Infosys offers ₹21 lakh packages for entry-level jobs, 'That fresher better comes with 10 yrs experience!' mocks netizens

Indian tech giant Infosys will offer fresher compensation of up to ₹21 lakh per annum for specialised technology roles as part of its AI-first strategy at campus recruitment for the Class of 2026, according to sources familiar with the matter.

In a recruitment banner circulated to engineering colleges, which BusinessLine reviewed, Infosys shared an upgraded campus hiring strategy for the Class of 2026.

According to reports, the revised compensation framework features a tiered pay structure that is linked to skill depth and role complexity.

The roles on offer include Specialist Programmer (L1 to L3) and Digital Specialist Engineer (trainee).

These positions are open to BE, B.Tech, ME, M.Tech, MCA and integrated MSc graduates in Computer Science, IT and select circuit branches such as ECE and EEE.

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What is the new pay structure for freshers at Infosys?

Salary structure under the programme includes:

 • Specialist Programmer L3 (trainee): ₹21 lakh per annum

• Specialist Programmer L2 (trainee): ₹16 lakh per annum

 •Specialist Programmer L1 (trainee): ₹11 lakh per annum 

• Digital Specialist Engineer (trainee): ₹7 lakh per annum

Even as a portion of the global technology sector continues to see layoffs, Infosys has stepped up graduate hiring.

The tech company has already hired 12,000 freshers in the first half of FY26 and remains on track to meet its target of recruiting 20,000 fresh graduates this financial year, Infosys CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka said during the company’s Q2 earnings call on October 16.

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Netizens respond

Immediately after the announcement, netizens started sharing their comments on the tech giant's big recruitment claim for freshers.

'That fresher better comes with 10 years of experience too!' mocked an individual.

However, many people have lauded the initiative, hoping it would be a good opportunity for many fresher techies.

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