India’s information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector is expected to increase fresher recruitment in the 2026-27 financial year, even as artificial intelligence (AI) changes the skills employers seek from graduates. According to a report by staffing firm HAN Digital cited by The Economic Times on October 14, 2026, fresher hiring could reach 2.1 lakh in FY27, up from an estimated 1.75 lakh in FY26.
The projected increase follows a decline in fresher recruitment from around 4 lakh in FY22. The recovery points to a changing employment market in which companies are placing greater emphasis on AI, data engineering, cybersecurity and other specialised technical capabilities.
Fresher Hiring Could Reach 2.1 Lakh
HAN Digital’s forecast suggests that IT-BPM companies could recruit approximately 2.1 lakh fresh graduates in FY27. Although this would represent an improvement over FY26, the projected total would remain well below recruitment levels recorded in FY22.
IT services companies are expected to account for around 60% of fresher recruitment, while global capability centres (GCCs) could contribute 28%. GCCs are operations established by multinational companies to manage functions such as software development, research, analytics and business services.
The projected recovery does not necessarily signal a return to earlier mass-hiring practices. Employers are increasingly evaluating candidates for specialised capabilities and their ability to contribute to technology-driven projects.
AI Skills Become a Hiring Priority
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, data engineering and cybersecurity are gaining importance in recruitment plans. Employers also need professionals who can integrate AI applications into existing software, test automated systems and monitor their performance.
These requirements are changing entry-level positions in software development, quality assurance and business operations. AI tools can assist with coding, debugging, documentation and data processing, increasing the importance of verification, problem-solving and technical judgement.
Graduates with programming knowledge, analytical skills and experience building practical applications may be better positioned for specialised roles. Familiarity with Python, databases, cloud computing and machine learning can help candidates demonstrate their ability to contribute to technology projects.
AI knowledge alone does not guarantee employment. Employers continue to assess foundational technical ability, communication, problem-solving skills and whether candidates can apply their knowledge in real working environments.
Specialised Roles May Offer Higher Salaries
The HAN Digital report cited by The Economic Times indicates that selected engineering positions in AI, data engineering, cybersecurity and enterprise technology at leading Indian IT services companies could offer annual packages ranging from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 22 lakh in 2027.
By comparison, entry-level salaries across much of the IT-enabled services sector have remained around Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh annually. The difference highlights the potential salary premium associated with specialised technical skills.
Infosys has also been reported to offer packages of up to Rs 21 lakh for selected specialised technology positions. These packages apply to particular roles and recruitment programmes and should not be treated as standard salaries for all freshers.
Actual compensation depends on the employer, job responsibilities, location, qualifications and assessment results. Graduates must demonstrate the required skills to compete for higher-paying opportunities.
AI Hiring Grows Despite Uneven IT Recruitment
Naukri’s JobSpeak data reported by Reuters in July 2026 showed that AI-related hiring in India’s IT sector increased by 16% year over year in June, while overall IT job listings declined by 3%.
The same report found that job listings for AI and machine learning roles across 14 sectors increased by 25%. The figures suggest that demand for specialised AI capabilities can rise even when broader recruitment remains under pressure.
Businesses are investing in automation and AI systems while reviewing staffing needs and operating costs. This can create opportunities in new technical areas while limiting recruitment for some conventional junior positions.
Employers Want Practical AI Experience
Companies are placing greater emphasis on candidates who can demonstrate how AI works in practical settings. Building an application, connecting a model to a database or testing an AI system can provide evidence of ability beyond familiarity with AI tools alone.
Graduates may benefit from developing projects that address clear problems, such as document search, data analysis, customer support automation or software testing. They should be able to explain how the system works, how its accuracy was assessed and what limitations remain.
Understanding data privacy, cybersecurity and responsible AI use is also important. Employers need workers who can recognise inaccurate outputs, protect confidential information and ensure that automated results meet business requirements.
Global Capability Centres Expand Recruitment
GCCs are expected to account for a significant share of fresher hiring in FY27. These centres increasingly perform technology development, analytics, product engineering and other specialised functions for multinational organisations.
Bengaluru remains a leading location for graduate recruitment, alongside technology centres such as Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Pune. Other cities, including Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore and Coimbatore, may also offer opportunities as employers expand their operations.
Opportunities outside major technology hubs will depend on local employer demand and the availability of suitable positions. Graduates should review individual job listings rather than assume that every city offers the same range of AI-related roles.
Entry-Level Career Paths Are Changing
The shift towards AI is affecting how companies organise early-career work. Some routine tasks that once helped graduates gain experience can now be partly automated, encouraging employers to reconsider training and development programmes.
At the same time, organisations need employees who can implement AI systems, evaluate results and connect technology with business requirements. These responsibilities can create opportunities for graduates who combine technical knowledge with communication and analytical skills.
Industry leaders have warned that AI adoption may reduce the need to expand workforces at the same pace as revenue. The projected increase in fresher hiring is therefore significant, but uncertainty remains about the number and type of jobs that will ultimately be available.
Outlook for 2026-27
India’s IT-BPM sector is approaching a period in which fresher recruitment could recover while job requirements continue to change. The projected 2.1 lakh hires in FY27 would mark an improvement over FY26, although the forecast remains subject to business conditions and employer decisions.
For graduates, the employment outlook will depend increasingly on technical foundations, practical project experience and the ability to work effectively with AI systems. Employers are likely to distinguish between candidates who simply use AI tools and those who can apply them reliably to real business problems.
As of October 14, 2026, the FY27 hiring figure remains a projection rather than a confirmed final total. Actual recruitment levels will become clearer as companies publish hiring plans and report employment results during the financial year.