Article: Zepto’s latest campus hiring notice listed a male-only internship that demands lifting up to 20 kg and standing for 10-12 hour shifts, sparking a firestorm on social media. The uproar reflects growing unease about gender-based job filters and the physical toll expected from entry-level trainees.

Why the requirements matter

The posting lists three non-negotiable conditions: applicants must be men, must lift 20 kg, and must work 10-12 hour days. Internships usually serve as learning-oriented, short-term roles that give students a foothold in a company. When the core criteria shift from skill-based to physical and gender-based thresholds, the line between a training program and a labour-intensive gig blurs.

India’s anti-discrimination framework bars ads that single out a gender without a genuine occupational necessity. Critics say Zepto’s restriction fails that test, especially because the advertised duties are vague. Even if the role involves physical handling, the law forces employers to prove that the task cannot be done by any other means or by a broader pool of candidates.

Beyond legality, the demand for 10-12-hour shifts raises questions about compliance with internship standards that usually cap working hours to protect students from exploitation. Labor advocates warn that such expectations could set a precedent where companies treat interns as cheap, interchangeable labor rather than trainees.

Industry reaction

Online commenters split into two camps. One side calls the criteria “unreasonable” for an internship, insisting that physical strength can be assessed later on the job and that gender should never be a screening factor. The other camp defends the posting, arguing that certain warehouse or logistics tasks truly require male workers for safety or efficiency, and that the company is simply being transparent about job realities.

What to watch

  • Regulatory scrutiny: If a complaint is filed, labor authorities may demand that Zepto justify the gender clause and the length of shifts.
  • Brand impact: Social-media backlash could dent Zepto’s reputation among prospective hires, especially as younger talent values inclusive workplaces.
  • Policy adjustments: Companies may revisit internship templates to align with evolving norms around work-hour limits and non-discriminatory hiring.

The Zepto episode shows that when entry-level positions start resembling full-time labor, legal compliance and public perception become critical. Employers must balance operational needs with fair, transparent hiring practices—or risk alienating the very talent they aim to attract.