Work in India

With a strong job market and plenty of thriving sectors, working in India is accessible if you're coming from the UK

Job market in India

India has gone through a state of advanced economic development over the last decade, and this has boosted many existing industries and created new ones. However, there isn't enough work to go around for a country of 1.2 billion people meaning that unemployment is high for locals in some areas.

Jobs can currently be found in sectors such as IT, telecommunications, media and film, banking and finance, textiles, and engineering. Pay often won't compare favourably to salaries in the UK, but multinational companies that are outsourcing you to India are likely to pay a UK equivalent salary.

Some of the biggest employers in India are: 

• NMDC;
• Reliance industries;
• Tata Group;
• Google India;
• Maruti Suzuki;
• State Bank of India.

It can be easier to secure employment in India when you are already in the country. Indians tend to conduct business with people they are already acquainted with and so networking when you get there is well advised.

Tourist resorts such as Goa and other areas in the South will have seasonal work on offer if you are qualified in water and beach sports, leisure and hospitality.

Job vacancies

There are several resources that have job listings for India, including:

• Academic Jobs India
• Placement India
• Times Jobs

Work experience and internships in India

Work and gap year placements in India are readily available, especially during the summer. You may have to fund some placements yourself, but there are opportunities for you to choose from. Internships will be competitive to secure as you will have to contend for positions with lots of other candidates.

A list of internships and more information can be found at Indian Internship . 

Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by:

• AIESEC UK  - for students and recent graduates;
• IAESTE UK  - for science, engineering and applied arts students.

Volunteering in India

Voluntary work is a great way to build your skill-set and learn a new language. It will help to have some money saved before you set off as the vast majority of voluntary positions are unpaid. Volunteering looks great on your CV and gives you the chance to network and build contacts.

To volunteer in India you will have to research what you would like to do and apply to organisations directly.

• Lattitude Global Volunteering  - An international youth development charity offering placements for 17 to 25 year olds.
• Projects Abroad  - Offering placements in 28 countries, you can volunteer to work with children, do conservation work and internships.

For volunteering opportunities solely in India, go to Volunteering India .

Language requirements

Hindi and English are the official languages of India. There are hundreds of dialects and various other languages that are spoken around the country as well.

English is spoken across India, it is used widely in business and higher education institutions also teach in English.

English speakers will have a better chance of finding work in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta and Chennai, the bigger cities in which English-speaking organisations and international businesses can usually be found.

India visas and immigration

If you wish to work in India you will need an employment visa and work permits.

You can obtain these independently if you are a qualified professional applying for a job, but it is normal for your employer to arrange them on your behalf.

To apply for a visa to work in India you will need a letter from your employer and/or sponsor. Visas and work permits are given out at the discretion of the Indian government.

Get in touch with the Indian Embassy in the UK to discuss visas and work permits at High Commission of India in the UK .