High-Paying Internships: How Students Can Earn Up to ₹12.5 Lakh Monthly
The Allure of High Stipends for Interns
In India's private sector, many professionals aspire to earn a monthly salary of ₹100,000. Surprisingly, some companies are offering internships with stipends reaching as high as ₹12.5 lakh per month. This is not just a rumor; it's a reality.
Where Are These Stipends Offered?
A recent report from Bloomberg reveals that IMC Trading BV, based in Amsterdam, plans to provide interns with a monthly stipend of up to ₹12.5 lakh in 2025, nearly tripling last year's figures. Another notable firm, Quadeye, is set to offer interns up to ₹7.5 lakh monthly, marking a 50% increase from 2024. For context, finance professionals in India typically earn around ₹700,000 annually, making such monthly earnings for interns remarkable.
The Landscape of High Salaries in Trading
High-frequency trading firms are currently offering substantial salaries to newcomers in India. The country boasts the largest equity derivatives market globally. However, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is closely monitoring this sector, having recently prohibited speculative options trading, which resulted in a 40% decline in trading volume. Despite this, the market remains lucrative, with foreign funds and algorithmic trading desks generating profits of $7 billion by March 2024, allowing them to compensate their employees generously.
In-Demand Roles in the Job Market
Recruiters indicate a high demand for quant researchers, trading engineers, and algorithm specialists. Foreign firms are increasingly interested in the Indian market, with companies like Citadel Securities, Tower Research, Optimus Prime Securities, and Minix Holdings expanding their presence. Citadel, owned by Ken Griffin, opened an office in Gurugram in 2022 and is actively hiring.
Internship Selection Criteria
Reports suggest that many trading firms prefer to recruit interns from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). These students are receiving lucrative offers even before they graduate, as companies aim to attract top talent with competitive pay.
Why IIT Students Are Preferred
Currently, 70% of derivatives trades in India are executed algorithmically, necessitating that interns adapt quickly. Rajib Borah, CEO of iRage, noted that strategies that were effective for six months can become obsolete in just two months, highlighting the need for rapid learning in high-speed trading. IIT graduates are particularly adept at acquiring new skills.
How to Achieve a ₹12.5 Lakh Monthly Stipend
Recruiters emphasize that high-frequency trading firms seek candidates with strong foundations in mathematics, statistics, probability, and algorithm design. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C++, along with knowledge of data structures, is also essential.
What Companies Look For in Interns
Most firms favor candidates from IITs and other prestigious engineering colleges. Interns typically undergo a series of online assessments, puzzle challenges, and interviews to evaluate their quick thinking and ability to perform under pressure. Beyond technical skills, companies value candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt, as trading strategies can quickly become outdated.
Understanding Internships
An internship provides individuals, often students, with practical experience in a specific field. It allows them to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, develop new skills, and build professional networks. While many internships are unpaid, some organizations do offer compensation.