The Indian IT industry is set to witness a significant increase in hiring activity in the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26), with fresher recruitment expected to double. As the sector recovers from past economic uncertainties and gears up for future growth, leading IT firms are expanding their workforce to meet increasing demand. According to industry experts, hiring in FY26 is projected to grow by 10-12%, with an estimated 150,000 or more fresh graduates joining the workforce.
Industry-Wide Hiring Boom
India’s IT sector, valued at over $250 billion, is experiencing renewed momentum, primarily driven by strong demand for digital transformation services, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). Major IT companies are setting ambitious hiring targets, not just to meet current project requirements but also to build a future-ready workforce with specialized skills.
Reports indicate that the total workforce in the Indian IT sector is expected to reach 5.5–5.75 million by March 2025. To achieve this expansion, the hiring of both experienced professionals and fresh graduates is being prioritized. Notably, freshers will play a crucial role in this growth, with many IT giants planning large-scale campus recruitment drives across the country.
Leading IT Firms’ Hiring Plans for FY26
Several leading Indian IT firms have announced their hiring targets for FY26, reinforcing their commitment to talent acquisition and workforce expansion. Here’s a look at the fresher hiring plans of major companies:
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): The largest IT service provider in India plans to onboard over 40,000 freshers in FY26. TCS has been a consistent leader in campus hiring, offering opportunities to engineering and computer science graduates across the country.
- Infosys: Infosys aims to recruit more than 20,000 fresh graduates, a substantial increase compared to its hiring target for FY25. The company is focusing on candidates skilled in emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
- Wipro: Wipro has announced plans to hire between 10,000 and 12,000 freshers in FY26. The company has outlined a quarterly onboarding strategy, with around 2,500–3,000 freshers joining each quarter.
- HCLTech: HCLTech is also increasing its fresher intake, aiming to recruit at least 15,000 new graduates. The company continues to expand its global delivery centers, which require a steady influx of skilled professionals.
- Cognizant and Accenture: These multinational IT firms are also expected to contribute significantly to fresher hiring. While exact figures have not been disclosed, sources indicate that both companies are planning a robust recruitment drive to strengthen their India-based operations.
Factors Driving the Hiring Growth
Several factors are contributing to this massive hiring resurgence in the IT sector:
- Digital Transformation Acceleration: Businesses worldwide are increasingly investing in digital transformation, AI-driven solutions, cloud-based technologies, and automation, leading to a surge in demand for skilled IT professionals.
- Revival of IT Spending: The slowdown in hiring seen in previous years was mainly due to global economic uncertainties. However, IT spending is now rebounding, prompting companies to expand their workforce.
- Strong Demand for Emerging Technologies: The adoption of AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and data science has created new job roles that require fresh talent with updated skills.
- Increased Outsourcing to India: Global enterprises continue to rely on Indian IT firms for software development, support services, and cloud infrastructure, further boosting hiring needs.
- Growing Startup Ecosystem: Alongside established IT firms, the rise of startups in SaaS, fintech, and health-tech sectors is creating additional job opportunities for freshers.
Focus on Skill-Based Hiring
While hiring volumes are increasing, companies are placing a greater emphasis on skill-based recruitment. IT firms are seeking candidates with expertise in the following areas:
- Full Stack Development (JavaScript, Python, React, Node.js)
- Cybersecurity (Network security, ethical hacking, risk assessment)
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (TensorFlow, NLP, computer vision)
- Data Science & Analytics (SQL, Big Data, Python, R)
To bridge the skills gap, IT companies are investing in training programs and collaborating with universities to design industry-aligned courses. Platforms offering online certifications and coding boot camps are also gaining traction, helping freshers acquire relevant skills before entering the workforce.
Salary Expectations and Job Market Trends
The hiring boom in FY26 is expected to impact salary trends for freshers positively. While entry-level salaries in the IT sector currently range between ₹3.5–6 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum), candidates with specialized skills in AI, cloud, or cybersecurity can command packages of ₹7–12 LPA. Additionally, multinational IT firms and startups are offering competitive compensation packages to attract top talent.
Another emerging trend is the hybrid work model, where companies are offering flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid job roles, to attract a wider talent pool. This approach is particularly beneficial for fresh graduates who prefer a balance between office-based and remote work setups.
Conclusion
The IT sector’s hiring revival in FY26 presents a golden opportunity for fresh graduates looking to start their careers in technology. With over 150,000 fresher positions expected to open up, students pursuing degrees in engineering, computer science, and IT-related fields have a promising future ahead.
As IT companies continue to innovate and expand, the focus will remain on hiring skilled professionals who can drive technological advancements. Freshers with the right skills, certifications, and adaptability will be well-positioned to secure high-paying roles in India’s thriving IT industry. With hiring trends on an upward trajectory, FY26 is shaping up to be a transformative year for IT recruitment and career growth.