Work in India

India's rapidly digitising labour market and its position as the fifth fastest growing economy in the world offer a wealth of opportunities for foreign workers

India's population of over 1.42 billion means that competition for jobs is fierce. However, Indian companies increasingly recognise the value of foreign workers with sought-after skills. English is the primary business language, so you needn't worry about settling in and making friends.

With its mix of traditions, world-renowned cuisine, and natural beauty, you'll find India captivating. Whether you're looking to sample Delhi's street food or marvel at Jaipur's palaces, there's something for everyone.

If you're looking to kick-start your career in a diverse, multicultural, and constantly developing country, India could be the place for you.

Be sure to check the latest foreign travel advice for India at GOV.UK.

Jobs in India

As the world's largest democracy, India's expanding consumer market and increasing digitisation have created a thriving startup scene.

Major industries include:

banking and insurance
construction
information technology (IT)
healthcare
machinery
petroleum
steel
textiles.

India's economy is diversifying, with notable growth in tourism, automotive, financial services, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. Mining remains a major industry, but it is in decline, along with agriculture, which now contributes just 18% of the country's GDP.

India's top 5 companies to grow a career in 2023, according to LinkedIn, are:

Tata Consultancy Services
Amazon
Morgan Stanely
Reliance Industries Limited
Macquarie Group.

Most jobs in India are in the major northern cities of New Delhi and Mumbai, the country's political capital and financial centre, respectively. However, the southern megacity of Bengaluru is a hub for high-tech jobs, while coastal tourist hotspots like Goa in the west offer many opportunities in the arts, retail, and hospitality sectors.

Search for jobs in India at:

Popular graduate jobs

Education
Engineering
Financial services
Healthcare
Information technology

How to get a job in India

Securing employment in India is much easier when you're already in the country, as vacancies are often found through networking and personal referrals. However, you can also find jobs through Indian job websites and national newspapers. If all else fails, there are international recruitment agencies that may be able to help you find work, but always check to see if any fees are involved.

Here are some reputable international recruitment agencies:

When choosing an international recruitment agency, be sure to do your research and read reviews from other job seekers. You should also avoid any agencies that ask you to pay upfront fees.

The job application and interview process in India is similar to the UK. Most applications can be submitted online and consist of a CV (resume) and cover letter, with successful applicants called for an interview.

Summer jobs

India offers countless summer work, volunteering, and gap year opportunities for people of all ages and interests. For instance, you could embark on a Goa summer camp programme, help at an elephant conservation centre in Jaipur, or engage with street children in Delhi as part of a community outreach project.

You can search for summer jobs in India at:

Teaching jobs

English-speaking teachers can find volunteer or paid work at international schools in India. For example, the British Council's Teach India program, in partnership with The Times of India, offers volunteer teaching placements in Indian schools based in Mumbai or Delhi. To participate, you must commit to teaching for two hours per day, over three alternate weekdays for a total of 100 days, and complete eight days of compulsory training.

Paid positions are extremely competitive, as you will typically need to have gained one or two years of professional work experience.

Find out more about working as an English teacher at the TEFL Org - TEFL Jobs In India.

You can search for advertised teaching jobs at:

Internships

Work placements in India are common, especially during the summer. AIESEC UK and IAESTE UK both offer internships across the globe, with IAESTE UK specialising in internships for science and engineering students.

You can search for internships at:

Indian visas

The UK government is involved in the Migration and Mobility Partnership, whereby young British professionals aged 18-30 can obtain a two-year visa to work in India, with Indian professionals able to do the same in the UK.

To work in India, you will typically need an Employment Visa (E) and a work permit. You can apply for these independently if you are a qualified professional, but your future employer will usually arrange the appropriate documentation on your behalf.

However, if you apply yourself, you will need a letter from your employer and/or financial sponsor.

The cost of applying for an Indian visa varies depending on the category of visa you are applying for. A Business Visa is valid for between one and five years and costs £495. An Employment/Project Visa costs £314 for up to six months, £341 for up to one year, and £407 for up to two years.

For more information on Indian visas and immigration for UK nationals, visit the High Commission of India in the UK . You can also explore what it takes to work in India for at least a year by visiting the Bureau of Immigration.

Language requirements

The official languages of India are Hindi and English, but several other languages are spoken throughout the country. The native language typically varies by region. For a map of India's languages, visit Maps of India.

English-speaking graduates usually find work in the big cities, where English widely spoken.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

Higher education in India follows a similar pattern to the UK, so employers are familiar with and recognise international qualifications. However, it is always best to check with your potential employer before applying for a job.

To find out whether your qualifications are recognised in India, you can visit the ENIC-NARIC website for Asia and the Pacific.

What it's like to work in India

Working conditions in India vary by industry, location, and employer. However, the Indian work environment is typically very formal, with people often treated according to their management level.

The maximum working week in India is 48 hours, with standard working hours from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

There are 15 to 20 paid public holidays in India, varying by region. Annual paid holiday entitlement for expatriates typically ranges from 18 to 30 days per year.

Explore working practices further at Just Landed - Working conditions in India.

Living costs in India are low compared to other countries, with MyLifeElsewhere estimating that they are 70% cheaper than in the UK. However, salaries are also lower, with average wages in the UK over 368% higher than in India (Numbeo). If you are hoping to receive a large salary and benefits, a multinational company that outsources employees to India would be your best option.

Information on Indian income tax rates can be found at HDFC Life.

Find out more

Discover what it's like to study in India.
Get advice on living and working in India from the Expat Network.