Infosys Sets Record with ₹21 Lakh Fresher Package — Its Highest Yet

Infosys has announced its highest-ever entry-level salary of up to ₹21 lakh per annum for freshers in specialised technology roles, making it the most lucrative starting package in the Indian IT sector to date, reported Moneycontrol and later a Financial Express (Dec 26, 2025) report confirmed this with a statement from Infosys’ Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Shaji Mathew, who explicitly said Infosys is offering up to ₹21 lakh for specialised fresher roles.

Key Highlights

• Salary Package: Up to ₹21 lakh per annum for select roles.
• Standard fresher roles: ₹3.5–7 lakh per annum.
• Specialist Programmer (SP-L3): ₹21 lakh per annum (highest).
• Digital Specialist Engineer (DSE): ₹9–12 lakh per annum.
• Target Roles: Specialist Programmer (L1–L3) and Digital Specialist Engineer (Trainee).
• Roles Covered:
• Specialist Programmer (SP-L3): Top-tier coding and AI-focused role.
• Digital Specialist Engineer (DSE): Entry-level but targeted at digital-first skills.
• Eligibility: BE, BTech, ME, MTech, MCA, and integrated MSc graduates in computer science, IT, and select circuit branches (like ECE).
• Hiring Drive: Infosys is launching a 2025 off-campus recruitment drive, aiming to hire 20,000 graduates.
• Strategic Focus: Part of Infosys’ AI-first strategy, designed to attract digitally native talent in areas such as AI, cloud computing, data science, and cybersecurity.

Why This Matters

• Industry Benchmark: Highest entry-level salary among Indian IT firms, surpassing typical fresher packages (₹3–7 lakh).
• Talent War: Infosys is positioning itself aggressively against competitors like TCS, Wipro, and Accenture.
• AI Push: Reflects growing demand for advanced tech skills as companies pivot toward AI-driven services.

Comparison with Industry Peers

Company	Typical Fresher Salary	Highest Specialised Role Salary	Strategic Focus
Infosys	₹3–7 lakh	₹21 lakh	AI-first, cloud, cybersecurity
TCS	₹3–6 lakh	~₹10–12 lakh (Digital roles)	Digital & enterprise IT
Wipro	₹3–6 lakh	~₹10–12 lakh (Elite roles)	Cloud & automation
Accenture	₹4–7 lakh	~₹14–16 lakh (specialised tech)	Consulting & digital services

Risks & Trade-offs

• Selective Access: Only specialised roles get the ₹21 lakh package; most freshers remain at standard salaries.
• High Expectations: These roles demand cutting-edge skills in AI, data science, and advanced programming.
• Competitive Pressure: Could trigger salary inflation among IT majors, but sustainability is uncertain.

What This Signals

Infosys is betting big on AI-native talent. For graduates, this is both an opportunity and a challenge: the rewards are massive, but the bar for skills is higher than ever. If you’re entering the IT sector, upskilling in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s the ticket to these premium packages.