A new avenue for early career growth
The roles offered—AI engineer and “growth magician”—are designed to be fully remote, opening the door for applicants from across the country. What makes the programme especially notable is that candidates as young as high schoolers are encouraged to apply, marking a rare instance where formal education is not the gatekeeper.Siddharth Bhatia’s announcement was straightforward: “Comment why we should choose you and what you’d be excited to work on at Puch AI (no DMs, please).” By asking candidates to pitch themselves publicly, the company puts emphasis on enthusiasm, skills, and motivation over conventional credentials.
No specific eligibility criteria and simple application process
Instead of traditional resumes or formal interviews, applicants respond by commenting on the CEO’s LinkedIn post explaining their interest and suitability for the internship. This transparent and informal process allows young talent to showcase their drive and creativity directly.Bhatia also introduced a referral incentive, encouraging people to tag potential candidates, with a chance to win an iPhone if the referral is hired, adding a community element to the recruitment.
Hackathon as a launchpad
To complement the internship openings, Puch AI is hosting a hackathon. Winners secure internships outright, while the top 10 performers will be fast-tracked to interviews with the company’s founders. This gives motivated students and early career aspirants another route to access the programme.
A strong response from young applicants
The announcement quickly gained traction, attracting nearly 1,000 likes and over 500 comments. Many high school students and fresh talents have taken to the stage to present their skills and ambitions, reflecting a hunger among India’s youth for meaningful opportunities that combine good pay with practical learning.
What this means for young job seekers
This internship highlights a shift in how skills and potential can be recognised outside the traditional education system. For many high schoolers, it offers a rare chance to earn a substantial income while gaining valuable industry experience, something that has often felt out of reach until after graduation.As India’s technology landscape continues to grow, such inclusive opportunities could pave the way for more flexible hiring practices, helping young talent gain a foothold early in their careers.
