1. Introduction
A new rule for IT jobs in 2026 may make hiring even tougher. Currently, getting an IT job as a fresher in India is difficult; a new rule, or say policy change, makes it harder to get a job. This can reduce entry-level jobs and increase skill requirements and delay job opportunities for fresher students and affect the fresher most. Here is everything you must know.
2. New Rule for IT Jobs in 2026
The ‘new rule’ for IT jobs in 2026 is not a government policy but a change in hiring practices by companies. It is just a shift of companies from hiring based on degree to skill-based hiring.
Stricter skill-based hiring
Companies are now focusing on skill-based hiring instead of mass recruitment. If you have a degree of B.Tech in computer science engineering or a related field, IT companies may not hire you without practical skills. If you are from a non-technical background and have a degree and have practical skills, then the company will hire you and approach you. Freshers should focus on relevant skills or trending skills, not just doing a degree.
Reduced mass hiring by IT companies
Currently companies significantly reduce mass hiring. There was no mass hiring release in the year 2025. Companies are not hiring in bulk; they just hire according to their project only.
More focus on contract-based or project-based roles
The company now focus on contract-based or project-based roles
The Difference Between Contract/Project-Based Roles and Traditional Full-Time Roles: –
| Aspect | Contract/Project-Based Roles | Traditional Full-Time Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring Focus | More focus on short-term contracts and specific projects | Focus on long-term employment |
| Job Duration | Fixed duration (3–12 months or project completion) | Permanent or long-term |
| Skill Requirement | Highly specific, job-ready skills | Broader skill set with training |
| Job Security | Low to moderate | High |
| Hiring Speed | Fast hiring based on immediate needs | Slower hiring process |
| Cost for Companies | Lower (no long-term benefits) | Higher (salary + benefits) |
| Flexibility | High flexibility for both employer and employee | Limited flexibility |
| Training Provided | Minimal or no training | Training and onboarding provided |
| Career Growth | Depends on projects and networking | Structured growth and promotions |
| Impact on Freshers | Harder without practical skills | Easier entry-level opportunities |
Preference for experienced or multi-skilled candidates
Now IT companies focus on experienced or multi-skilled candidates. Because of the following reasons.
The Benefits of Experienced/Multi-Skilled Candidates over Fresh/Single-Skill Candidates:
| Aspect | Experienced/Multi-Skilled Candidates | Fresh/Single-Skill Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring Preference | Highly preferred by companies | Lower preference |
| Skill Set | Multiple in-demand skills | One basic or limited skill |
| Training Requirement | Very low or none | High training required |
| Productivity | Can contribute immediately | Needs time to become productive |
| Cost Efficiency | Cost-effective in the long run | Higher training cost |
| Role Flexibility | Can handle multiple roles/tasks | Limited to specific tasks |
| Job Security | Higher due to versatility | Lower due to skill limitation |
| Salary Potential | Higher salary packages | Entry-level salaries |
| Growth Speed | Faster career growth | Slower initial growth |
| Impact on Freshers | Tough competition | Fewer opportunities |
AI & automation replacing fresher tasks
Now AI and automation tools are also replacing basic fresher tasks; what a fresher can do can be done by automation or AI tools with accuracy and with increasing the performance.
3. Why Was This Rule Introduced
The reasons behind this rule are
Companies want to cut costs
Now companies want to cut the costs and increase the profit. During covid time, many companies hired so many candidates because of projects, and now projects are down, so companies are laying off and not hiring.
AI tools are handling basic coding/testing
Today AI and automation tools are doing basic coding/testing tasks that freshers do, so companies now don’t want freshers.
Clients want faster and more skilled delivery
As now clients want faster and more skilled delivery. So they gave the project to a fresher, which they can’t handle, so they focused on a skilled candidate.
Freshers need longer training → expensive for companies
If companies hire freshers, then companies have to train the fresher, which increases expenses for the companies.
Now, IT companies are focusing more on profitability and productivity.
4. How It Affect Freshers’ Hiring in India
Fewer campus placements– companies are not recruiting through campus.
Higher skill expectations for freshers– Companies are expecting skills from freshers.
Longer job search time– Because of this problem, freshers have to search for a job for a longer period.
Low-paying internships instead of full-time jobs– fresher doing internships instead of full-time jobs; sometimes they are unpaid.
More competition for fewer roles: As there is increasing competition day-by-day for fewer roles, as the Naukri app or any job application releases, then there will be 100+ applicants.
5. Who Will Be Affected the Most?
Students with only degrees and no skills
Freshers dependent on mass-recruitment companies
Non-tech background candidates trying IT jobs
Those who don’t upskill in 2026
6. Is There Any Relief for Freshers?
Skilled freshers still have opportunities
Product-based companies hiring skills
Remote & freelance tech
7. What Should Freshers Do Now?
Learn in-demand skills (AI, cloud, data, cybersecurity).
Build real projects (GitHub, portfolio)
Do internships & freelancing
Focus on problem-solving, not just certificates
Avoid depending only on campus placements
Read This: Best Tech Skills That Generate Passive Income in 2026
8. Final Takeaway
The new IT job rule in 2026 will affect freshers’ hiring in India, but it also creates opportunities for skilled candidates. Freshers who adapt, upskill, and stay updated can still build a strong IT career.
Related Blogs:
Tech Skills That Can Increase Your Salary in 2026
How to Get Your First Tech Job
Best Tech Skills That Generate Passive Income in 2026
New Rule for IT Jobs in 2026 May Affect Fresher Hiring in India
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