Auroskkil · 12 June 2026
After cautious hiring in 2023 and 2024, India's IT sector has bounced back hard. Fresh engineering graduate hiring is on track to surpass 1,50,000 in FY26 almost double that of FY25 (Teamlease). Top IT firms TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro expect to onboard 82,000+ graduates in FY2026. India's overall graduate employability has risen to 56.3% in 2026, up from 46.2% in 2022 (India Skills Report 2026).
But here's the shift: 65% of Indian tech companies now use skills assessments and project portfolios as their primary fresher hiring filter not CGPA, not college tier (NASSCOM). The opportunity is real. Generic, unprepared applications won't work anymore.
| What Companies Test in 2026 | What Most Freshers Still Prepare |
|---|---|
| Skills assessments + project portfolio | Only core academic subjects |
| AI/ML familiarity (even basic) | Nothing related to AI |
| Coding ability (DSA + problem solving) | Theory without practice |
| Communication & English proficiency | Treated as optional |
| SQL, Cloud basics, OS fundamentals | Last-minute cramming |
| Role / Track | Fresher Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| TCS Ninja (System Engineer) | ₹3.6 LPA |
| TCS Digital (IT Analyst) | ₹7 LPA |
| TCS Prime (IT Analyst Premium) | ₹9 LPA |
| Infosys Specialist Programmer / DSE | ₹6.25 to ₹21 LPA |
| Wipro Project Engineer | ₹3.5 to ₹5 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer (startup) | ₹5 to ₹10 LPA |
| AI/ML Engineer (fresher) | ₹7 to ₹14 LPA |
| Cloud Engineer (fresher) | ₹5 to ₹9 LPA |
Key insight: An Infosys Systems Engineer earns ₹3.6 LPA. An Infosys Specialist Programmer earns up to ₹21 LPA. Both are freshers. The difference is demonstrated skill.
💡 Auroskkil's bootcamps are built around exactly this skill stack with assignments and MCQ tests that mirror actual company assessments. Explore current programs →
Aptitude (Quant, Logical, Verbal) + Coding test (1–2 problems) + Technical MCQs (C/Java/Python, OS, DBMS). Tip: Solve 20–30 previous year papers for your specific target company. Each has its own pattern know it cold.
Questions on your resume projects, basic DSA, OOP concepts, DBMS queries, may include live coding. Tip: Be able to walk through every line of your project confidently. This matters more than memorising 100 concepts.
Tell me about yourself (90-second crisp answer), why this company, relocation flexibility, salary expectations. Tip: Practice out loud. Record yourself. Most freshers lose here due to lack of fluency, not bad answers.
One page. No exceptions. Your resume has 10 seconds on an ATS system before a human sees it.
Avoid: Fancy colors/tables/images (ATS can't read them), listing skills you barely know, generic objectives like "seeking a challenging role."
Every company is asking about AI in 2026 not just AI companies. Traditional IT services firms, banks, and startups all want to know: Can this person work alongside AI tools?
You don't need to be an ML researcher. You need basic AI literacy:
According to NASSCOM's India AI Skills Report, India needs over 1.2 million AI professionals by 2027, with current supply at ~420,000 a 3:1 demand gap. Freshers with even foundational AI skills are being hired ahead of peers with stronger traditional credentials.
Quick action: Complete Google's free "Introduction to Generative AI" on Auroskkil 4 hours, recognized by Indian IT companies.
Can I get an IT job with a low CGPA (below 6.0)?
Yes. 65% of Indian tech companies now prioritise demonstrated skills over formal qualifications. Auroskkil's skill-based matching bypasses CGPA filters entirely.
Is a 2025 batch graduate eligible for 2026 drives?
Yes. TCS, Infosys, and Wipro all accept 2025 and 2026 batch graduates for current recruitment drives.
How long does it take to get placed after graduation?
With focused preparation (3 to 4 hours/day), most freshers land their first offer within 2 to 4 months.
Do I need AI skills for a basic IT job?
For Ninja-level service company roles, no but basic AI awareness significantly improves your chances and opens higher salary tracks.
What is the fastest IT entry path for non-CS graduates?
Manual/Automation Testing (2 to 4 months to job-ready) and Data Analytics (3 to 5 months, no coding required) both have strong 2026 demand.
Reading this is a start the freshers who get placed are the ones who act today.