Walmart Big Hiring Drive: Sparkplug 2026, Walmart’s Global Tech India’s top program for engineering students who are top of the line students. The program offers students in the third year of their undergraduate studies and master’s degree students with the chance to gain paid summer internships in the most cutting-edge technology teams. It is a combination of technical assessment, education, and exposure to engineering in an international technology company.
Overview
- Program Name: Sparkplug – Summer Internship 2026
- Organized By: Walmart Global Tech India
- Internship Period: May-June 2026
- Mode: Online Coding Challenge + In-Office Internship
- Locations: Bangalore and Chennai, India
Objective
The Sparkplug program is focused on identifying and fostering talented coding and problem-solving professionals from India’s top engineering colleges. The interns selected will get practical knowledge with AI/ML and data driven solutions design in addition to scalable software engineering, while working directly with skilled Walmart engineers.
The aim is to introduce students to the world-wide tech environment that drives Walmart’s operations and serves millions of associates and customers around the world with cutting-edge software and data technologies.
Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Walmart Global Tech India |
| Program Name | Sparkplug – Summer Internship 2026 |
| Mode | Online Challenge + In-Office Internship |
| Location | Bangalore, Chennai |
| Duration | May-June 2026 |
| Stipend | Rs1-1.1 lakh/month |
| Eligibility | 2027 batch (CS AI/ML Data Science) |
| Minimum CGPA | 7.0 |
| No. of Offers | Top 150 |
| Benefits | Accommodation, airfare, meals, transport, mentorship |
Key Highlights
- Exclusive recruitment contest for interns from Walmart Global Tech India.
- Opportunities to collaborate across teams of developers working on Data analytics, AI/ML Systems engineering, and other projects.
- The monthly stipend ranges from Rs1,00,000 to Rs1,10,000.
- Locations for internships: Bangalore and Chennai offices.
- Benefits include free meals as well as transportation, gaming zones as well as return flights. two weeks of accommodations in the city that is the base.
- The top 150 performers of the competition win the opportunity to work for a paid internship.
NielsenIQ Off Campus Hiring – Data Operations Analyst Role
Role: Software Engineering Intern
Interns are expected to contribute to ongoing projects that are involving end-to-end products as well as platform design within Walmart’s technology infrastructure. The experience of an internship is focused on applied learning collaboration, teamwork, and engineering excellence.
Key Learning Areas:
- The development of robust, scalable and effective software systems.
- Experiments with AI as well as ML integrations in real-world environments.
- Applying and understanding the power of data-driven decision-making.
- Understanding the vast scale of global commerce and retail technology.
Skills Used:
Python, Java, C++, Data Structures, Algorithms, OOP principles, Database Systems, REST APIs and the Generative AI fundamentals.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Colleges
The only students who can participate are those from a selected 24 engineering colleges in India are eligible to take part.
(Students should confirm if their school is a member of the colleges listed before applying.)
Eligible Degrees & Batches
- BE/BTech full-time degrees – graduating by 2027 (currently in the 3rd year of their degree).
- Dual Degree full-time degrees and will graduate at the end of 2027 (currently in the 4th year).
- ME/MTech full-time degree programs – graduation by 2027 (currently in the 1st year).
Eligible Disciplines
- Computer Science (CS)
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML)
- Data Science
Specializations that are interdisciplinary or similar to the three streams mentioned above are not considered eligible.
Academic Requirements
- The minimum CGPA is 7.0 at or above.
- There was no backlog active at the time of the application or participant.
- Participation with a single valid ID is all that is required. Multiple accounts can result in disqualification.
Competition Structure
The process for selection comprises both code-based and MCQ-based tests that are conducted online.
1. MCQ Round:
Examines the conceptual understanding of topics including:
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Object-Oriented Programming
- SOLID Principles
- Operating Systems and Networking Concepts
- Basics of Databases and Generative AI
2. Coding Round:
- Duration: 90 minutes.
- The Number of Problems: 2 Coding problems.
- Language: Candidates are able to program in any programming language.
- Goal: Logical Coding and efficient algorithm design and a clean implementation.
Final Shortlisting:
The cumulative performance of MCQ and coding tests is what determines top 150 candidates for internships.
Application and Conduct Rules
- All students must sign-up using an official email address as well as college credentials.
- False, duplicate or incorrect information will cause immediate exclusion.
- Making contact with Walmart associates, managers using channels that are not official is forbidden.
- Infractions of the rules during or following the event results in an exclusion permanent from the program.
Internship Benefits
- Amount: Rs1-1.1 lakh per month.
- travel & relocation: Return airfare covered by the company.
- Housing: Two-week assisted stay upon the arrival.
- Benefits: Meals are included for free. transportation assistance as well as the ability to access Walmart office spaces, including gaming and recreation areas.
- Training: Mentorship from experienced engineers, exposure to cutting-edge technology stacks, as well as interactions with teams from around the world.
Tips for Preparation
- Learn the fundamentals of Data Structures, Algorithms, and Object-Oriented Programming.
- Revise the key OS as well as DBMS concepts that are commonly analyzed in code rounds.
- Try timed programming competitions using Codeforces, LeetCode, or HackerRank.
- Study AI as well as machine-learning fundamentals including the model pipeline and vectorization.
- Know the RESTful API development process and the principles of system scalability.