramilitary and policing careers. The programme proved highly beneficial in enhancing students’ practical knowledge, discipline, teamwork, and understanding of the operational framework of uniformed services.