HCLTech Hikes Fresher Salaries Up to Rs 22 Lakhs for 'Elite' AI Engineers

• HCLTech has significantly increased entry-level salaries for freshers specializing in AI and related technologies, offering up to Rs 22 lakhs per annum.
• This group of highly skilled freshers is internally referred to as the 'elite cadre' of engineers, focusing on data, AI, digital engineering, cybersecurity, and enterprise skills.
• Ram Sundararajan, Chief People Officer, stated that these elite engineers will earn 3X-4X more than regular hires to attract top talent.
• The 'elite cadre' is expected to constitute 15-20% of HCLTech's overall fresher hiring target by July 2025, emphasizing quality over quantity.
• Rival Infosys has also raised fresher salaries, with compensation ranging from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 21 lakh for specialized tech roles.

Why It Matters: HCLTech is offering significantly higher salaries to attract top AI and specialized tech talent among freshers.