Software Developer / Engineer
Complete roadmap to become a software developer at top IT companies — TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Google, Amazon
Education Path
How to become eligible for this career
10th + 12th (PCM / Any Stream)
Maths background helps but not mandatory. Many successful developers come from non-CS backgrounds.
BTech CSE / BCA / BSc CS
Best path is BTech CS from a good college. BCA/BSc CS also works. College tier matters for mass recruiters.
Alternative: Self-Taught Path
No degree needed at startups. Build projects, contribute to open source, create a strong GitHub profile.
Skills You Need
Master these skills to get hired and grow
Programming Languages
- Java
- Python
- JavaScript
- C++
- TypeScript
Data Structures & Algorithms
- Arrays, Strings, Linked Lists
- Trees, Graphs, Heaps
- Dynamic Programming
- Sorting & Searching
Web Development
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- React / Angular / Vue
- Node.js / Django / Spring Boot
- REST APIs, GraphQL
Tools & DevOps
- Git & GitHub
- Docker, Kubernetes
- AWS / Azure basics
- CI/CD pipelines
Database
- MySQL / PostgreSQL
- MongoDB
- Redis
- SQL queries & optimization
How to Prepare
Duration: 6-12 months (dedicated preparation)
Best Resources
Free Resources
YouTube (CodeWithHarry, Striver, Apna College), freeCodeCamp, CS50, MDN Docs, LeetCode free tier.
Paid Courses
Coding Ninjas (₹15-25K), Scaler (₹3-4L), Masai School (ISA model), Udemy courses (₹500-2000 on sale).
Bootcamps
Newton School, Masai School, Crio.Do — pay after placement model. Good for career switchers.
Interview Process
What to expect in the hiring process
Online Assessment (OA)
2-3 DSA problems in 60-90 minutes. Platforms: HackerRank, Codility, HackerEarth. Focus on medium-level LeetCode.
Technical Round 1 (DSA)
Live coding on shared screen. Solve 1-2 problems. Explain approach, time/space complexity. Think aloud.
Technical Round 2 (System Design / Projects)
For experienced: System Design (URL shortener, chat app). For freshers: Deep dive into your projects, tech choices.
HR / Managerial Round
Behavioral questions: "Tell me about yourself", "Why this company?", conflict resolution, salary negotiation.
Companies That Hire
Where you can work and expected compensation
Service (Mass Hiring)
TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Cognizant, Tech Mahindra — ₹3-5 LPA
Product (Mid-tier)
Zoho, Freshworks, Razorpay, PhonePe, Swiggy — ₹8-18 LPA
Product (Top-tier)
Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Flipkart, Uber — ₹15-45 LPA
Startups
Early-stage startups — ₹5-15 LPA + ESOPs (equity)
Detailed Company Guides
TCS (Tata Consultancy Services)
India's largest IT company — 6 lakh+ employees, global presence, stable career
Infosys
India's 2nd largest IT company — known for training, global projects & innovation
Wipro
Top 3 Indian IT company — strong in consulting, cloud & cybersecurity
Google India
Dream company for engineers — world-class culture, highest packages, hardest interviews
Flipkart
India's largest e-commerce company (Walmart-owned) — top packages, fast-paced culture
Reliance Industries / Jio
India's largest conglomerate — Jio, Retail, Oil & Gas, Media, New Energy
Amazon India
E-commerce giant with massive India operations — tech, operations, retail & AWS
Salary Growth
How your income grows with experience
Fresher (0-1 yr)
₹3-8 LPA (service) | ₹10-25 LPA (product)
Mid (2-5 yr)
₹8-20 LPA (service) | ₹20-45 LPA (product)
Senior (5-10 yr)
₹15-35 LPA (service) | ₹40-80 LPA (product)
Lead/Architect (10+ yr)
₹30-60 LPA | ₹80 LPA - ₹1.5 Cr (FAANG)
Pro Tips
- DSA is the gatekeeper — solve 300+ LeetCode problems minimum
- Build 3-5 real projects and deploy them (not just todo apps)
- Contribute to open source — it shows initiative and collaboration
- LinkedIn is crucial — optimize your profile, connect with recruiters
- Off-campus hiring is huge — don't rely only on college placements
- System Design matters from 2+ years experience — start learning early
Explore More Career Paths
Find the right career for your skills and interests