Internship Stipend Policy
1. Introduction
Pedestal Techno World Private Limited is committed to fostering talent through its internship program, providing hands-on experience in domains such as artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security, and full-stack development. This policy outlines the eligibility criteria, project requirements, evaluation processes, application and selection procedures, and termination and debarment policies for interns to qualify for a performance-based stipend. Interns work in teams on projects valued at 20,000 INR each, with successful completion leading to stipends and recognition at an annual award ceremony in January. This policy is designed to be transparent, fair, and accessible via the Pedestal Internship Portal.
2. Definition and Limitations of an Intern
Definition: An intern is a student enrolled in a recognized educational institution or a recent graduate (within 12 months of graduation). Interns participate to gain practical experience, contribute to assigned projects, and learn under the mentorship of industry professionals.
Limitations:
- Interns are not employees and are not entitled to employee benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, or bonuses.
- Internships are for a fixed duration, typically 6 months, with extensions requiring explicit approval from management.
- Interns must adhere to the company's code of conduct, ethical standards, and policies.
- Interns work under mentor guidance and do not have decision-making authority.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the performance-based stipend, interns must meet the following requirements:
- Project Completion: Complete a minimum of 400 hours of work on the development board as part of the assigned project, ensuring substantial technical experience and meaningful contributions.
- Attendance: Maintain at least 75% attendance throughout the internship, tracked via check-ins or timesheets, to demonstrate commitment and reliability.
- Additional Activities: Earn reward points through participation in operational and managerial tasks, ethical conduct, in-house activities (e.g., workshops, hackathons), and exemplary behavior/performance. These points contribute to the final evaluation and reflect an intern's holistic contribution.
4. Stipend Structure and Distribution
- Project Worth: Each team project is valued at 20,000 INR, awarded upon successful completion and evaluation.
- Equal Split: The stipend is divided equally among team members to promote teamwork and fairness. Examples include:
- 2 interns: 10,000 INR each
- 4 interns: 5,000 INR each
- 5 interns: 4,000 INR each
- Payment Process: Stipends are disbursed after final evaluation, confirmed at the annual award ceremony in January, via bank transfer or other specified methods.
5. Reward Points System
Earning Points: Interns can earn up to 100 points per individual for:
- Operational and Managerial Activities (up to 30 points): Tasks such as project coordination, documentation, or process improvement.
- Ethical Conduct (up to 20 points): Demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and adherence to company values.
- In-House Activities (up to 30 points): Participation in company-organized events like workshops, hackathons, or training sessions.
- Behavior and Performance (up to 20 points): Exhibiting initiative, teamwork, and consistent high-quality work.
Weightage in Evaluation: Reward points contribute 20% to the final evaluation score, with project quality (60%) and attendance (20%) comprising the remaining weightage.
6. Project Requirements
- Project Scope: Each project has a defined scope outlining deliverables and technical requirements, aligned with the company's standards for functionality and quality.
- Team Structure: Teams consist of 2–5 interns who collaborate to deliver a cohesive, functional project.
- Submission Requirements: Interns must submit a 100% working model on the company's designated cloud server, meeting all specified requirements without significant errors. If server credentials are unavailable, interns should request access by emailing support@pedestaltechnoworld.com.
7. Submission and Evaluation Process
Evaluation Process
The evaluation process is structured to ensure fairness and thoroughness, with the following steps and timelines:
- Submission Deadline: Projects must be submitted by December 15 annually, with verification of 400 hours of development work and 75% attendance.
- Initial Review: The support team confirms receipt and checks completeness within 3 business days (e.g., by December 18, 2025).
- First Testing Round: The test team assesses functionality, scope adherence, and basic performance within 2 weeks (e.g., December 19, 2025–January 2, 2026). Feedback is provided for minor fixes, if applicable.
- Second Testing Round: A rigorous round evaluates edge cases and scalability within 2 weeks (e.g., January 3–16, 2026). Significant bugs may result in project suspension or abandonment, disqualifying the team from stipend eligibility.
- Final Evaluation: The evaluation committee reviews project quality (60%), attendance (20%), and reward points (20%) within 1 week (e.g., January 17–23, 2026). A passing score, typically 70% or higher, qualifies teams as winners.
- Notification: Teams are notified of results within 2 weeks (e.g., by January 30, 2026), with winning teams invited to the annual award ceremony.
Timeline Example (2025–2026)
| Stage | Projected Timeline (Sample) |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | December 15, 2025 |
| Initial Review | By December 18, 2025 |
| First Testing Round | December 19, 2025–January 2, 2026 |
| Second Testing Round | January 3–16, 2026 |
| Final Evaluation | January 17–23, 2026 |
| Notification | By January 30, 2026 |
| Annual Ceremony | January 31, 2026 (or first Saturday) |
8. Selection and Application Process
Application Process
- Submission: Candidates apply through the Pedestal Internship Portal, submitting a resume, cover letter, and domain-specific documents (e.g., portfolio for software development roles).
