The Complete Guide to AICTE’s 6-Month Mandatory Internship for Diploma Students (2025–26)

This is your step-by-step guide to the new compulsory 6-month industrial training for diploma students in India. We cover the official rules, AP SBTET timelines for 2025-26, how to find and apply for internships, and how to get a great assessment.

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The AICTE 6-month diploma internship is a compulsory industrial training program for the 2025-26 academic year, worth 10-14 credits. To complete it, you must:

Find an internship using the AICTE portal or by contacting local companies.
Get a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from your college and an offer letter from the company.
Complete approximately 450-500 hours of training, maintaining a daily logbook.
Submit a final report and appear for a viva-voce and presentation at your college.

For AP students, the training must align with the official SBTET academic calendar windows.

Who Needs This Internship? Understanding the New Mandate

Starting with the 2025-26 academic year, the six-month industrial internship is no longer an extra activity—it’s a mandatory, credited part of your diploma curriculum. This isn’t just a small change. It’s a major policy shift by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to tackle a big national problem: the gap between what you learn in the classroom and what industries actually need.

For years, companies have reported that fresh diploma graduates often lack the practical skills to be productive from day one. This new rule is designed to fix that. By making you spend significant time in a real workplace, AICTE wants to ensure you graduate with technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional habits that employers are looking for. Think of this internship not as a requirement to tick off, but as the most important part of your final year to prove you are ready for a job.

Which Diploma Programs are Included

This mandatory internship rule applies to all students enrolled in 3-year diploma programs at AICTE-approved institutions across India. This covers all major engineering and technology branches like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Computer Science, and Electronics and Communication Engineering.

If you are in a non-engineering or a very specialized diploma program, it’s always a good idea to confirm the specific internship requirements with your Head of Department (HOD). Your college will receive direct circulars from the State Board of Technical Education and Training (SBTET) that clarify applicability for all courses.

Duration in Hours and Credits

The internship is a significant academic component. According to AICTE’s Internship Policy, it carries 10 to 14 academic credits.

Here’s how that breaks down:

1 Credit: AICTE defines one credit as being equivalent to a minimum of 40-45 hours of work.
Total Hours: This means you are required to complete a total of 450 to 500 hours of industrial training to earn these credits.

This is not just about showing up. Your performance during these hours will be formally assessed and will directly impact your final marks and diploma eligibility.

Where College Rules Can Differ

While AICTE sets the national policy, your individual polytechnic has the authority to implement it with its own specific rules. Be aware of these possible differences:

Paperwork Deadlines: Your college’s Training & Placement Office (TPO) will have its own internal deadlines for submitting documents like the No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and the company’s offer letter. Don’t miss these.
Report Formatting: Your department might have a specific format for the final internship report, including font size, margins, and how to attach certificates.
Logbook Checks: Some colleges may ask you to submit your daily logbook to your faculty mentor for periodic checks (e.g., every month).

How to Verify: Always check the main notice board in your department and the TPO’s office. Read every circular carefully. When in doubt, speak directly to your TPO or your assigned faculty mentor.

When to Do It in 2025–26 (Andhra Pradesh Focus)

For students under the State Board of Technical Education and Training, Andhra Pradesh (AP SBTET), the academic calendar provides clear, specific windows for the mandatory 6-month industrial training. Planning your internship search around these dates is critical.

AP SBTET Official Windows

According to the official Academic Calendar for 2025-26 released by the Director of Technical Education, AP, there are two designated periods or “spells” for the six-month industrial training :

First Spell: Starts from 15 May 2025
Second Spell: Starts from 24 November 2025

These dates are fixed to align with the semester structure. You must ensure your internship starts and ends within these official timelines.

How to Align Offers with Semester Blocks

Companies have their own hiring schedules, which may not perfectly match the SBTET calendar. This is where you need to be proactive.

The choice between the May and November spells is a strategic one. The summer period (May onwards) is the traditional time for internships, which means you will be competing not only with other diploma students but also with B.Tech students. The competition for good companies will be higher. However, more companies are actively hiring interns at this time.

The winter period (November onwards) is generally less crowded. You might face less competition, which could be an advantage. However, you will need to balance your internship with final year project work and early campus placement activities that often happen in the last semester.

