Infosys Ltd. has announced a major overhaul of its entry-level compensation structure, introducing salary packages of up to ₹21.00 lakh per annum for certain specialized roles. This decision represents a significant shift from the company's previous approach to fresher salaries and aligns with its strategic focus on expanding AI capabilities and attracting young digital talent.

New Compensation Structure and Role Categories

The revised salary framework targets engineering and computer science graduates across multiple specialized positions. The company has structured its offerings across different levels with varying compensation packages:

Strategic Hiring Initiative

Infosys aims to recruit 20,000 new employees as part of its AI-first strategy implementation. According to Infosys group CHRO Shaji Mathew, the hiring process will encompass both campus recruitment and off-campus drives to reach a broader talent pool. This expansion reflects the company's commitment to strengthening its position in artificial intelligence and digital transformation services.

Market Response and Reality Check

While the announcement has generated attention, social media users have provided contrasting perspectives on the actual implementation of these salary ranges. Campus recruitment experiences shared by students suggest a different reality from the advertised maximum figures.

One student, Aniket Sahu, shared specific data from a campus of approximately 2,000 students:

• Zero students received offers at ₹21.00 lakh per annum
• Approximately 15-20 students received offers at ₹6.00 lakh per annum
• Only 5-10 students were offered ₹11.00 lakh per annum

Industry Context and Criticism

The IT services sector has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding entry-level compensation practices. Infosys has previously been criticized for maintaining stagnant fresher salaries, with some entry-level positions reportedly starting at ₹3.50 lakh per annum, while higher-level compensation packages experienced significant increases.

Social media commentary reflects mixed reactions to the announcement. Some users characterized the higher salary figures as targeting niche technical skills, while others suggested that average pay scales remain unchanged for most positions. The consensus among several respondents indicates that multiple role categories continue to exist within the company's hiring framework, with compensation varying significantly based on specific skill requirements and role specifications.

Infosys' revised compensation structure for freshers now offers salaries ranging from ₹7-21 lakh annually across specialized roles. This move is part of the company's expansion of its AI-first strategy, aiming to attract and retain top talent in the competitive tech industry.

Infosys has launched an ambitious off-campus hiring initiative for 2025 graduates, offering compensation packages ranging from ₹7.00 lakh to ₹21.00 lakh per annum for specialist roles. This move represents a significant shift in the company's recruitment strategy as it embraces an AI-first approach across its services portfolio.

Recruitment Drive Details

The software major is targeting 2025 engineering and computer science graduates for specialized tech positions, specifically Specialist Programmer (L1 to L3) and Digital Specialist Engineer (trainee) roles. The company seeks candidates with BE, BTech, ME, MTech, MCA and integrated MSc degrees from computer science, IT and select circuit branches including ECE and EEE.

Compensation Structure

The hiring drive features a tiered compensation structure based on role specialization:

Strategic AI-First Approach

Infosys group CHRO Shaji Mathew emphasized the necessity of upskilling existing employees and bringing in digitally native talent with deep expertise to ensure an AI-first approach. "Our early‑career hiring combines campus and off‑campus drives, and we have expanded opportunities in the Specialist Programmer track, with packages up to ₹21.00 lakh per annum," he stated.

Industry Comparison

This initiative positions Infosys as the highest entry-level payer among Indian IT firms, traditionally known for offering lower packages for entry-level roles. The industry landscape is evolving, with major competitors also increasing fresher packages for specialized roles:

Market Context

The announcement comes amid challenges facing IT service companies, with shares sliding following the Trump administration's changes to the H-1B visa selection process. The Department of Homeland Security modified the selection process on Tuesday, replacing the random lottery method with a weighted selection process that prioritizes higher skilled and highly paid workers.