Why 40 Million Indian Students Face Difficulty in Securing Internships?

BWS
October 19, 2024
4:14 pm

The Scale of Competition: Why 40 Million Indian Students Face Difficulty in Securing Internships

Internships have become an essential part of a student’s journey in today’s competitive job market. For many students in India, internships are viewed as a stepping stone toward securing employment in reputed companies. However, securing an internship, especially with top-tier companies, is becoming increasingly challenging. With over 40 million students enrolled in Indian colleges and universities, the competition is fierce, and the opportunities are limited.

This blog delves into the challenges Indian students face when seeking internships and why it’s so difficult for every student to secure a position.

1. The Vast Number of Students: A Crowded Arena

India is home to one of the world’s largest education systems, with over 40 million students enrolled in higher education institutions. This massive number of students is spread across:

Public universities
Private universities
Deemed universities
Self-financed institutions

These students are pursuing a wide range of courses, from engineering and computer science to humanities, management, and social sciences. For most of these students, internships are mandatory to fulfill their academic requirements or simply to gain practical work experience. With so many students competing for internships, the sheer number of applications companies receive is overwhelming.

Source: “All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20 Report” by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Link: AISHE Report 2019-20

2. A Limited Number of Companies Offering Internships

While India has a growing corporate sector with numerous industries ranging from IT, manufacturing, finance, and more, the number of companies offering structured internship programs remains limited. According to recent estimates, only around 100,000 companies in India offer internships regularly. Compare this to the 40 million students enrolled in higher education, and it becomes clear that the supply of internship positions is far smaller than the demand.

Many companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), may not have the resources or infrastructure to offer internships. Larger companies may offer internships, but only to a very limited number of students, making it even harder for the average student to secure an opportunity.

3. High Demand for Prestigious Internships

While internships at any company are valuable, many students dream of securing internships at prestigious companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, or Apple. These companies receive thousands of internship applications for a very small number of positions. The competition is not just with fellow Indian students but also with students from across the world, as these tech giants operate on a global scale.

Furthermore, the hiring processes for internships at such top-tier companies are extremely selective. They typically look for students who have not only excellent academic records but also practical experience, strong problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities. For most students, this level of competition can be discouraging, as only a tiny fraction of applicants are selected.

4. Location-Based Disadvantages

Another factor contributing to the difficulty in securing internships is geography. Many companies, especially those offering internships, are located in major urban centers like Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. For students from rural or non-metropolitan areas, accessing these opportunities can be challenging due to:

Limited financial resources to relocate temporarily.
Lack of exposure to companies outside their immediate geography.
Fewer networking opportunities in smaller towns and cities.

This geographical divide creates an additional barrier for many students, as companies tend to recruit interns from local universities or colleges in metro cities, leaving out students from rural areas.

5. A Skills Mismatch: The Employability Factor

While students may be academically qualified, many lack the practical skills and industry readiness that employers seek. According to the India Skills Report 2022, only about 48.7% of Indian graduates are employable, meaning they have the skills that match industry demands. This mismatch between the education provided and the skills required in the workplace further reduces the chances of many students landing an internship.

Employers often complain that while students are well-versed in theory, they struggle with practical applications, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving. As a result, companies are reluctant to offer internships to students who may not be able to contribute meaningfully to their projects.

6. Limited Timeframes and Opportunities

Internships are typically offered during specific times of the year, such as the summer break or at the end of an academic year. This means that students often have a narrow window to apply for these opportunities. With millions of students vying for a limited number of internship slots at the same time, the competition intensifies.

Additionally, many companies that do offer internships may only do so once a year, further limiting the chances for students to secure one. Missing the application deadline or failing to perform well in the recruitment process can result in a lost opportunity for the entire year.

7. The Harsh Reality: Not Everyone Will Secure an Internship

Given the vast number of students, the limited number of companies offering internships, and the highly competitive nature of securing positions at prestigious firms, it’s clear that not every student will be able to secure an internship. This is a harsh reality that many students must come to terms with.

While internships are an excellent way to gain experience, they are not the only way. Students who are unable to secure internships should explore other avenues, such as:

Volunteering for projects.
Freelancing in their field of interest.
Taking part in online courses to upskill.
Working on personal projects or collaborating with peers on industry-relevant initiatives.

These alternatives can also help students build their resumes and gain the practical experience that employers value.

Conclusion: The Importance of Exploring All Opportunities

Securing an internship in India is undeniably difficult due to the vast number of students and limited opportunities available. The competition is stiff, and many factors, such as location, skill level, and the selectiveness of companies, make it even more challenging. However, students should not be discouraged. By seeking alternative ways to gain practical experience and staying open to opportunities beyond traditional internships, they can still build strong, competitive profiles for the job market.