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Tier 2/3 Colleges Beat IT Slowdown
5 Apr
Summary
- Colleges diversified recruiters and focused on internships.
- AI and analytics upskilling boosted placement success.
- Average salaries for 2026 grads saw a slight increase.
Engineering colleges in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are defying the entry-level IT hiring slowdown for the graduating class of 2026. Institutions have strategically broadened their recruitment efforts and enhanced student skill sets to secure more offers than in the previous year.
Colleges like Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology and Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering have benefited from diversifying beyond traditional IT/ITeS recruiters. They actively sought out startups and companies in consulting, analytics, and core engineering roles, mitigating the impact of reduced hiring from major IT firms. Amity University reported over 60% of its engineering students placed, a 10% increase from last year, with an average salary of Rs 9 lakh.
Dayananda Sagar Institutions noted that while large IT/ITeS hiring numbers per company decreased, over 70% of their students have been placed. They attracted numerous new recruiters, including startups, and emphasized upskilling in high-demand areas like Artificial Intelligence, even establishing an AI lab. This proactive strategy has ensured a robust placement season despite broader industry challenges.
