India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, offers a vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and a multitude of destinations reflecting its incredible diversity. With landmarks ranging from the Himalayan Mountains to the Taj Mahal, India presents an ideal training ground for the adventurous intern.
Ready to learn how to find internships in India? Yeah, we thought so.
Known for its prominence in IT, entertainment, and engineering industries, India, , stands as a significant cultural and economic hub. Notably separated from the rest of Asia by mountains and the sea, India offers unique internship experiences, urban or rural. So read on to learn how to find internships in India!
You’re setting yourself up for a career-boosting adventure when you do. Interning in India offers professional development opportunities, allowing interns to build their career paths and establish important international relationships.
Outside of work, interns can spend time attending local festivals, visiting temples, exploring fortresses, eating a wide array of food, taking weekend trips to other regions, and much more! India guarantees a rewarding and generous experience for interns, and will set you on the right .
Are internships paid in India?
The Indian government mandates a minimum pay for foreign interns at registered corporations, especially in the tech, engineering, and finance sectors. could provide such opportunities. These internships might resemble entry-level jobs, necessitating office presence. Check with your nearest Indian embassy or consulate, as you might qualify for a business visa if the offer involves a salary of some sort.
Conversely, interns in nonprofit organizations and educational institutions are exempt from this rule, with positions in these fields often blurring into volunteer roles. Interns in these sectors might be barred from seeking paid employment. The , suggesting interns aren’t expected to earn payment.
Remember, any internship income may be taxable under Indian laws. When seeking internships in India, remember that each industry, such as IT, , and , has distinct expectations and advantages. Ultimately, be sure to that suits your career ambitions and offers a learning environment conducive to achieving your goals.
Do I need a visa to intern in India?
Your passport is your ticket to traveling abroad, but what else do you need to intern in India?
The is a specific type of visa granted by the Indian government that allows foreign nationals to engage in internship programs in India. You can . You will first have to select “Student Visa” as the visa type, and under “Purpose,” you should choose “For Those Coming For Internship In India.”
Applicants need to have completed their course of study (either graduate or undergraduate) and must initiate their application within one year of . Basically, the gap between course completion and the intended start of the internship should not exceed 12 months.
the submission of the following necessary documentation:
- A completed application form.
- One passport-size photograph against a white background.
- A passport that is valid for at least 180 from your intended date of arrival to India.
- Proof of educational qualification.
- Proof of citizenship or residency of the country from which you’re applying for the visa.
- An invitation letter from the organization you’re interning with. This is vital for your internship visa to be processed. You can also enter the country as a tourist with an eVisa, but do note that this only grants a 30-day stay in India, and you might need to leave the country and apply for another visa if you intend to stay longer.
The India internship visa is usually issued after a , depending on your nationality and chosen industry. It’s . Internships with nonprofits shouldn’t exceed three months, but private corporations can have longer periods.
If your internship lasts over 180 days, register with the . Any subsequent opportunity in India might need a fresh visa application. Following your internship, you cannot seek employment and must leave India. Note that some countries' citizens, like Russia and Spain, may not qualify for the India internship visa, but you can always check with the nearest Indian mission to see if this may have changed.
You can also avoid the hassle of paperwork and partner with that can help you with all the arrangements including housing and transportation while you’re in India!
7 other requirements for interning in India
Interning in India as a foreigner involves several prerequisites. Here is a broad outline of what you should know:
1. Internship contract or offer letter
An offer letter in your inbox means you’re well on your way to an amazing experience.
You’ll need proof that you've been accepted into an internship program in India. This typically takes the form of a contract or offer letter from the organization in India where you’ll be interning. The organization should be registered and recognized by the Indian government, and the contract or letter should specify the terms of your internship, including start and end dates, responsibilities, and any compensation.
2. Academic requirements or prior relevant work experience
Some internships may require specific academic backgrounds or skills depending on the scope of the work you’ll do. Internships in corporate sectors that may require a government-mandated monthly stipend will definitely prioritize applicants who are qualified.
3. Insurance
It’s crucial to have appropriate health and in India. Check with your insurance provider to ensure you’re covered while abroad.
4. Housing and living arrangements
Some internships may provide housing, while others will require you to . Research where you’ll be living, costs, and transportation to and from your internship site.
5. Vaccinations and immunizations
Make sure you have before going abroad. compiled by the CDC for travelers intending to visit India.
6. Cultural and language considerations
While English is widely spoken in many parts of India, particularly in business and academic settings, always helps.
Understanding and respecting local customs and traditions is essential if you want to take your experience in India to the next level, , and forge strong relationships with the local people there. India is a vast country with over a hundred spoken languages, so will be instrumental in your journey.
