India’s third-largest IT services company HCLTech is making a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence talent acquisition. The company plans to allocate 15% of its fresher hiring specifically for specialized AI roles, signaling a major transformation in its recruitment strategy for 2025.
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HCLTech: Strategic AI Hiring Initiative
HCLTech’s Chief People Officer Ram Sundararajan announced during the latest post-result conference that the company intends to have 15% of fresher hires for specialized and artificial intelligence roles. This move positions HCLTech at the forefront of the AI talent race in India’s competitive IT landscape.
| HCLTech AI Hiring Details | Information |
|---|---|
| AI Role Allocation | 15% of total fresher hiring |
| Company Ranking | 3rd largest Indian IT services company |
| Q1 FY26 Fresher Hiring | 1,984 new graduates |
| Salary Range | Up to ₹1 lakh+ for AI specialists |
| Current Attrition Rate | 12-13% (stable) |
| Target Skills | Machine Learning, Data Science, Gen AI |
Why This Matters for Fresh Graduates
Sundararajan emphasized that the new hiring strategy is designed to align talent with AI-era business needs. This strategic pivot comes at a time when traditional IT roles are evolving, and companies need specialists who can handle next-generation technologies.
The company is willing to offer premium packages for candidates with AI expertise, potentially exceeding ₹1 lakh annually for freshers with the right skill set. This represents a significant opportunity for engineering graduates who have focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning during their studies.
Skills in High Demand
HCLTech is specifically looking for freshers with expertise in:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Generative AI applications and development
- Data Science and analytics
- Python and R programming
- Deep Learning frameworks
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
The company recognizes that AI is not just a trend but a fundamental shift in how technology solutions are delivered to clients across industries.
HCLTech’s AI-First Approach
As a leading artificial intelligence service provider, HCLTech offers innovative solutions for businesses, making it an ideal workplace for AI enthusiasts. The company has been investing heavily in AI capabilities and now needs fresh talent to support its growing AI practice.
This strategic hiring initiative aligns with HCLTech’s broader digital transformation services and positions the company to better serve clients who are increasingly adopting AI-driven solutions.
For aspiring tech professionals looking to understand the evolving job market, check our latest tech career guides and AI industry insights for comprehensive coverage.
Application Process and Requirements
HCL eligibility criteria require a minimum of 75% in academics, no backlogs, and relevant degrees (B.Tech, MCA) for freshers. However, for AI-specialized roles, the company is likely to have additional technical assessment rounds focusing on:
- AI/ML project portfolios
- Coding challenges in Python/R
- Understanding of AI algorithms
- Problem-solving capabilities
The Bigger Picture
Despite economic uncertainties and a marginal drop in overall headcount in Q1FY26, HCLTech hired 1,984 freshers in the quarter and is planning to hire more freshers. This demonstrates the company’s confidence in investing in fresh talent, particularly those with AI specialization.
The move reflects a broader industry trend where established IT companies are pivoting towards high-value AI services rather than traditional software development and maintenance.
Stay updated with the latest tech hiring trends at HCLTech Careers and explore more career opportunities in our technology jobs section for comprehensive industry coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What percentage of HCLTech’s fresher hiring will focus on AI roles?
A: HCLTech plans to allocate 15% of its total fresher hiring specifically for specialized artificial intelligence and machine learning roles, as announced by Chief People Officer Ram Sundararajan.
Q: What are the salary expectations for AI freshers at HCLTech?
A: HCLTech is offering competitive packages exceeding ₹1 lakh annually for freshers with specialized AI skills, significantly higher than traditional IT roles, reflecting the premium placed on AI expertise.
