In a bold shift in hiring strategy, HCLTech is ready to offer up to ₹1 lakh/month to freshers with specialized tech skills, under its newly introduced “elite cadre” category. This move reflects the company’s focus on quality over quantity, amidst an evolving IT landscape driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging digital technologies.
What Is the Elite Cadre?
According to Chief People Officer Ram Sundararajan, HCLTech’s “elite cadre” includes fresh graduates with in-demand skills in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Engineering
- Data Analytics
- Enterprise Tech Skills
Freshers hired under this elite category will receive up to 4X higher compensation compared to regular graduate hires. In some cases, that means a starting salary close to ₹1 lakh/month, especially in the software services division.
Specialization Over Volume
HCLTech is moving away from high-volume fresher hiring and focusing instead on specialized, high-value talent. The company plans that 15–20% of all freshers hired this fiscal year (FY26) will belong to this elite group. Sundararajan emphasized that the new hiring strategy is designed to align talent with AI-era business needs.
Hiring Despite Challenges
Despite economic uncertainties and a marginal drop in overall headcount in Q1FY26 (269 fewer employees), HCLTech hired 1,984 freshers in the quarter and is planning to hire more freshers this year than in FY25, where 7,000 were onboarded.
Company Restructuring & Financial Snapshot
HCLTech is currently undergoing a company-wide restructuring due to AI’s impact and changing global demands. The company reported a 10% drop in net profit (₹3,843 crore) for Q1FY26 but saw an 8% increase in revenue (₹30,349 crore). Operating margins fell to 16.3% from 17.9% in Q4FY25.
Conclusion
With elite compensation packages and a renewed focus on high-impact roles, HCLTech is setting a new benchmark for fresher hiring in the Indian IT industry. If you’re a graduate with future-ready tech skills, ₹1 lakh/month from Day 1 might just be your new reality.
