Indian edtech major upGrad has acquired internship and early-career platform Internshala in a move that reflects the rapid evolution of India’s skill-to-employment ecosystem. The acquisition brings together upGrad’s higher-education and professional learning programs with Internshala’s strong student community and employer network, creating an end-to-end career pathway for young learners.

Internshala, widely known for connecting students with internships and training programs, has played a significant role in improving early job exposure for engineering and college students across India. By integrating Internshala’s placement ecosystem, upGrad aims to strengthen outcomes-based education — focusing not just on learning but measurable career results.

The deal also comes at a time when salary expectations among engineering graduates are rising, while employers increasingly demand practical skills rather than theoretical degrees. upGrad plans to leverage Internshala’s hiring data and employer partnerships to design industry-aligned programs, improving job readiness and placement efficiency.

Experts see this acquisition as part of a broader shift in edtech, where platforms are moving beyond courses toward full career ecosystems — combining learning, internships, mentorship, and employment under one unified digital platform.