- Support: For application-related queries, candidates can contact counselors via the portal's contact form or call the provided number. Alternatively, email internship@pedestaltechnoworld.com.
Selection Process
- Initial Screening: The HR department reviews applications for academic background, relevant skills, and alignment with the chosen domain.
- Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates undergo domain-specific assessments, which may include:
- Technical tests (e.g., coding challenges for software development roles)
- Behavioral interviews to evaluate soft skills and cultural fit
- Domain-specific tasks (e.g., Oracle database queries for Student Intern roles)
- Offer and Onboarding: Selected candidates receive offer letters detailing internship terms, including duration, stipend structure, and start date. Interns join by a fixed date (e.g., May 6, 2025), with no extensions typically permitted. Onboarding includes orientation, mentor assignment, and project allocation.
Domain-Specific Requirements: Each internship domain has unique responsibilities and selection criteria, as outlined on the Pedestal Internship Portal. Examples include:
- Student Intern (Oracle): Requires knowledge of Oracle tools and involves performing defined hourly duties.
- Backend Engineering Intern (HappyFox): Focuses on backend development skills for building scalable systems.
- Trainee Engineer-Software (Noventiq): Entry-level role for graduates starting software development careers.
9. Reward System
- Winning Teams: Teams that pass the evaluation process are recognized as winners, eligible for the 20,000 INR stipend and certificates.
- Annual Ceremony: Held annually in January, the ceremony celebrates intern achievements, with awards presented by management, government officials, or industry experts.
10. Termination and Debarment Policies
A. Termination of Internship
- Completion of Internship: Internships are for a fixed duration, typically 6 months, as specified in the offer letter. Successful completion, meeting all eligibility criteria, marks the end of the internship.
- Early Termination by the Company: The company may terminate an internship early for reasons including, but not limited to:
- Failure to meet performance standards, such as not completing assigned tasks or delivering substandard work
- Violation of company policies or code of conduct, including unethical behavior or failure to follow instructions
- Misconduct, such as harassment, theft, fraud, or actions detrimental to the company's interests
- Unauthorized absence or abandonment of the internship (e.g., repeated unexcused absences)
- Notice Period: In cases of early termination, the company may provide a notice period ranging from immediate termination (for severe misconduct) to a maximum of two weeks, at the discretion of the internship coordinator or HR department.
- Final Settlement: Upon termination, interns must return all company property, including laptops, access cards, and other materials. Any earned stipend for work completed up to the termination date will be disbursed within 30 days.
- Exit Process: Terminated interns must complete an exit interview with their supervisor or HR representative and return all company property before leaving.
B. Resignation by Intern
- Notice Period: Interns wishing to resign must submit a written notice of at least two weeks to their supervisor and the HR department via internship@pedestaltechnoworld.com.
- Consequences of Early Resignation: Resigning before completing the minimum 400 hours or without providing adequate notice may result in forfeiture of the stipend and other internship benefits.
- Exit Process: Resigning interns must complete an exit interview and return all company property before their last day.
C. Debarment Policy
- Debarment for Misconduct: Interns found guilty of serious misconduct, such as theft, fraud, harassment, or other violations of the company's code of conduct, may be debarred from participating in any future internships or programs with Pedestal Techno World Private Limited.
- Debarment for Non-Compliance: Interns who fail to meet internship requirements, such as not completing 400 hours, missing project submission deadlines, or submitting non-functional projects, may be debarred from receiving the stipend and participating in future internships.
- Duration of Debarment: Debarment duration, determined by the HR department and management, ranges from one year to permanent, based on the severity of the offense.
- Appeal Process: Interns who believe they have been unfairly debarred may submit a written appeal to the HR department at internship@pedestaltechnoworld.com within 07 days of receiving the debarment notice. The HR department's decision is final.
11. Contact Information
- For policy or submission queries: support@pedestaltechnoworld.com
- For application or termination queries: internship@pedestaltechnoworld.com
12. Policy Context
This policy aligns with industry practices, emphasizing performance-based rewards to foster collaboration and excellence. The structured evaluation process, equal stipend distribution, and annual ceremony distinguish our program by motivating interns and publicly recognizing their achievements. The termination and debarment policies ensure a professional environment while providing clear consequences for non-compliance or misconduct, with opportunities for appeal to maintain fairness.
Summary Table: Key Policy Elements
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Project Completion | 400 hours on development board |
| Attendance | Minimum 75% attendance |
| Additional Activities | Earn reward points for operational, ethical, and in-house activities |
| Project Submission | 100% working model on cloud server |
| Evaluation | Pass two testing rounds; no significant bugs |
| Reward Points Contribution | 20% of evaluation score |
| Stipend Distribution | Equal split among team members |
| Termination | Possible for misconduct, poor performance, or resignation; notice up to 2 weeks |
| Debarment | For serious misconduct or non-compliance; appealable within 07 days |
