Pune UPSC Aspirant Wins ₹9.1 Lakh for Sleeping 9 Hours a Night in Wakefit Internship

In a nation where competitive exams, startups, and productivity dominate daily life, one Pune-based UPSC aspirant has earned national recognition—and ₹9.1 lakh—by doing something most of us overlook: getting a full night’s sleep.

Pooja Madhav Wavhal, an IPS aspirant from Pune, has been crowned the Sleep Champion of the Year after emerging as the top performer in Wakefit’s innovative Sleep Internship programme. Wavhal slept for nine hours each night over a 60-day period, consistently maintaining sleep discipline and quality, which won her the prestigious title and the top cash prize.

This unique internship, initiated by sleep and wellness company Wakefit.co, is now in its fourth season and has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon. The programme was designed to raise awareness about India’s growing sleep deprivation, and it appears to be succeeding—both in reach and in results.

Over 1 Lakh Applicants, 15 Interns, and 1 Champion

Season 4 of the Wakefit Sleep Internship saw a record-breaking response, with over 1 lakh applicants from across India. Only 15 individuals were selected for the internship, chosen through a multi-step process that included application forms, video resumes, and short interviews.

These interns, referred to as “sleep interns,” were tasked with sleeping at least nine hours each night for 60 consecutive days. To ensure objective tracking, Wakefit provided each participant with contactless sleep technology and high-quality mattresses. Sleep duration and quality were closely monitored, and the interns were required to provide feedback throughout the process.

Wavhal topped the cohort with a final score of 91.36, securing her position as the champion. Each intern who completed the 60-day cycle received a stipend of ₹1 lakh, while Wavhal’s consistent sleep discipline won her the additional reward of ₹8.1 lakh, bringing her total earnings to ₹9.1 lakh.

Quirky Challenges and Sleep Workshops

What set the internship apart was its blend of scientific rigor and playful competition. In addition to nightly sleep tracking, participants engaged in sleep improvement workshops and competed in creative challenges like:

• Blindfolded bed-making
• Alarm clock treasure hunts
• The final “sleep-off” to test endurance and discipline

These activities not only assessed consistency but also aimed to normalize the idea that good sleep habits are vital to wellness, productivity, and overall mental health.

Wakefit Sleep Internship: How to Apply

As the buzz around Season 4 continues, applications for Season 5 are now open. Wakefit has outlined a detailed eligibility criterion for aspirants:

• Minimum Age: Applicants must be 22 years or older.
• Single Entry: Only one application per person is permitted.
• Complete Applications Only: Incomplete entries are not considered.
• Deadlines Matter: Late applications will be automatically disqualified.
• No Repeat Interns: Previous participants from Seasons 1, 2, or 3 are not eligible.
• Conflict of Interest: Wakefit employees and their family members cannot apply.
• Accurate Information: Any false data can lead to immediate disqualification.
• Consent Required: All applicants must agree to Wakefit’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Updates and communication during the selection process are shared through SMS, WhatsApp, email, or phone calls.

A Concept That’s Been Going Viral Since 2019

Wakefit’s Sleep Internship began in 2019 as a quirky campaign, but it quickly gained traction, turning into a cultural movement within India’s wellness space. Each season, thousands of sleep enthusiasts—ranging from students to professionals—apply in hopes of being selected for this unusual job.

Selected interns are required to complete their sleep tracking entirely from the comfort of their own homes, making it an accessible, remote work-from-home opportunity. Over the years, Wakefit has added fun, personality-driven screening questions like:
“Can you fall asleep within 10 minutes?” or “Have you ever dozed off in a lecture?”

The internship resonates especially with younger generations, many of whom are actively seeking better work-life balance and recovery-focused routines amidst high-pressure academic and work environments.

Why This Internship Matters

The latest edition of the Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2025 revealed concerning statistics:

• 58% of Indians go to bed after 11 PM
• Nearly half wake up feeling tired every day

These figures underline the critical need to treat sleep as a non-negotiable aspect of health—something Wavhal strongly advocates after her experience. Reflecting on her victory, she said she hopes it will encourage more people to treat sleep not as a passive activity, but as an essential part of recovery, focus, and wellbeing.

A Cultural Reset for India’s Sleep Habits

Wavhal’s success story is more than just a win—it represents a cultural shift. With so much focus on hustle culture, academic competition, and digital distraction, India’s youth are waking up (ironically) to the importance of quality rest.

Wakefit’s Sleep Internship has made it clear: sleep is not a waste of time—it’s an investment. And now, with ₹9.1 lakh in hand, Pooja Wavhal stands as living proof that prioritizing wellness can quite literally pay off.