India
India is a vast and diverse country located in South Asia, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and rapid economic growth. It is the world’s most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people, and is characterized by a wide range of languages, religions, and traditions. The capital of India is New Delhi, while Mumbai is the financial hub. India has a democratic government and is a member of the United Nations, BRICS, and the Commonwealth.
India has a mixed economy, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services playing vital roles. It is recognized for its booming IT industry and has a growing middle class, making it one of the world’s largest economies. India is also known for its heritage sites, such as the Taj Mahal, ancient temples, and the Himalayan mountains, and its significant contributions to philosophy, mathematics, and the arts. The country’s cultural diversity is reflected in its festivals, cuisines, and diverse languages, with Hindi and English being the official languages.
Highlights of India
Capital
The capital city of India is New Delhi, a bustling metropolis known for its historic landmarks such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and vibrant cultural scene. New Delhi serves as the political, cultural, and historical heart of the country. On the other hand, Mumbai is the largest city and is the commercial and financial capital of the country.
Currency
India’s currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), symbolized as “₹.”
Weather
India experiences a tropical monsoon climate with significant regional variations. The northern regions have cold winters and hot summers, while the southern regions enjoy a tropical climate year-round. The Himalayan range experiences cold winters with snowfall, while the coastal areas have a more moderate climate with monsoon rains from June to September.
Language
The official languages of India are Hindi and English, with English widely used for business and government. India is a multilingual country with 22 recognized languages, including Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, and Tamil, as well as hundreds of regional dialects.
Public Transport
India has a vast and diverse public transport system, including trains, metros in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, as well as buses and auto-rickshaws. The Indian Railways is one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the world.
Healthcare
India has a mixed healthcare system, with a growing private sector providing high-quality services in major cities. There is also a government-run public healthcare system, though it can be under-resourced in rural areas.
Time Zones
India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30. The country does not observe daylight saving time.
Safety and Environment
India is generally safe for travelers, though caution is advised in certain areas due to traffic, pollution, or political unrest. The country has diverse environments, ranging from the Himalayan mountains in the north, deserts in Rajasthan, coastal beaches in Goa, to rainforests in the northeast and plains along the Ganges River.
Cost of Living
India has a low to moderate cost of living, with costs varying greatly by region. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi are more expensive, particularly for housing and luxury goods, while smaller towns and rural areas are more affordable.
Education and Work Opportunities
India offers a high-quality education system with prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The country has growing job opportunities in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Fluency in English is an advantage in global business settings, though regional languages may be important for some roles.
Career Trends
Manufacturing
Industry Overview
India’s manufacturing sector is diverse, ranging from traditional industries like textiles and automobiles to modern electronics, automotive manufacturing, and renewable energy. The government’s Make in India initiative has further boosted growth, attracting foreign investment and driving innovation in advanced manufacturing processes.
In-Demand Roles
- Automotive Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Supply Chain Managers
- Sustainability Consultants
Technology and Digital Innovation
Industry Overview
India is a global hub for technology and IT services, with its highly skilled workforce contributing significantly to global IT outsourcing. The technology sector in India continues to grow rapidly, driven by digital transformation, emerging technologies, and startups. Careers in this sector range include software development, data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
In-Demand Roles
- Business Analysts
- Software Development Engineers
- Cybersecurity Consultants
- Artificial Intelligence Engineers
- Data Scientists
Financial Services
Industry Overview
India’s banking and financial services sector is evolving rapidly, driven by technological innovations, growing investments, and regulatory reforms. The rise of digital banking, fintech companies, and financial inclusion initiativeshas created a diverse range of career paths, especially in investment banking, corporate finance, and financial technology.
In-Demand Roles
- Investment Banking Analysts
- Corporate Banking Analysts
- Risk Analysts
- FinTech Analysts
- Financial Analysts
Financial Insights
MBA
Target Schools
- Indian School of Business
- Xavier Institute of Management
- SP Jain Institute of Management and Research
Costs
- Program Tuition ranges between €24,000 and €30,000.
- Living Costs range between €800 in Mumbai/New Delhi and €500 in Bengaluru/Chennai/Kolkata.
Compensation Post-Graduation (Base Salary)
- Strategy Consulting – €50,000
- Finance – €60,000
- Technology – €50,000
Post Graduation Work Regulation
Stay Back Visa
India offers a Post-Study Work Visa (commonly referred to as a Stay Back Visa) to international students who have completed their degree programs in the country. This visa allows graduates to stay in India for a year (Ph.D students: 2 years) after completing their studies in order to seek employment and gain work experience in the country.
Employment Visa
On securing a job, an employer can apply for a longer-term employment visa that has a duration between 1-5 years.