For lakhs of engineering graduates, getting a job in one of India’s leading IT companies remains a career milestone. However, a comparison of entry fees over the past 15 years has sparked a new debate on social media. Although India’s technology sector has grown rapidly and IT companies have become global giants, many graduates continue to start their careers with salaries that seem to have changed little.The discussion took off after entrepreneur Swapna Kumar Panda shared a comparison of entry-level salaries, CEO compensation and global tech salaries on X (formerly Twitter). According to this comparison, even though the salaries of the top workers have increased and the global technology companies have increased the salaries of graduates, the entry salaries in several Indian IT companies have remained stagnant. The post has sparked discussions about wage growth, jobs and the future of India’s workforce.
Indian IT Salaries : The myth of two wage scales
The comparison shows a wide gap between entry pay and CEO compensation at several leading Indian IT companies.Indian IT industry – Entry-level salaries versus CEO compensation (2010-2026)
LTI stands for L&T Infotech, which later merged with Mindtree to form LTIMindtree.These figures show that while CEO pay has grown several times over the past decade and a half, entry level pay has seen little increase in most organizations. This difference has been at the heart of an ongoing debate.
Global tech tells a different story
The comparison also shows a very different trend among global tech companies, where starting salaries have risen significantly over the same period.Global technology companies – Entry fees (2010-2026)
The comparison has led many users to question whether the growth in salaries for engineering graduates in India has kept pace with inflation, productivity and the rapid growth of the country’s IT industry.
Why haven’t new wages grown faster?
Industry observers say there are several reasons behind this. India’s IT industry employs a large number of people and competes globally on pricing, making recruitment an important part of their business. At the same time, India produces a large group of engineering graduates every year, giving employers a great opportunity to find entry-level talent.Companies are also putting more emphasis on special skills. Graduates of courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity and semiconductor technologies often receive more offers than their academic counterparts.
What does this mean for students?
For students entering the job market, the message is clear. A degree alone may not be enough to earn a high starting salary.Employers are emphasizing internships, writing skills, real-world work, certifications and problem-solving skills. Students who continue to develop their skills are more likely to find senior positions in manufacturing companies, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and organizations that focus more on AI than those that rely on mass recruitment methods.Whether the Indian IT industry will adjust to their new salary in the coming years remains to be seen. However, the viral comparison has also brought back discussions about graduate salaries, compensation and the future of India’s tech workforce.Disclaimer: The salaries given in these tables are based on information shared by Swapna Kumar Panda on X and have not been independently verified by The Times of India. This article is intended to highlight the ongoing public discussion of professional careers and should not be construed as an official comparison of corporate compensation.