Internships in India see 25% growth in 2024, driving inclusion and skills-based hiring: report – Education News

Internshala’s annual Internship Trends Report for 2024 highlights a transformative shift in India’s internship landscape, showcasing 25% year-over-year growth in opportunities and an impressive 135% increase. over the last five years. This push highlights the evolving culture of internships as a crucial link between academia and industry, providing students with hands-on experience and preparing them for professional success.

The report reveals a growing emphasis on practical training and skills-based recruitment, with companies increasingly using internships to identify and train future talent. As organizations prioritize experiential learning, the upward trend seen in 2024 is expected to accelerate further in 2025.

Management emerges as the leading sector, accounting for 42% of internships in areas such as marketing, sales, finance, digital marketing and HR. Engineering followed with 20%, offering roles in software and website development, product management and core engineering disciplines. Media-related internships made up 13% and covered journalism, public relations, creative writing and videography. Meanwhile, education and design each had a 4% share, with opportunities in teaching, online tutoring, graphic design and animation.

Financially, internships have become more rewarding, with an average stipend of Rs 8,000 per month and great offers reaching Rs 1,00,000 per month. Notably, 22% of internships included pre-placement offers (PPOs), highlighting their role as a pathway to full-time employment.

Inclusivity was a defining feature of 2024, with 66% of employers willing to hire women returning to the workforce, reflecting efforts to promote diversity through flexible programs and mentoring. Remote work opportunities also played a significant role, with 49% of internships offered as work from home, making opportunities accessible to a wider demographic, including students from Tier 2 and 3 cities.

The most in-demand skills this year included proficiency in English, MS Excel, social media marketing and digital marketing. Technical positions have seen an increased demand for expertise in JavaScript, ReactJS, AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop.

Geographically, internships remained concentrated in urban hubs like Delhi-NCR (31%), Mumbai (17%) and Bangalore (11%), although the rise of remote internships is helping to decentralize opportunities.

By 2025, the report envisions that internships will become more innovative, inclusive and aligned with industry needs. Students can expect not only professional exposure but also benefits such as certifications, letters of recommendation, and wellness programs. As internships continue to evolve, they will remain a cornerstone of India’s career ecosystem, allowing students to thrive in an increasingly competitive workforce.