HCLTech Hikes Fresher Salaries to Rs 22 LPA for Elite AI Talent in 2026
Key Takeaways:
- HCLTech offers Rs 18-22 lakh packages to elite freshers in AI, cybersecurity, and digital engineering.
- Infosys also raises pay for specialist roles, with packages up to Rs 21 lakh.
- TCS links appraisals to office attendance, pausing hikes for non-compliant employees.
HCLTech has significantly raised fresher salaries for 2026, targeting candidates with expertise in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Amid cautious hiring across the IT sector, the company is investing more in a smaller pool of highly specialised engineers. This strategy positions HCLTech among the few Indian IT firms offering premium entry-level pay to secure talent aligned with its future tech roadmap.
Elite Fresher Cadre to Earn Up to Rs 22 Lakh Annually
HCLTech has introduced substantially higher compensation for a select group it calls the “elite cadre.” These freshers will work in advanced domains like AI, data engineering, digital engineering, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology. Their annual packages range from Rs 18 lakh to Rs 22 lakh, far exceeding standard industry offers for new graduates.
Explaining the move, HCLTech’s Chief People Officer Ram Sundararajan stated during an earnings call:
“Two quarters back, we did very proactively talk about the elite engineers. We had shared that our entry-level salaries will have the elite cadre earning 3X – 4X of the regular hires. That 3X-4X is anywhere between Rs 18 lakhs to 22 lakhs.”
He emphasised the need to stay competitive to attract top talent for these critical roles.
Infosys Follows Suit with Higher Packages for Specialist Roles
Infosys has also increased fresher pay as part of its push into digital and AI services. The company is launching an off-campus hiring drive for 2025 graduates, with packages ranging from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 21 lakh per annum.
Roles include Specialist Programmer and Digital Specialist Engineer, open to graduates from computer science, IT, and related branches. Infosys Group CHRO Shaji Mathew said the company is adopting an “AI-first” approach, requiring both upskilling and hiring talent with strong digital foundations.
“Our early-career hiring combines campus and off-campus drives, and we have expanded opportunities in the Specialist Programmer track, with packages up to Rs 21 lakh per annum.”
TCS Ties Appraisals to Office Attendance
While HCLTech and Infosys boost pay to attract talent, TCS is taking a different approach. The company has paused final anniversary appraisals for some employees who did not comply with its work-from-office policy. TCS mandates a five-day office week and has linked appraisals and variable pay to attendance. Reports indicate employees who missed attendance targets in earlier quarters may be excluded from the FY26 performance cycle.