Here’s what to do:

Communicate Clearly: When you interview with a company, clearly state the official start dates (15 May or 24 November). Ask them if they can align your internship offer with one of these dates.
Plan Ahead: Start your search at least 3-4 months before your preferred spell. For the May spell, you should be applying for internships by January or February. For the November spell, start applying by July or August.
Get It in Writing: Your final offer letter from the company must mention the exact start and end dates. This letter is a crucial document you will submit to your college.

How to Find Your Internship

Finding the right internship requires a mix of using official channels and proactive, direct outreach. Relying on just one method is risky. A “Hybrid Search Strategy”—using the AICTE portal daily while also contacting local companies directly—will give you the best chance of success.

The AICTE Portal: A Step-by-Step Guide

The AICTE National Internship Portal is the official platform and your first stop. It lists thousands of opportunities from government departments, PSUs, and private companies. Your college will likely require you to register your final internship here, so it’s essential to have an account.

Here’s how to use it effectively:

Register Your Account: Go to internship.aicte-india.org. Click on “Student Registration.” Fill in your details accurately, including your name, college (select it from the list), and email. Use a professional email address.
Verify Your Email: You will receive a verification link in your email. Click it to activate your account. You cannot log in without this step.
Complete Your Profile: Log in and fill out your profile completely. Add your skills (e.g., AutoCAD, C++, PCB Design), academic projects, and areas of interest. A 100% complete profile is more likely to be noticed by recruiters.
Search for Internships: Use the search filters to your advantage. You can filter by:
- Location: Type your city (e.g., “Visakhapatnam,” “Vijayawada”).
- Duration: Select “6 Months.”
- Stream/Branch: Choose your diploma field (e.g., “Electrical Engineering”).
Apply and Track: When you find a suitable opening, click “Apply Now” and upload your resume. You can track the status of all your applications (“Under Review,” “Shortlisted,” etc.) on your student dashboard.

Beyond the Portal: Targeting Local Companies in AP

While the portal is essential, many excellent local companies in Andhra Pradesh may not post there. Direct outreach can get you a great internship that others miss.

MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)

MSMEs are the backbone of our industrial economy and are fantastic places to get hands-on experience. You often get to work on diverse tasks instead of being limited to one small role. Target companies located in major industrial estates and clusters in AP:

Visakhapatnam: Autonagar (Gajuwaka), Atchutapuram (for engineering and chemicals).
Kadapa: Kopparthi Industrial Estate (Engineering Cluster).
Chittoor & Tirupati: Sri City (multi-sector), Renigunta, Gandrajupalli (Garments).
Guntur/Vijayawada: Autonagar (Guntur), Veerapanenigudem (Krishna), Mangalagiri.
Krishna: Machilipatnam (Imitation Jewellery Park).
Anantapur: Hindupur Growth Centre.

Public Sector and Utility Companies

For Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical students, state-owned utility companies are excellent targets. They have well-structured training programs. Consider approaching:

APGENCO (Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation): For experience in thermal and hydel power plants.
APTRANSCO (Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh): For experience in substations and power transmission systems.
Distribution Companies (DISCOMs): Your local electricity provider, like APSPDCL or APEPDCL, for experience in power distribution and maintenance.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (RINL): A major PSU offering structured industrial training.

Leveraging Your Network

Your personal network is a powerful tool. People are more likely to help someone they have a connection with.

Alumni on LinkedIn

Seniors from your polytechnic who are now working in the industry are your best allies. They can offer advice, refer you, or at least tell you if their company is hiring interns.

Here’s how to find them using LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool:

Go to the LinkedIn search bar and type the full name of your polytechnic.
Select the official college “School” page from the results.
On the college’s page, click the “Alumni” tab.
You will now see a dashboard of all alumni. Use the filters to search by “Where they work” (company name) or “Where they live” (city).
Find a few seniors working at companies you are interested in and send them a polite connection request with a short, personalized note.

Faculty and TPO

Your professors and Training & Placement Officer have built relationships with companies over many years. They are often the first point of contact for HR managers looking for interns.

