Computers and IT

What you need to know

1. 1
   Computer skills now matter in almost every job, not just in software companies. India's tech industry employs around 60 lakh people, about a third of them women (reported).
2. 2
   There are many ways in: a 1-year ITI course, a diploma, BCA or B.Sc, B.Tech, or IIT Madras's online BS degree open to any stream. Many skills can be learned free, even in Hindi.
3. 3
   The honest part: entry-level IT hiring has slowed, and AI is changing which jobs exist. Real skills, projects and problem-solving matter more than the name of the degree.
4. 4
   No real company ever asks you to pay for a job, training or a "security deposit".

Official sources

• study.iitm.ac.inIIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications↗

Inside this branch

• Every year: the calendar
• At school1 more
• Start coding for free1 more
• Courses after Class 10 or 123 more
• Government certificates and jobs2 more
• Jobs and honest pay2 more
• Learn AI and new skills1 more
• Contests and exams1 more
• For girls1 more
• Avoid fake IT jobs1 more

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   JEE Main (B.Tech): January and April. CUET-UG (BCA/B.Sc at central universities): May. State entrance tests: April–June.
2. 2
   IIT Madras online BS: three intakes a year (January, May and September terms), each with its own qualifier.
3. 3
   NIMCET (MCA at NITs): usually June. GATE (M.Tech, PSUs, government scientist jobs): registration around August–October, exam in February.
4. 4
   NIELIT CCC exam: held every month. Indian Computing Olympiad: first round around November–December.
5. 5
   Exact dates change every year: always check the official website before you apply.

Official sources

• study.iitm.ac.inIIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications↗
• nielit.gov.inNIELIT: Course on Computer Concepts (CCC)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 5

• Official
  CBSE: Computational Thinking and AI (Class 3–8)Free student and teacher handbooks for each class.
  Free
• Official
  CBSE: AI subject (Class 9–12)Syllabus, handbooks and student projects.
  Free
• Book
  NCERT Computer Science, Class 11 (free PDF)Teaches Python from scratch.
  Free
• Official
  Atal Tinkering LabsFree school labs for coding and robotics: ask if your school has one.
  Free
• Practice
  Indian Computing Olympiad (IARCS)National programming olympiad for school students, any board.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Computing in school

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   CBSE now teaches Computational Thinking and AI from Class 3 to 8, built into other subjects with no board exam. An AI skill subject is available in Class 9–10.
2. 2
   In Class 11–12, choose Computer Science or Informatics Practices (Python and databases). Maths keeps the most computer courses open.
3. 3
   Many government schools are getting Atal Tinkering Labs for hands-on coding and robotics.

Official sources

• cbseacademic.nic.inCBSE: Computational Thinking and AI (Class 3–8)↗
• cbseacademic.nic.inCBSE: Informatics Practices syllabus, Class 11–12 (PDF)↗
• aim.gov.inAtal Innovation Mission (Tinkering Labs)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 6

• Course
  Spoken Tutorial (IIT Bombay)Free short video lessons on Python, C, Java, Scratch and more, with Hindi audio.
  Free
• Course
  CS50x (Harvard)The famous free first course in computer science (English).
  Free
• Practice
  freeCodeCampFree hands-on lessons and certifications in the browser.
  Free
• Practice
  Scratch (MIT)Make games by snapping blocks: a great first step, works in Hindi.
  Free
• Video
  CodeWithHarryFree full coding courses in Hindi.
  Free
• Video
  Apna CollegeFree C++, Java and web courses in Hinglish; you don't need to buy their paid courses.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Free ways to learn

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Spoken Tutorial (IIT Bombay): free step-by-step videos in Hindi and other languages, with a free test and certificate.
2. 2
   CS50 (Harvard) and freeCodeCamp: world-class free courses with free certificates (in English).
3. 3
   Learn one language well (Python is a good start), then build small projects: a calculator, a website, a data chart. Projects prove your skill.

Official sources

• spoken-tutorial.orgSpoken Tutorial, IIT Bombay (free, in Hindi)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 6

• Official
  JoSAAIIT, NIT and IIIT seat allotment after JEE.
  Free
• Official
  AICTE: approved institutesCheck an engineering or BCA college is approved before paying.
  Free
• Official
  NIMCET (MCA at NITs)Entrance for MCA at NITs and some IIITs.
  Free
• Course
  IIT Madras BS in Data ScienceOnline IIT degree after Class 12, any stream; big fee waivers for low-income families.
  Paid
• Course
  IGNOU BCALow-cost BCA from home.
  Paid
• Course
  IGNOU MCALow-cost MCA from home.
  Paid

Inside this branch

• Quick and low-cost routes
• Degrees
• IIT Madras online BS

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   ITI COPA (Computer Operator and Programming Assistant): 1 year after Class 10, no science needed.
2. 2
   Polytechnic diploma in Computer Science or IT after Class 10, then join B.Tech in the 2nd year (lateral entry; usually 45% in the diploma).

Official sources

• Vaidaani roadmapITI, Polytechnic and Skills→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   B.Tech in CSE, IT or AI/Data Science through JEE or state tests. BCA or B.Sc Computer Science through CUET or state universities.
2. 2
   BCA colleges now need AICTE approval (since 2024-25) as well as their university's affiliation: check before paying.
3. 3
   After a degree: MCA (NITs through NIMCET; needs Maths in the degree, reported), or M.Tech through GATE.

