Infosys Ltd has raised entry-level salaries for fresh graduates to as high as ₹21 lakh per annum for specialised technology roles, marking one of the highest starting pay packages in the Indian IT sector. The move is part of the company’s broader AI-first strategy and reflects shifting demand for digitally skilled talent.

New salary structure and roles offered

According to recruitment materials reviewed and verified, Infosys plans to expand its off-campus hiring drive for 2025 engineering and computer science graduates with a tiered salary structure. The highest package of ₹21 lakh per annum applies to the Specialist Programmer L3 (trainee) role. Other positions include Specialist Programmer L2 (₹16 lakh) and Specialist Programmer L1 (₹11 lakh). The Digital Specialist Engineer (trainee) role carries an annual package of ₹7 lakh.

The roles are open to graduates holding degrees in BE, BTech, ME, MTech, MCA, or integrated MSc programmes in computer science, information technology, and select circuit branches such as electronics and communication engineering (ECE) and electrical and electronics engineering (EEE).

Strategic focus on digital and AI talent

Infosys said the salary increase supports its aim to build a workforce with advanced digital and AI expertise. The company’s Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Shaji Mathew, highlighted that the expanded Specialist Programmer track aligns with its ambitions to attract digitally native professionals with deep technical skills. He emphasized that combining campus and off-campus recruitment efforts helps Infosys bring in fresher talent with the capabilities needed for emerging technology projects.

Industry experts note that the push for higher entry-level pay comes amid rapid growth in demand for skills related to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. As businesses digitise operations and adopt new technologies, fresh graduates equipped with specialised expertise are increasingly valued. This shift has prompted major IT firms to rethink traditional compensation structures.

Hiring momentum in FY26

So far, Infosys has maintained steady hiring momentum in the current financial year. During the first half of FY26, the company hired 12,000 fresh graduates. It also remains on track to recruit 20,000 freshers for the full year.

In addition, Infosys has reported five consecutive quarters of net headcount growth. The company’s total workforce has continued to expand, reflecting stable demand for its technology services.

Broader industry context

Other IT companies have responded to talent shortages with varied salary structures. Competitors run digital hiring tracks or elite programmes at different pay levels, reflecting growing emphasis on specialised skills in areas such as digital transformation and data analytics. This trend is reshaping recruitment practices across the industry.