IT firms in India are ramping up their campus hiring efforts for the upcoming session. After a brief pause, companies are now focusing on recruiting graduates skilled in emerging technologies to meet the growing demands of the industry.
Focus on Emerging Technologies
Companies are prioritizing graduates who have expertise in cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), cybersecurity, and other cutting-edge technologies. These skills are highly sought after, and graduates possessing them are receiving competitive salary packages.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Buddha Chandrasekhar, Chief Coordinating Officer of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), highlights the shift in hiring trends. “The job market is evolving rapidly, with a growing demand for skills in AI/ML, data science, cloud computing, DevOps, cybersecurity, 5G/6G, blockchain, VLSI, and more. New roles are being created in corporates, offering diverse opportunities in data science and ML with a focus on programming and emerging technologies,” he told Education Times.
Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro Limited, adds, “The hiring environment has always been dynamic, and this evolution has been more prominent in the last 2-3 years. There is a growing need for technical expertise, including proficiency in software development, data science, AI/ML, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.”
Rising Demand for AI Roles
As companies strive to integrate AI into their operations, the demand for AI-related jobs has surged across all sectors. Jain explains, “AI will work alongside humans to bring synergies and deliver exponential business outcomes for organizations. AI will take over repetitive, transactional, high-volume tasks, allowing the workforce to become more strategic and realize their career ambitions.”
Training and Upskilling Initiatives
Wipro has launched the AI 360 strategy, training 2,30,000 employees in basic Gen AI fundamentals and 44,000 in advanced AI tailored to their roles. Beyond technical skills, companies are also focusing on soft skills, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Curriculum Transformation in Educational Institutions
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are updating their curricula to align with industry needs. IIIT-Bangalore has implemented a curriculum focused on skill-based assessments, including coding tests, algorithm challenges, technical interviews, and problem-solving exercises. Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, states, “Firms are prioritizing coding tests, algorithm challenges, technical interviews, and problem-solving abilities.”
Collaboration Between AICTE and IT Firms
The collaboration between AICTE and IT firms is crucial for enhancing student employability. Chandrasekhar of AICTE mentions, “We collaborate with industry partners to design relevant curricula and support certification courses in emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity.” This partnership helps bridge the gap between academia and the job market.
Success Stories from Educational Institutions
Wipro has partnered with institutions like IIT Delhi, IIT Patna, IISc Bengaluru, and international universities to advance research and development. Woxsen University, Hyderabad, achieved a 100% placement rate for its BTech pilot batch through internships converted into full-time jobs.
Christ University, Bangalore, focuses on data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, reflecting the shift towards specialized tech skills. Prof. Anil Joseph Pinto highlights, “We collaborate with IT firms by organizing workshops, hackathons, and internship fairs to facilitate placements.”
Changing Hiring Trends
Kakandikar Ganesh, Associate Dean at MIT-WPU, Pune, notes, “Corporates are engaging freshers through internships, offering various modes like Internship, Internship + PPO, and Performance-based Internship + Job.” These opportunities help students gain technical capacity and industry exposure.
Ashish Munjal, CEO of Sunstone, emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded skill set. “We prepare students with strong technical and soft skills, including data management, product management, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.”
Preparing Students for Success
Educational institutes are offering personalized training programs, mock interviews, resume-building workshops, industry mentorship, and career coaching to prepare students for campus placements. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, states, “We have built specializations in our Computer Science and Engineering programs, focusing on areas like cybersecurity, data science, and AI to meet elevated employer expectations.”
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