Be Prepared: Before you approach them, have your resume ready and a clear idea of the type of companies or roles you are interested in.
Ask Politely: Schedule a time to meet them. Say something like, “Sir/Madam, I am very interested in an internship in the automotive sector. Based on my skills in AutoCAD and my project on vehicle dynamics, I was hoping you might have some industry contacts you could suggest I reach out to.”

Your First Impression: Resume and Email

Skills-First Resume Outline for a Diploma Fresher

For a diploma student with no prior work experience, your resume should be a single page and focus on your skills and projects.

Contact Information: Name, Phone Number, Professional Email, LinkedIn Profile URL.
Summary (Optional but Recommended): A 2-3 line summary stating your branch, key technical skills, and career interest. Example: “A detail-oriented Diploma in Mechanical Engineering student with proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Eager to apply design and analysis skills to a challenging internship in a manufacturing environment.”
Education: Diploma in,, [City]. (Expected Graduation: Year), Aggregate Percentage/CGPA.
Technical Skills:
- Software: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, C++, Python, MS Office.
- Hardware/Lab Skills: PCB Design, Oscilloscope, Multimeter, Lathe Operation, Welding.
- Technical Knowledge: List key subjects like Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials, Digital Electronics.
Academic Projects:
- List 2-3 of your most important mini-projects.
- For each project, use bullet points to describe what you did, the tools you used, and the outcome. Use action verbs like “Designed,” “Fabricated,” “Programmed,” “Analyzed.”
Achievements & Certifications (Optional): Mention any relevant online courses (e.g., from NPTEL), technical competition prizes, or leadership roles (e.g., Class Representative).

Cold Email and LinkedIn Message Templates

Use these templates for your direct outreach. Remember to customize them!

** Cold Email for Internship**

** LinkedIn Connection Request Message (to Alumni)**

Approvals and Paperwork: Getting It Right

Getting your internship approved is a formal process with specific documents. Treating this paperwork seriously is crucial. These documents are not just formalities; they are the official agreement between you, your college, and the company, and they define your role and learning objectives.

The Key Documents

You will need to coordinate between your college’s TPO and the company’s HR department to get these three critical documents signed.

No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Institute: This is an official letter from your college, usually issued by the TPO or Principal, addressed to the company. It states that the college has no objection to you undertaking the internship during the specified period. You typically need to provide your offer letter to the TPO to get the NOC.
Offer Letter or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): This is the document you receive from the company. It can be a simple offer letter or a more formal MoU. It must include:
- Your name and the company’s name.
- The exact start and end dates of the internship.
- The department or project you will be working on.
- Details of the stipend, if any.
- The name and designation of your industry supervisor/mentor.
Training Plan: This is the most important document for ensuring a quality learning experience. It is often part of the MoU or an annexure to the offer letter. It should outline the skills you will learn and the tasks you will perform, often broken down by month or week. Before you get it signed, review it with your faculty mentor. If it seems too vague (e.g., “Will assist engineers”), politely request your mentors to add more specific points (e.g., “Week 1-4: Learn to create 2D drawings in AutoCAD. Week 5-8: Assist in preparing Bill of Materials”).

During the Internship

Once you start, your responsibility is to document your work meticulously.

Daily Logbook (Diary)

The daily logbook is the primary evidence of your training. It is a mandatory document for your final assessment. You must fill it out every single day.

What to Write: For each day, write a few points about the tasks you performed, the new things you learned, the tools or software you used, and any challenges you faced.
Supervisor’s Signature: At the end of each week, you must get your logbook signed by your industry supervisor. This signature validates your entries. Do not leave this for the last minute.
Faculty Visits: A faculty mentor from your college may make surprise visits to your company. You must have your logbook up-to-date to show them.

[LINK: “Internship logbook templates”]

Attendance Rules

Punctuality and regular attendance are non-negotiable.

Minimum Requirement: Most colleges, following SBTET guidelines, mandate a minimum of 90% attendance during the internship period.
Leave Policy: You can only take leave in case of genuine emergencies and after getting formal permission from your industry supervisor.
Final Record: At the end of the internship, the company will issue a consolidated attendance certificate. This is a required document for your final submission.

