Internshala’s Annual Internship Trends Report for 2024 highlights a transformative shift in India’s internship landscape, showcasing a 25% year-on-year growth in opportunities and an impressive 135% increase over the past five years. This surge underscores the evolving culture of internships as a crucial link between academia and industry, equipping students with hands-on experience and preparing them for professional success.
The report reveals a growing emphasis on practical education and skill-based hiring, with companies increasingly using internships to identify and nurture future talent. As organisations prioritise experiential learning, the upward trend seen in 2024 is expected to accelerate further in 2025.
Management emerged as the leading sector, accounting for 42% of internships in fields such as marketing, sales, finance, digital marketing, and HR. Engineering followed with 20%, offering roles in software and web development, product management, and core engineering disciplines. Media-related internships made up 13%, covering journalism, public relations, creative writing, and videography. Meanwhile, education and design each held 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 top offers reaching Rs 1,00,000 monthly. Notably, 22% of internships included pre-placement offers (PPOs), underscoring their role as a pathway to full-time employment.
Inclusivity was a defining feature of 2024, with 66% of employers open to hiring women returning to the workforce, reflecting efforts to promote diversity through flexible programs and mentorship. Remote work opportunities also played a significant role, with 49% of internships offered as work-from-home roles, making opportunities accessible to a broader demographic, including students from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The skills in highest demand this year included proficiency in English, MS Excel, social media marketing, and digital marketing. Technical roles saw heightened 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 decentralize opportunities.
Looking ahead to 2025, the report envisions internships becoming more innovative, inclusive, and aligned with industry needs. Students can expect not only professional exposure but also benefits like certifications, letters of recommendation, and wellness programs. As internships continue to evolve, they are set to remain a cornerstone of India’s career ecosystem, empowering students to thrive in an increasingly competitive workforce.