India witnessed a 25% rise in internship opportunities in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the Annual Internship Trends Report by Internshala. Over the last five years, internship opportunities have grown by an impressive 135%.
Management dominated the internship landscape, accounting for 42% of all roles, including marketing, sales, finance, and HR. Engineering followed with 20%, offering positions in software development, web development, and core engineering fields. Media roles made up 13%, while education and design contributed 4% each. Emerging areas like AI, sustainability, and blockchain are expected to grow in 2025.
Inclusivity was a key highlight, with 66% of employers open to hiring women returning to work. Additionally, 49% of internships were work-from-home, making roles accessible to students in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Urban hubs like Delhi-NCR (31%), Mumbai (17%), and Bangalore (11%) remained hotspots for in-office internships.
The average stipend for internships in 2024 was ₹8,000 per month, with the highest reaching ₹1 lakh. Notably, 22% of internships offered pre-placement offers (PPOs), showcasing their role as a gateway to full-time employment.
Top skills sought by employers included English proficiency, MS Excel, social media marketing, digital marketing, and effective communication. Field-specific skills varied:
Management: MS Excel, digital marketing, SEO, and content marketing.
Engineering: JavaScript, ReactJS, MySQL, machine learning, and AutoCAD.
Media: Creative writing, editing, and animation.
Design: Adobe Photoshop, UI/UX design, and video editing.
Internship durations ranged from 1 to 6 months, averaging 3.7 months, offering flexibility for students to balance academics and work experience. Remote internships have begun decentralizing opportunities, making them more accessible nationwide.
With continued growth and innovation in the internship landscape, 2024 marked a year of enhanced opportunities for Indian students.