How Assessment Usually Works

Your six-month internship concludes with a formal evaluation at your college. This assessment determines the credits you receive and contributes significantly to your final year marks. The evaluation is typically conducted by a panel that includes your HOD, faculty mentor, and an external examiner from another institution or industry.

The assessment is designed to test not just what you did, but what you learned and how you can articulate it. It usually consists of three main components :

Internship Report: This is the detailed, formal document that summarizes your entire internship experience. It typically includes an introduction to the company, a description of the department you worked in, a detailed account of the tasks and projects you handled, the skills you acquired, and a conclusion with your key learnings. Your daily logbook will be the primary source for writing this report.
Viva-Voce (Oral Examination): This is a question-and-answer session with the evaluation panel. They will ask you questions based on your report. Be prepared to explain the technical details of your work, the challenges you faced, and how you solved them. The goal is to verify that you genuinely understood and performed the work you have claimed.
Presentation: You will be required to prepare and deliver a short presentation (usually 10-15 minutes using PowerPoint) summarizing the highlights of your internship. This tests your communication and presentation skills.

A common mistake students make is simply listing their tasks. To get high marks, you need to tell a story of your growth and contribution. For every task you mention in your report and presentation, explain the context (what was the situation?), the task you were given, the action you took (what tools/methods did you use?), and the result (what was the outcome or what did you learn?). This approach turns a simple list into a professional case study of your accomplishments.

What to Actually Do Each Week: A Sample Plan

Six months can feel like a long time, and it’s easy to get lost without a plan. This sample structure breaks down the internship into manageable phases. Use this as a guide to have productive conversations with your mentor and to set personal goals for yourself.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many students face similar challenges during their first long-term internship. Being aware of them can help you avoid major issues.

Offer Delays: A verbal promise is not enough.
- Pitfall: A company says they will take you as an intern but delays sending the official offer letter, causing you to miss your college’s submission deadline.
- How to Avoid: Always ask for the offer letter in writing (email is fine). If it’s delayed, send a polite follow-up email every 3-4 days.
Vague MoU/Training Plan: The plan is the roadmap for your learning.
- Pitfall: The signed MoU just says “General training in Production Department,” leaving you with no specific tasks and at risk of being given only menial work.
- How to Avoid: Before the final sign-off, review the training plan with your faculty mentor. If it’s vague, ask your TPO for guidance on how to request more specific learning objectives from the company.
Attendance Shortfalls: The 90% rule is strict.
- Pitfall: You take a few days off for a family function without formal approval and fall below the 90% attendance mark, making you ineligible for assessment.
- How to Avoid: Treat the internship like a real job. Apply for leave in writing (or via the company’s official portal) for all planned absences. For emergencies, inform your supervisor immediately via phone call and follow up with an email.
Last-Minute Report Writing: This is the most common mistake.
- Pitfall: You wait until the last week to start writing your 50+ page report, realizing you don’t remember the details of what you did in the first month. The result is a poor-quality report.
- How to Avoid: Dedicate 2-3 hours every weekend to write a summary of your week’s work in a document. This document will become the foundation of your final report, making the final compilation easy and stress-free.

Finish Strong: Turn Your Internship into a Job

The last phase of your internship is your chance to go from being a “trainee” to a “potential employee.” Simply completing your assigned tasks meets expectations. To get a job offer (a Pre-Placement Offer or PPO), you need to exceed expectations by adding real value.

Mini-Project Ideas Per Trade

The best way to add value is to take initiative on a small, focused project that solves a real problem for your team. Observe the daily work for a few weeks, find a small inefficiency, and propose a simple solution to your manager.

Mechanical/Automobile:
- Project Idea: Design a simple jig or fixture in AutoCAD or SolidWorks to hold a component securely during assembly, reducing errors or time.
- Value: Improves quality and speed on the assembly line.
Electrical/Electronics (ECE/EEE):
- Project Idea: Create a small, automated test bench using an Arduino or a simple circuit to check the functionality of a common PCB or component, replacing a manual checking process.
- Value: Saves technician time and ensures consistent testing.
Computer Science/IT:
- Project Idea: Write a simple Python script or an Excel macro to automate the process of collecting data from multiple files and generating a daily summary report.
- Value: Eliminates a boring, repetitive manual task and reduces the chance of human error.
Civil:
- Project Idea: Create a standardized Excel template for calculating material quantities for a specific type of small structure (e.g., a culvert) or for tracking daily site progress.
- Value: Improves accuracy and makes reporting faster and more consistent.

