Indian internship opportunities, meanwhile, registered a phenomenal growth of 25% in 2024; in total, this marks an increase of 135% from 2020. The report, Internshala Internship Trends Report 2024, signifies an increase in emphasis on education that includes practical and experiential learning. Given that the demand for internships from industries and students continues to rise as an important career-building tool, it’s poised for further expansion in 2025.

The report says that internships have become a critical bridge between academia and industry, equipping students with the right skills and real-world exposure. According to Sarvesh Agrawal, founder and CEO of Internshala, “Internships are a foundational pillar in shaping the career trajectory of students.” He said that as organisations are shifting towards skill-based hiring, internships are changing and becoming more inclusive and aligned with the aspirations of India’s youth.

Management roles, at 42%, dominated the space for internships in 2024. Popular profiles also included marketing, sales, finance, operations, and human resource management. Engineering came in at 20%, software development, web development, and core engineering disciplines represented here. Media represented 13%, journalism, creative writing, and videography, while education and design each contributed 4% roles in teaching, graphic design, UI/UX, and animation.

The demand for digital and technical skills dominated hiring patterns in 2024. Major requirements included proficiency in the English language, MS Excel, social media marketing, digital marketing, and effective communication. Engineering and design also had a huge demand with special skills such as JavaScript, ReactJS, AutoCAD, and Adobe Photoshop. As the job market becomes more and more reliant on technological advancements, these emerging areas like artificial intelligence, green technologies, and blockchain are expected to drive growth in 2025.

Inclusivity emerged as a theme in 2024 with 66% of employers stating they are willing to hire women returning to work. Flexible programs, mentorship initiatives, and hybrid work models have been instrumental in promoting diversity and tapping into untapped talent pools. Additionally, 49% of internships were offered as work-from-home roles, enabling students from tier-II and tier-III cities to access high-quality opportunities.

Financially, internships saw a good growth in 2024 with an average stipend of ₹8,000 per month. Top offers were at ₹1,00,000 per month, thereby showing the competitiveness of the sector. In addition, 22% of internships had PPOs as well, showing how organizations are using internships as a way to streamline their hiring processes and secure future talent.

Geographically, the hotspots of internships remained in big cities like Delhi-NCR (31%), Mumbai (17%), and Bangalore (11%). However, there is a decentralization of the opportunities because of the rise in remote roles, which benefits students from smaller cities for access to meaningful work experiences.

Future Projections for 2025

Internships will remain in the future, but innovatively aligned with industry demand. Companies will offer various benefits such as certifications, letter of recommendation, and wellness programs. Internships remain a cornerstone of career development, providing students with a set of skills, exposures, and opportunities to successfully thrive in the workforce.