NewsIMTSInternship culture is rapidly growing in India as students prioritize skills over degrees. A WheeBox India Skills Report 2025 reveals 93.23% of surveyed students want internship experience before starting full-time jobs. Most students expect starting salaries between Rs 26-33 lakh annually with good skills. AICTE has set a target of 1 crore internships by 2025, while the Prime Minister Internship Scheme increased its goal to 7 lakh positions for fiscal year 2026. Platforms like Internshala reported a 25% increase in opportunities in 2024 and 135% growth over five years. Tamil Nadu leads nationwide interest in internships at 97.46%. Internships provide real workplace experience, skill development, and career clarity that textbooks cannot offer, helping students learn teamwork, communication, time management, and professional ethics. (Updated 30 Oct 2025, 18:09 IST; source: link)
Why 93% of Indian Students Want Internship Experience
A recent WheeBox India Skills Report 2025 shows that over 93% of students surveyed prefer gaining internship experience before starting their first full-time job. This trend highlights a significant shift in how young people approach career preparation, prioritizing practical skills over academic qualifications alone. Students recognize that internships provide real workplace experience that textbooks cannot offer. Most students with good skills expect starting salaries between Rs 26-33 lakh annually, showing high expectations from the job market. Tamil Nadu leads this nationwide interest with 97.46% of students favoring internships, reflecting regional variations in career preparation approaches.
Government and Industry Support for Internship Growth
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has set an ambitious target of creating 1 crore internships by 2025, recognizing the growing demand for practical training. Supporting this goal, the Prime Minister Internship Scheme has increased its target to 7 lakh positions for the fiscal year 2026. The internship landscape is expanding rapidly, with platforms reporting a 25% increase in opportunities in 2024 and 135% growth over five years. This growth reflects how internships have become essential for skill development, helping students learn teamwork, communication, time management, and professional ethics before entering full-time employment.
Key Points
- A WheeBox India Skills Report 2025 reveals 93.23% of surveyed students want internship experience before starting full-time jobs.
- Most students expect starting salaries between Rs 26-33 lakh annually with good skills.
- AICTE has set a target of 1 crore internships by 2025, while the Prime Minister Internship Scheme increased its goal to 7 lakh positions for fiscal year 2026.