TL;DR
The fresher software engineer salary in India (also called software engineer fresher salary in India) remains a hot topic for graduates entering the tech industry in 2026. ”what is the salarly” With the IT sector stabilizing after recent slowdowns and demand rising in areas like AI, cloud computing, DevOps, and full-stack development, entry-level salaries have seen steady, if modest, growth compared to previous years.
While packages vary widely by company, location, and skill set, software engineering continues to be one of the highest-paying entry-level career paths in India. For a complete comparison across different experience levels, you can refer to this detailed software engineer salary in India guide.
Average Fresher Software Engineer Salary in India
The average salary of a fresher software engineer in India usually falls between ₹4–8 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum).
Based on recent 2025–2026 data:
- Platforms like Glassdoor report averages around ₹4–5.5 LPA
- Broader industry data from AmbitionBox and similar sources places the national average closer to ₹5–7 LPA
Most freshers joining service-based IT companies start at ₹3.5–6 LPA, which translates to a monthly in-hand salary of roughly ₹30,000–50,000 after standard deductions.
In short:
- Mass recruiters: ₹3–6 LPA
- Above-average profiles: ₹6–10 LPA
- Exceptional candidates: ₹10 LPA and beyond
The software engineer salary in India for freshers per month typically ranges from ₹35,000–60,000, depending on role and employer. Overall, the software fresher salary in India hovers around ₹5–6 LPA for true entry-level positions. For more detailed salary breakdowns and comparisons across companies, see this https://whatisthesalary.com/it-salaries/software-engineer-salary-in-poland/
High-Paying Outliers: Google and Top Tech Firms
Some roles sit far above the market average.
The Google fresher software engineer salary in India is a notable outlier, with total compensation often ranging from ₹30–50 LPA (including base salary, bonuses, and stock grants).
These offers are:
- Limited to a very small percentage of candidates
- Mostly extended through elite campus hiring at IITs, NITs, and top global universities
- Highly competitive and skill-intensive
Such packages are not representative of the average fresher salary, but they highlight the upper ceiling for exceptional talent. You can compare these outliers with the overall software engineer salary in bangdalash to see where the market average stands.
Entry-Level Salary by Company Type
Fresher salaries vary sharply depending on the type of company:
Service-Based Companies
| Company Type | Example Companies | Typical Fresher Salary Range | Hiring Style | Career Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service-Based Companies | TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture | ₹3.5–7 LPA | Large-scale mass hiring with structured training programs | Slower initial salary growth but stable long-term career paths |
Product-Based Companies & MNCs
| Company Type | Example Companies | Typical Fresher Salary Range | Hiring Focus | Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product-Based Companies & MNCs | Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy | ₹8–20+ LPA | Strong focus on DSA, problem-solving, and real-world projects | Faster learning curve with higher long-term salary growth |
Top-Tier / High-Growth Firms
| Company Type | Example Companies | Possible Fresher Salary Packages | Candidate Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top-Tier / High-Growth Firms | FAANG-level roles, elite startups | ₹15–40+ LPA | Reserved for standout candidates with exceptional technical and problem-solving skills |
For a complete list of salaries by company type
Fresher Software Engineer Salary by City
Location plays a major role due to cost of living, tech density, and hiring demand.
Bangalore
The software engineer salary in Bangalore for freshers leads nationally:
- ₹5–12 LPA, higher in product-based firms
- Strong startup ecosystem and MNC presence
Pune
The software engineer salary Pune fresher range:
- ₹4–9 LPA
- Balanced tech growth with lower living costs than Bangalore
Delhi NCR (Gurugram/Noida)
The software engineer salary Delhi fresher averages:
- ₹4–10 LPA
- Driven by fintech, SaaS, and enterprise tech roles
Other Cities
- Hyderabad & Chennai: ₹4–9 LPA
- Tier-2 cities: Typically ₹3–6 LPA
For detailed city-wise salary comparisons, see this software engineer salary in Poland reference.
Skills That Increase Fresher Software Engineer Salary
Certain skills can raise the salary of a fresher software engineer in India by 30–100% over baseline offers:
- Strong DSA and competitive programming (LeetCode-style)
- Full-stack development (React, Node.js, MERN/MEAN)
- AI/ML, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), DevOps
- Quality internships and open-source contributions
- Industry certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Developer)
- Hackathon wins and strong GitHub portfolios
With the right skill mix, a ₹4–5 LPA offer can jump to ₹10+ LPA. For skill-based salary comparisons across the industry, visit software engineer salary in Bangalore.
Salary Growth in the First 3 Years
Early career growth in software engineering is rapid, especially with job switches.
- 0–1 year (Fresher): ₹4–8 LPA
Focus on learning, bug fixes, and basic features - 1–2 years: ₹6–12 LPA
Independent contributions and early promotions - 2–3 years: ₹8–18 LPA
Ownership of modules; switching to product firms can double pay
Many engineers see 50–100% salary jumps within the first two years, particularly when moving from service-based to product-based companies. By year three, strong performers often earn ₹10–15 LPA, with top talent crossing ₹20 LPA. Full growth patterns are explained in detail here: software engineer salary in Sweden.
FAQs: People Also Ask About Fresher Software Engineer Salary in India
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What is the average fresher software engineer salary in India in 2026?
The average fresher software engineer salary in India in 2026 ranges between ₹4–8 LPA, with most entry-level roles clustering around ₹5–6 LPA nationally. Salaries vary based on company type, skills, and location.
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What is the monthly salary of a fresher software engineer in India?
The software engineer salary in India for freshers per month typically falls between ₹35,000 and ₹60,000 after deductions. Freshers in service-based firms are usually on the lower end, while product-based companies pay more.
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Which company pays the highest salary to fresher software engineers in India?
Top product-based companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and elite startups. Packages are detailed in software engineer salary in Amazon.
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Is ₹6 LPA a good salary for a fresher software engineer in India?
Yes, ₹6 LPA is considered a good starting salary for a fresher software engineer in India. It is above the national average and usually offered by strong service firms or mid-tier product companies.
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Which city is best for fresher software engineer salary in India?
Bangalore offers the highest average salaries for freshers, followed by Delhi NCR and Pune. The software engineer salary in Bangalore for freshers often ranges from ₹5–12 LPA, especially in product-based roles.
Conclusion
The fresher software engineer salary in India in 2026 reflects a balanced market with solid entry-level opportunities and strong long-term growth potential. While most freshers begin their careers earning ₹4–6 LPA, factors like skills, city, company type, and early job switches can significantly accelerate earnings.
Service-based companies provide stable starting points, while product-based firms and top tech companies reward strong problem-solving and hands-on experience with higher pay. Exceptional candidates, though few, can even secure ₹15–40+ LPA packages early in their careers.
For fresh graduates, the takeaway is clear: focus on building in-demand skills, real projects, and interview readiness. Even a modest starting salary can grow quickly. For a complete guide to salaries
Shahzada Muhammad Ali Qureshi (Leeo)
I’m Shahzada — a software engineer by education and an SEO professional by trade. I built WhatIsTheSalary.com to go beyond just showing salary numbers — every page is manually researched across sources like BLS, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and PayScale to give you the full picture in one place. If you found what you were looking for here, that’s exactly the point.
Fresher Jobs In India Bangalore in March 2026
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