India’s internship market soars 103%: 9 key competencies employers are actively pursuing – The Times of India

Internships are no longer restricted to being mere footnotes on resumes but have instead become crucial pathways to securing a place in an organisation. As industries evolve, thanks to artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital disruptions, internships have become a strategic mandate rather than a discretionary experience. A recent report from the global hiring platform Indeed has shed light on the subject by unearthing striking findings: a 103% surge in internship postings in India between February 2022 and February 2025. The past year alone witnessed a 23% spike, highlighting how businesses are actively seeking internships to bridge the ever-widening chasm between academia and industry expectations.
Notably, India’s elite job hubs—Delhi, Karnataka, and Maharashtra—are at the centre stage of internship searches, contributing 7.2%, 6.8%, and 6.2% of total searches, the data suggests. As companies sharpen their focus on cultivating well-equipped professionals, internships have transcended their conventional roles to become career accelerators that can make or break a young professional’s career trajectory.

Beyond a stepping stone: The true value of internships

Internships are no longer just a rite of passage; they serve as the crucible where raw talent is molded into professional excellence. As Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India, aptly puts it, “An internship isn’t just a checkbox on a resume—it’s the first real step into the professional world. The skills you learn and the experiences you gain shape how you navigate your career.”
For young professionals, these opportunities bestow extensive experience, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios while honing their soft and technical skills. With the demand for agility, adaptability, and digital fluency at an all-time high, internships have emerged at the forefront as fundamental pillars and proving grounds for freshers.

Skills that employers are hunting for

Having a stagnant skill set will lead to impeded career growth. According to Indeed’s report, the most sought-after competencies include:

Beyond stipends: The allure of modern internships

Gone are the days when internships only provided experience; now, they come with hefty stipends. Nonetheless, while financial compensation is appealing, it is no longer the sole factor determining the allure of an internship. The average internship stipend in India currently stands at ₹25,432 per month, with cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, and Gurgaon surpassing this benchmark. Conversely, Chennai and Kolkata lag behind in terms of remuneration, the Indeed report suggests.
However, financial compensation is no longer the primary yardstick for gauging an internship’s worth. Organisations are increasingly integrating non-monetary perks to create a fulfilling experience for interns, such as:

How to secure a coveted internship

The job market exhibits massive competition, necessitating candidates to stand out from the crowd with strategic planning and relentless self-improvement. Aspiring interns can maximise their chances by:

As industries double down on hiring agile, tech-savvy, and future-ready professionals, internships provide a conducive ground for those aspiring to carve a niche for themselves in the corporate world. Whether it is gaining technical expertise, developing problem-solving skills, or forging invaluable industry connections, internships pave the way for developing the required skill sets and preparing individuals for the workforce of tomorrow.