Infosys has launched a new 'power programme' aimed at campus placements, offering freshers salaries of up to Rs 9 lakh per annum, significantly higher than its usual entry-level packages of Rs 3-3.5 lakh. The programme emphasizes hiring candidates with specialized skills in coding and software development, with salary ranges from Rs 4-6.5 lakh to Rs 9 lakh based on expertise. This initiative parallels Tata Consultancy Services' (TCS) 'Prime' programme, which offers salaries between Rs 9-11 lakh for freshers and focuses on emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning. Despite a challenging environment in the IT sector, where over 70,000 jobs were cut across top firms, Infosys plans to hire 15,000-20,000 graduates in FY25. Both Infosys and TCS are adapting their hiring strategies to attract skilled talent amid a shift towards digital transformation projects. The overall IT sector has seen a slowdown, affecting salary increments and hiring rates.