A Heated Debate
A recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, by a tech professional has sparked a heated debate about entry-level salaries in India's tech industry. The post argued that a salary of ₹3.6 lakh per annum (LPA) is not unreasonable for graduates from lesser-known colleges who lack strong programming skills or a project portfolio.
The author stated, "3.6 LPA isn’t bad if you’re from a tier 500 college and lack programming skills. Don’t expect a 1Cr package without a solid project portfolio. Don’t expect too much if your resume’s biggest highlight is your bachelor’s." This comment highlights the issue of unrealistic expectations among fresh graduates and the gap between their skills and the competitive job market.
The post quickly went viral, attracting a mix of agreement, criticism, and personal anecdotes from users. A seasoned tech professional disagreed with the suggestion that top-tier college graduates always excel, stating, "I graduated from a top-tier college in India and later attended an Ivy League school in the US. I now interview students from prestigious colleges, and many lack practical understanding. For example, a recent IIT/K graduate now at MIT knew the theory behind Fibonacci heaps but couldn’t solve a problem that required them. What matters is applying engineering skills and having solid coding fundamentals. Tier doesn’t matter at all." This response highlighted the importance of practical application and problem-solving skills over academic pedigree.
Other users shared their experiences with hiring fresh graduates. One user, who hired for 3.5 LPA roles, noted that many candidates lacked basic skills or motivation, saying, "A few improved with time, but it’s hard to tell who’s a genuine engineer anymore since so many have high GPAs without the skills to back them up." Another user shared their experience with graduates from less-resourced colleges, saying, "I ran an internship platform and placed students with a company. They later told me, ‘I wish they knew how to use a keyboard properly.’ Many tier 500 colleges simply don’t have the resources to teach quality programming or career-building skills."
The original poster later reiterated their point, stating, "True. Even the professors at some of these colleges wouldn’t get 3.6 LPA if they went for a job." This statement further emphasizes the need for a more realistic approach to entry-level salaries and the importance of skill development for graduates from all backgrounds.