What a Good Completion Certificate Includes

When you leave, the company will give you an Internship Completion Certificate. This is an important document for your resume. Ensure it contains:

Your full name and college name.
The exact start and end dates of the internship.
The name of the department or project you worked on.
A brief, positive comment on your performance, such as “His/her performance was satisfactory” or “He/she was a keen learner.”
The signature of your manager/HR and the company seal.

Converting to a PPO or Apprenticeship

If you enjoy the work and can see a future for yourself at the company, make your intentions known.

Timing: About one month before your internship ends, schedule a brief meeting with your manager.
The Conversation: Thank them for the opportunity and the learning experience. Briefly present the results of your mini-project and explain how it helped the team. Then, state your interest clearly: “I have really enjoyed my time here and have learned a lot. I am very interested in building my career at [Company Name] after I graduate. I would be grateful if you could let me know if there are any full-time opportunities or apprenticeships available.”
Follow Up: Stay in touch with your manager and colleagues on LinkedIn after you leave. A strong network is your best asset for your first job.

Checklists and Templates

Use these tools to stay organized throughout the process.

“Before You Apply” Checklist

[ ] My one-page, skills-first resume is finalized and saved as a PDF.
[ ] My LinkedIn profile is updated with a professional photo and a good summary.
[ ] I have a list of at least 10 target companies (5 from the AICTE portal, 5 local).
[ ] I have identified 2-3 alumni on LinkedIn to contact.
[ ] I have spoken to at least one professor about my internship interests.

“Approval Day” Checklist

[ ] I have the signed Offer Letter/MoU from the company.
[ ] I have submitted the offer letter to my college TPO.
[ ] I have collected the signed No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from my college.
[ ] I have submitted the NOC to the company.
[ ] I have read and understood the Training Plan in the MoU.

“Weekly Logbook” Template

Use this format in your diary. Get it signed by your supervisor every week.

“Final Submission” Checklist

[ ] Final Internship Report is printed and bound as per college rules.
[ ] Daily Logbook (original copy) is ready.
[ ] Internship Completion Certificate from the company is attached.
[ ] Company Attendance Certificate is attached.
[ ] My final presentation (PPT file) is ready and I have practiced it.

Andhra Pradesh: Specific Guidance for AP Students

If you are a diploma student in Andhra Pradesh, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind.

Where to Confirm Dates and Rules

Your single source of truth for all rules, dates, and deadlines is your college, which follows the guidelines from these two official bodies:

AP SBTET Website: The State Board of Technical Education and Training, Andhra Pradesh, is the governing body. Check its official website for statewide circulars.
Your College TPO/HOD: Your Training & Placement Officer and Head of Department are your primary contacts. They receive all official communication and will give you the final instructions. Always follow their guidance.

Who to Contact for Questions

For questions about how your internship timing affects sessional marks, internal exams, or final year project schedules: Contact your Head of Department (HOD).
For questions about paperwork (NOC, MoU), finding companies, or the approval process: Contact your Training & Placement Officer (TPO).

Travel and Commute Tips for AP Hubs

Finding accommodation and managing daily travel can be a challenge. Plan ahead, especially if your internship is in a major industrial area.

Visakhapatnam & Kakinada: These are major industrial belts with many companies located in areas like Gajuwaka, Atchutapuram, and the Kakinada SEZ. If you don’t live nearby, look for shared accommodation or hostels in the city well in advance. APSRTC buses are the most affordable way to commute to these industrial zones.
Vijayawada & Guntur: The Autonagar areas in both cities are major hubs for MSMEs. These are well-connected by city buses. If your internship is in the wider Amaravati region, plan your commute carefully as public transport may be less frequent.
Sri City (Tirupati District): Sri City is a massive industrial park with many large companies. It is not a residential town. Most interns and employees live in nearby towns like Sullurpeta, Tada, or Sathyavedu. Sri City operates its own shuttle bus services from these towns, which is the most convenient way to commute. Ask the company HR about these services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a stipend mandatory for this internship?

