After graduation
Paid routes into work.
After your degree, internships and apprenticeships should pay. Here are the official routes, and the training some professions require before you can practise.
Your main routes
- PM Internship Scheme12 months in one of India's top companies, at least ₹9,000 a month. For ages 18–25 who are not in a full-time job.Good for: big-company experience. Watch out: apply only on pminternship.mca.gov.in.Am I eligible? →
- Graduate apprenticeship (NATS)Paid on-the-job training after a degree or diploma, usually for a year. The law sets a minimum stipend.Good for: a paid first step in industry. Watch out: register on the official NATS portal.
- Company internships and trainee rolesThrough your college's placement cell, LinkedIn and Internshala.Good for: a route to a job offer. Watch out: an offer letter with pay, always.
- Professional trainingDoctors, lawyers and chartered accountants must finish set training before they can practise.Good for: it is required. Watch out: start dates and deadlines.See the rules →
Training some professions require
- Doctor (MBBS)Rotating internship in hospital departments. At least 12 months, within 2 years of the final exam.No permanent registration without it.Source: NMC Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship Regulations, 2021 ↗Full career guide →
- Lawyer (advocate)Internships with advocates, courts, firms, NGOs or companies. 12 weeks (3-year LLB) or 20 weeks (5-year LLB), at most 4 weeks at a stretch.Required to complete your LLB.Source: Bar Council of India, Rule 25 (internships) ↗Full career guide →
- Chartered Accountant (CA)Articleship with a practising CA. 2 years, after both Intermediate groups and ICITSS.Required before the CA Final.Source: ICAI: practical training under the New Scheme ↗Full career guide →
Five safety checks
- Never pay to intern. A genuine internship does not charge you for “training”, a “kit” or a certificate.
- Get it in writing. An offer letter with the organisation's name and address, your dates, tasks, hours and pay.
- Check it with your school or college. Your placement cell or teacher can tell you if it is real.
- You're protected from harassment. The law against sexual harassment at work covers interns and trainees, paid or unpaid. You can complain to the organisation's committee.
- Online internship? Never share OTPs, bank details or ID copies over chat.
Checked at official sources on 28 Oct 2026 · See sources
Which one fits your plan?
A counsellor can match it to your subjects, course and goals. The first chat is free.
Checked at official sources on 28 Oct 2026. See sources