7. Local laws and regulations
As a foreign national in India, you’ll be subject to India’s laws. Make sure you’re aware of any regulations that could affect you, such as restrictions on photography, rules about proper conduct and attire, and any local laws in the area where you’ll be staying.
How to find internships in India
1. Identify your interest
Start by identifying your area of interest or the . It could be in your study domain like marketing, finance, software development, or even a field you're particularly curious about.
2. Do some self-assessment
Assess your skills and strengths, and understand what you can bring to the table. This will help you to position yourself better during the application process.
3. Prepare a resume
Take some time to perfect your resume before sending in your application.
Create a concise and professional resume highlighting your skills, academic achievements, projects, and extracurricular activities. If you have prior work or internship experiences, do mention them.
4. Write a cover letter
Many internships, especially in the nonprofit sector, require you to prepare a cover letter. The cover letter should effectively communicate why you are the best fit for the internship.
Be specific! A templated cover letter that is sent out to many places at once can potentially turn off a recruiter.
5. Check online platforms
as well as Internshala, LetsIntern, LinkedIn, Indeed, and so on. These platforms allow you to filter internships by location, industry, and duration.
6. Go straight to company websites
Many companies post internship opportunities on their official websites. Make a list of companies you’re interested in and periodically check their “careers” or “jobs” page. If you’re interested in the nonprofit sector, be sure to check out the websites of verified providers to see when they open applications for interns.
7. Network
Leverage your network. Talk to your seniors, professors, and alumni of your institution about your interests. They might know of opportunities and can also refer you!
8. Utilize social media
Many recruiters and companies post about internship opportunities on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. Nowadays, many recruiters also look at the candidates’ social media presence before making a decision.
You don’t have to be an influencer with thousands of followers, but you can use your social media to show an authentic view of your personality.
9. Apply
Apply to the internships that match your interest and skills. Customize your application based on the role and the company. Be sure to tailor your application based on each position you’re applying for.
10. Follow up
After applying, if you haven't heard back in a couple of weeks, follow up with a polite email. Sometimes, companies and providers are overwhelmed with applicants and may take a while to respond.
11. Prepare for interviews
Once you’ve applied, start preparing for potential interviews. Brush up your technical skills, be aware of industry trends, and be prepared to explain why you’re the best candidate for the internship.
12. Stay organized
Keep track of all the internships you have applied to, including the job description, date of application, and any correspondence. You might receive an offer for more than one placement, so this tracker can help you make your final decision!
3 internships in India to consider
1.
- Highlights: This Dental internship program in Dharamshala/Palampur offers dental students hands-on experience with professional dentists, involving tasks like scaling, extractions, and fillings. Ideal for students wanting to embark on a dental career while giving back, it includes dental checkup camps in local schools and villages to raise oral hygiene awareness.
- Involvement depends on the student’s experience, skill, and comfort, and patient’s consent. This internship provides unique exposure to rural Indian hospitals.
- Location: Dharamsala, Palampur
2.
- Highlights: This internship and volunteering program covers two distinct projects. The first is dedicated to teaching children from lower-income areas, while the second allows participants to choose between assisting at a women’s shelter, a senior home, an animal rescue center, a community construction program, or a secondary teaching program in a village.
- Regardless of their choice, each participant plays a significant role in contributing to the Goa community. Program highlights include experiencing the Goan culture firsthand, participating in two impactful programs, gaining experience in teaching English, choosing from a variety of other work placements, and making friends with locals and international participants.
- Location: Goa
3.
- Highlights: Institute for Global Studies (IGS) offers IT internships in India in collaboration with top IT firms, where students have previously been placed with companies including a renowned robotics firm. The IT internships follow two distinct tracks.
- The first involves working with a leading IT company catering to businesses’ IT needs. The second track places interns with a smaller organization operating in sectors like ecotourism, environmental conservation, or social services, where they assist the IT department in effective communication with clients, media, and the public. Interns must be ready to work 20 to 40 hours per week.
- Successful completion of the program earns the intern a letter of recommendation. Program highlights include working with leading IT companies, gaining insight into business operations, and acquiring invaluable real-world experience.
- Location: New Delhi
Advance your career and have some adventure with internships in India!
Your internship in India will take your resume to new heights!
Now that you know how to find internships in India, you can tell that , opening doors to , invaluable work experiences, and potential career opportunities. An internship in India can offer a valuable and enriching experience. Despite the challenges, with and resources, finding the right internship opportunity is certainly achievable.
Remember, this journey requires patience, persistence, and putting yourself out there. !
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