No. While AICTE encourages companies to provide a stipend to cover basic expenses like travel and food, it is not mandatory. Whether you get a stipend and how much it is depends entirely on the company’s policy. The primary goal of the internship is credited, practical learning.

Can I split the 6 months between two different companies?

This is generally not allowed. The policy is designed for a continuous, in-depth experience at a single organization. Splitting it would complicate the assessment and paperwork. You must confirm with your college TPO, but assume it needs to be done at one company.

Is an internship at an NGO eligible?

It can be, but only if the work is directly related to your technical diploma. For example, a Civil Engineering student working with an NGO on a water purification project might be approved. A Computer Science student developing a database for an NGO could also be eligible. You must get prior written approval from your HOD before accepting such an offer.

What if my company won’t sign the exact MoU format from my college?

This is a common issue. Many large companies have their own standard internship agreement. Talk to your TPO. Usually, as long as the company’s offer letter or agreement contains all the essential details (duration, your role, supervisor’s name, attendance policy), the college will accept it.

Is biometric attendance required at the company?

This depends on the company’s internal policy. Some use biometric systems, others use manual registers. What is mandatory for your college is the final, signed attendance sheet that the company provides you at the end of the internship.

Can I do a remote/online internship?

For core engineering branches like Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical, a remote internship is highly discouraged as it defeats the purpose of gaining hands-on industrial experience. AICTE’s policy focuses on practical, on-site learning. If a remote internship is your only option due to extraordinary circumstances, you must get explicit, written permission from your HOD and Principal.

What should I do if the company isn’t giving me any real work?

Don’t stay silent. First, refer to your Training Plan. Politely speak to your industry supervisor and remind them of the learning objectives listed. If nothing changes, contact your faculty mentor from college. They are responsible for ensuring you have a meaningful learning experience and can speak to the company on your behalf.

Can I do my internship in another state?

Yes, absolutely. You can do your internship anywhere in India as long as the company is a legitimate, registered organization and you complete all the required paperwork with your college before you leave.

What to Do Next

You now have the complete roadmap for your mandatory internship. The key is to start early and be proactive. Here are your first two steps:

Finalize Your Resume: Use the “Skills-First Resume Outline” in this guide to create a clean, professional, one-page resume. Get it reviewed by a senior or a faculty member.
Start Your Hybrid Search: Don’t wait. Register on the AICTE portal today and start exploring. Simultaneously, create a list of 5-10 local companies in your area of interest and prepare to contact them directly using the email template provided.

This internship is your bridge to a professional career. Take ownership of the process, and you will not only meet the academic requirement but also set yourself up for a great first job. Good luck!

Sources

AICTE Internship Policy Guidelines. All India Council for Technical Education. Accessed 18 October 2025.
AICTE Internship Portal. All India Council for Technical Education. Accessed 18 October 2025.
Academic Calendar for Diploma Courses A.Y. 2025-26. Director of Technical Education, Andhra Pradesh. (Cir. Memo. No.H/2714556/2025-26, Date:05.04.2025). Accessed 18 October 2025.
AP SBTET Guidelines for Industrial Training. State Board of Technical Education and Training, Andhra Pradesh. Accessed 18 October 2025.
APSCHE Notices and Circulars. Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education. Accessed 18 October 2025.

Transparency Box

This guide was researched and written by the team at diviseemapolytechnic.org. Our methodology involved reviewing the latest official circulars and policy documents from AICTE, the Director of Technical Education (DTE) Andhra Pradesh, and AP SBTET for the 2025-26 academic year. We also analyzed guidelines from various polytechnics to provide a comprehensive overview. Please remember that while we strive for accuracy, individual polytechnics may have their own specific rules and deadlines. Always follow the latest circulars issued by your college’s Principal or TPO.

Author Box

Priya Sharma is an Education Policy Analyst at diviseemapolytechnic.org. She specializes in curriculum development and career pathways for technical students in India, with a focus on aligning academic programs with industry requirements. She has been guiding polytechnic students for over five years.