Why Medical Internships in India?

Why Medical Internships in India?
Published on: 23 October 2025
Updated on: 28 October 2025

Guide to Medical Internships in India

Entering the medical field can be an exciting yet demanding step, coming with a lot of pressure and requirements. Therefore, it is the perfect opportunity for newcomers to make this experience more vigorous by choosing to do it internationally!

Learn more about medical internships abroad in our guide.

It is a great opportunity to combine professional growth and personal encounters by discovering a new country and its culture, all while gaining hands-on experience in the medical field.

Medical internships in India

If you are a student in medicine, nursing, or are taking part in studies in the field of health, and you are looking for an international experience, then you might want to consider a medical internship in India.

With a vibrant culture, diverse healthcare system, and wide range of opportunities, India offers the perfect learning environment for future doctors, nurses, and medical researchers.

The program offered by RealStep for a medical internship in India is an excellent opportunity for interns to make connections with some of the world’s most highly regarded medical professionals, working within Southern India’s modern private hospitals.

There are several specialization areas. These include:

  •       nursing;
  •       paediatrics and neonatal;
  •       emergency and critical care;
  •       gynaecology;
  •       dialysis.

 

India is one of the many locations to complete your medical or nursing internship abroad

How to apply for medical internship in India

Applying for a medical internship entails similar steps to applying to any other kind of internship. The main difference is that medical internships require either to be studying, or to have some sort of experience in the medical field.

  •       Check requirements: Obtaining a medical internship can be challenging since medicine is not a field you can work in without experience. Sometimes students struggle to find a first internship as they have no previous experience. Fortunately, in many cases, simply studying medicine or nursing is enough to obtain one, even if it is only an observational role. Make sure these criteria are filled before applying, in order not to waste time unnecessarily.

 

  •       Research opportunities: Medical internships may have their own platforms separate from regular internships. Use platforms like RealStep in order to find an internship for which you are eligible, and that suits your needs in terms of location, period, etc.

 

  •       Apply: Send out applications to any positions that you are interested in – if you have the possibility, don’t restrict yourself to one location. Different places have different healthcare systems. Be open to learning about these. Ensure that you send all the documentation needed in order to be eligible.

 

  •       Prepare for an eventual interview: In most cases an interview-like meeting will take place, to put a face on the candidate, and to understand if they truly fit the role as well as their CV suggests. This is not only for the medical institution, but also an opportunity for the candidate to ask any questions and clear any doubts they may have.

 

  •       Finalize your application: sort out any documents necessary for the medical institution and your educational institute, sort out any travel or accommodation. 

 

Applying for a medical internship

How long is a medical internship in India

Medical internships have different durations depending on the circumstances of the candidate undertaking it, as well as their school.

Very often, medical studies require you to take part in an internship during the academic year. These typically take place over the course of a whole semester, which would be around September to December, or February to May, depending on the student's institution.

In other cases, the student may be required to undertake the internship during the summer instead. These are usually shorter, around 2 months to be specific, allowing the student to still have somewhat of a summer break.

It is also possible that even if it isn’t mandatory, the student may want to participate in an internship of his own will, in order to gain experience. In these cases, since the only realistic period they would have the time to do so is in the summer, that is when it would take place.

How long is a medical internship in india

Benefits of medical internships in India 

Professional advancement

India provides an outstanding setting to enhance one's medical expertise. Whether the trainee’s interests lie in placements in metropolitan hospitals, rural health centers serving disadvantaged populations, or advanced private institutions in the southern regions, there’s a program tailored to everyone's professional goals.

Major hospitals in large cities manage substantial patient volumes and a wide variety of medical conditions. This dynamic environment strengthens learners’ practical experience, clinical judgement, and efficiency in handling diverse cases. Many of these facilities feature cutting-edge equipment and offer avenues for specialization. The state of Kerala, in particular, is celebrated across India for its exemplary healthcare standards

Interns will be glad to learn that English is widely used in medical environments, especially through urban centers, meaning not knowing the Hindi language is not an issue.

Community Engagement

Numerous programs allow pre-medical students to actively engage in community outreach, contributing directly to public health initiatives and sustainable healthcare efforts. Working within underserved communities helps them tackle pressing health challenges while promoting equitable access to healthcare.

Regardless of the intern’s responsibilities, their work leaves a meaningful impact on both the community and the healthcare system. In the process, interns cultivate essential skills in resource optimization, patient advocacy, and community-oriented medical practice.

Career Growth

A medical internship in India opens doors to a global professional network, connecting learners with esteemed physicians and peers from around the world. Southern India, in particular, is known for its concentration of world-class medical experts, providing unparalleled opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.

Undertaking a medical internship abroad adds significant value to the intern's academic and professional profile. Alongside clinical experience, they'll develop qualities such as adaptability, resilience, and intercultural understanding - attributes that stand out to admission committees and future employers.

Exposure to a wide array of medical conditions and healthcare systems equips future doctors with distinctive competencies that set apart from others in the same field.

Cultural Immersion

Interning in India offers a remarkable opportunity for cultural immersion, allowing interns to broaden their global perspective and acquire valuable life experience.

The country’s cultural and regional diversity provides endless opportunities to learn from various customs, beliefs, and ways of life. Its cuisine, known for its vibrant flavours, serves as a delicious introduction to its cultural richness.

Learning a local language is an excellent way to connect with the community. While Hindi and English are commonly spoken, India officially recognizes 22 languages (among over 1,500 languages and dialects), each reflecting unique regional identities. Making an effort to learn a few phrases helps people forge deeper connections and enriches their overall experience. 

During weekends, there’s the possibility to explore India’s immense cultural, historical, and religious heritage. Whether touring iconic landmarks or sharing experiences with fellow interns, these moments deepen one’s appreciation of the country’s vibrant character. 

Global Perspective

A medical internship in India delivers invaluable international exposure, allowing collaboration with students and professionals from across the globe. This cross-cultural experience expands global awareness, strengthens professional networks, and enhances one’s understanding of healthcare practices in diverse environments.

Beyond professional enrichment, there also exists the opportunity to discover India’s breathtaking natural beauty. The immersion of both the clinical and cultural landscapes ensures that the internship experience is not just a professional achievement, but a transformative personal journey.

 

Check out another article written by RealStep about how this experience could benefit you!

Benefits of a medical internship in India

Discover Medical internship in India by RealStep

Internship in Kerala 

Realstep offers the possibility for students to validate their professional internship by completing one in Kochi, Kerala, a region of southern India. The internship offers field experience for those who wish to pursue a career in the medical sector and for health professionals, as well as allowing them to obtain university credits while contributing to the UN’s goal of universal access to healthcare.

Besides an internship in general medicine, there are several possible specialisations for students and health professionals. These include dentistry, nursing, training in mental illness/psychology, and a physiotherapy course.

More information about the program here!

This program is the perfect opportunity to take part in an international experience that is beneficial for both the intern and the community, allowing career advancement, local impact, and cultural immersion.

Medical Internship in India

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