India produces over 30 lakh graduates annually, and starting salaries vary enormously based on degree type, college tier, skills, and target company. Here's a realistic breakdown for 2026.
Engineering (B.Tech/BE): Tier 1 colleges (IIT, NIT, BITS): ₹12-30 LPA average, top packages ₹50 LPA+. Tier 2 colleges (good private universities): ₹5-12 LPA. Tier 3 colleges: ₹3-6 LPA. Mass recruiter packages (TCS, Infosys, Wipro): ₹3.5-6 LPA regardless of college tier.
MBA: IIM (top 7): ₹20-35 LPA average. IIM (newer): ₹12-20 LPA. Top private B-schools (ISB, XLRI, MDI): ₹18-30 LPA. Tier 2 MBA colleges: ₹6-12 LPA. Tier 3 MBA colleges: ₹3-8 LPA.
Other degrees: BCA/MCA: ₹3-8 LPA (coding skills significantly increase salary). BSc (IT/CS): ₹2.5-6 LPA. BCom: ₹2.5-5 LPA (accounting/finance skills help). BBA: ₹3-6 LPA. BA: ₹2-4 LPA (domain knowledge and skills matter more than the degree).
What matters more than the degree: Coding skills (a BSc graduate with strong Python/Java skills can out-earn a B.Tech graduate without them), Certifications (AWS, Google, relevant domain certifications add ₹1-3 LPA), Internship experience (campus placement offers are 20-30% higher for candidates with relevant internships), and College brand (an IIT/NIT tag adds significant initial salary premium, though the gap narrows after 3-5 years of experience).
The equalizer: After 3-5 years, skills and performance matter far more than college pedigree. Many professionals from Tier 3 colleges earn more than IIT graduates at the same experience level — because they invested in continuous learning and career growth.