India’s top software services exporter TCS has rolled out a lateral hiring programme targeting technology professionals with two to four years of experience, as it seeks to push an AI-led future for itself.
A recent mail to employees in this regard mentioned an annual package of up to Rs 9 lakh, and struck a note of urgency as the company has offered a bonus of Rs 50,000 for those joining within 30 days of selection.
The initiative follows a similar off-campus recruitment programme by Bengaluru-headquartered Infosys. The drive, with unprecedented salary offers, targeted graduates with one-year of experience and solid skills.
TCS has urged employees to get people they know to apply for multiple roles as it pursues its plans to become the world’s largest AI-led technology services company. “We are looking for talented experienced professionals who can contribute to this transformation. You — our associates — play a crucial role in helping us reach the right talent,” said the communique, seen by ET.
The software major said it was looking for graduates and postgraduates with curiosity, agility, and the drive to grow in future-ready technologies.
Candidates referred by employees as part of this initiative will get the chance to participate in a skill-based assessment that opens pathways into AI, data, cloud, cybersecurity, and other domains. The programme is designed to place real capability at the centre of career progression, the mail said.
``Those who join us will work closely with leading experts, scientists, engineers, and AI practitioners across TCS. They will gain access to a robust learning ecosystem built to strengthen their foundation and help them prepare for what’s next’’, the mail added.
Applicants must have hands-on experience in at least one of these technologies: Java, Embedded C, C++, SQL, .NET, Python, Angular JS, ReactJS, Node.js, Selenium Automation, Informatica ETL, REST/SOAP Web Services, HTML/CSSS3.
There will be a three-stage hiring process involving online assessment, and in-person discussions.
Infosys recently offered trainee specialist programmers salaries of Rs 21 lakh and Rs 16 lakh per annum for L3 and L2 levels, respectively. Those hired at L1 level will get Rs 10 lakh per annum, plus a joining bonus of Rs 1 lakh.
An Infosys employee had told ET that the company may find it worthwhile to spend on people who come up with cutting-edge ideas and programming that’s aligned with the AI era. This is a warning bell for those falling behind the learning curve, he added.
In its recent post-earnings press conference, Infosys chief executive Salil Parekh said that the company had put together a plan “for very good software engineers who will work in AI and who will… (receive) much higher compensation.”
According to a 2025 report by Quess Corp, roles across cloud, cybersecurity, data engineering, and AI-enablement are seeing between 20-40% salary premiums. Meanwhile, median packages for freshers have grown 5% annually over the last two years, according to data from Zinnov, driven by the need for talent in digital transformation.
A recent mail to employees in this regard mentioned an annual package of up to Rs 9 lakh, and struck a note of urgency as the company has offered a bonus of Rs 50,000 for those joining within 30 days of selection.
The initiative follows a similar off-campus recruitment programme by Bengaluru-headquartered Infosys. The drive, with unprecedented salary offers, targeted graduates with one-year of experience and solid skills.
TCS has urged employees to get people they know to apply for multiple roles as it pursues its plans to become the world’s largest AI-led technology services company. “We are looking for talented experienced professionals who can contribute to this transformation. You — our associates — play a crucial role in helping us reach the right talent,” said the communique, seen by ET.
The software major said it was looking for graduates and postgraduates with curiosity, agility, and the drive to grow in future-ready technologies.
Candidates referred by employees as part of this initiative will get the chance to participate in a skill-based assessment that opens pathways into AI, data, cloud, cybersecurity, and other domains. The programme is designed to place real capability at the centre of career progression, the mail said.
``Those who join us will work closely with leading experts, scientists, engineers, and AI practitioners across TCS. They will gain access to a robust learning ecosystem built to strengthen their foundation and help them prepare for what’s next’’, the mail added.
Applicants must have hands-on experience in at least one of these technologies: Java, Embedded C, C++, SQL, .NET, Python, Angular JS, ReactJS, Node.js, Selenium Automation, Informatica ETL, REST/SOAP Web Services, HTML/CSSS3.
There will be a three-stage hiring process involving online assessment, and in-person discussions.
Infosys recently offered trainee specialist programmers salaries of Rs 21 lakh and Rs 16 lakh per annum for L3 and L2 levels, respectively. Those hired at L1 level will get Rs 10 lakh per annum, plus a joining bonus of Rs 1 lakh.
An Infosys employee had told ET that the company may find it worthwhile to spend on people who come up with cutting-edge ideas and programming that’s aligned with the AI era. This is a warning bell for those falling behind the learning curve, he added.
In its recent post-earnings press conference, Infosys chief executive Salil Parekh said that the company had put together a plan “for very good software engineers who will work in AI and who will… (receive) much higher compensation.”
According to a 2025 report by Quess Corp, roles across cloud, cybersecurity, data engineering, and AI-enablement are seeing between 20-40% salary premiums. Meanwhile, median packages for freshers have grown 5% annually over the last two years, according to data from Zinnov, driven by the need for talent in digital transformation.