Official sources

• Vaidaani roadmapBecome an Engineer→
• news.careers360.comCareers360: BCA now needs AICTE approval↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   An online BS in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras, open after Class 12 to any stream and any age. You enter by passing a 4-week qualifier, then an exam.
2. 2
   You can stop with a foundation certificate, diploma, BSc or BS. Fee waivers go up to 75% for family income under ₹5 lakh.

Official sources

• study.iitm.ac.inIIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 6

• Course
  NPTELThousands of free IIT courses; only the certificate exam has a fee.
  Free
• Course
  SWAYAMFree online courses; site works in Hindi.
  Free
• Course
  Infosys SpringboardFree courses and certificates from Class 6 upward, in India.
  Free
• Course
  NIELIT CCCBasic computer certificate many state jobs ask for; no age limit, small fee.
  Paid
• Course
  NIELIT 'O' LevelOne-year government IT course after Class 12 or ITI.
  Paid
• Course
  FutureSkills PrimeGovernment-backed digital skills; some courses free, others discounted.
  Paid

Inside this branch

• NIELIT certificates
• Government IT jobs

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   CCC (Course on Computer Concepts): 80 hours, no minimum education or age limit, low exam fee, monthly exams. Many state government jobs ask for it: check the job advertisement.
2. 2
   NIELIT O, A and B levels are longer government IT courses (O level is 1 year, after Class 12 or ITI).

Official sources

• nielit.gov.inNIELIT: Course on Computer Concepts (CCC)↗
• nielit.gov.inNIELIT (government IT courses: CCC, O, A, B levels)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Data Entry Operator (SSC CHSL): a typing-speed test (8,000 key presses an hour, qualifying).
2. 2
   NIC Scientist-B (through GATE) at Pay Level 10; ISRO, C-DAC and bank IT Officer posts (B.Tech or related degree).

Official sources

• Vaidaani roadmapGovernment Jobs→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 5

• Official
  National Career ServiceFree job portal; never pay fees to an employer.
  Free
• Official
  IBPS (bank IT Officer posts)Specialist Officer exam includes IT Officer.
  Free
• Official
  NIC recruitmentScientist-B and other posts through GATE scores.
  Free
• Official
  C-DAC job openingsProject engineer and technical posts.
  Free
• Official
  ISRO careersScientist and technical posts, plus old question papers.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Roles and pay
• AI and jobs

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Roles: software developer, tester, IT support, data analyst, cybersecurity, cloud, UI/UX design and more.
2. 2
   Big IT services companies have paid freshers around ₹3.5 lakh a year for many years (reported); higher packages go to specialist roles and product companies. BPO and support jobs start lower.
3. 3
   Global capability centres (in-house tech centres of foreign companies) have recently hired more freshers than IT services firms (reported).

Official sources

• businesstoday.inBusiness Today: NASSCOM on IT hiring↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   In a 2026 survey of 651 Indian IT firms, 65% said they hired fewer people after adopting AI, and more than half cut junior roles (ICRIER).
2. 2
   Demand is growing for people who can use AI tools well, understand data, and solve real business problems. Learn the basics of AI early.

Official sources

• storyboard18.comStoryboard18: ICRIER survey on AI and IT hiring↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 5

• Course
  YUVA AI for All (government, free)Free short AI course with a Government of India certificate.
  Free
• Official
  IndiaAIThe government's AI mission portal.
  Free
• Course
  Elements of AIFree beginner AI course, no maths or coding needed (English).
  Free
• Course
  NPTEL: Introduction to Machine Learning (IIT Madras)Free college-level ML course.
  Free
• Course
  Microsoft Learn Student HubFree AI and coding modules for students.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Free and low-cost courses

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   NPTEL / SWAYAM: free IIT courses; a certificate needs an optional paid exam.
2. 2
   The government's free YUVA AI for ALL course (a few hours, with a certificate) and Infosys Springboard (free, in Hindi too) teach AI and digital basics.
3. 3
   FutureSkills Prime (NASSCOM and the IT ministry) repays up to half of some course fees after you pass (current terms).

Official sources

• nptel.ac.inNPTEL (free IIT courses)↗
• futureskillsprime.inFutureSkills Prime (NASSCOM and MeitY)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Inside this branch

• Competitions

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Indian Computing Olympiad (school students): the path to the international olympiad. Smart India Hackathon (college students): finals every December.
2. 2
   Google Summer of Code (18+, no degree needed): paid open-source work for beginners. GATE opens M.Tech and many government jobs.

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 5

• Official
  AICTE Pragati scholarship₹50,000 a year for girls in approved diploma and degree courses; apply on NSP.
  Free
• Official
  National Scholarship PortalApply for Pragati and other scholarships.
  Free
• Official
  Generation Google ScholarshipFor computer science undergraduates in Asia-Pacific; women encouraged to apply (check current terms).
  Free
• Official
  SHe-BoxReport workplace sexual harassment.
  Free
• Official
  National Commission for Women24×7 helpline 14490 and online complaints.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Girls in tech

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Women are about a third of India's tech workforce and the share is rising. Coding needs no physical strength and can often be done from home.
2. 2
   AICTE Pragati: ₹50,000 a year for girls in AICTE-approved diploma and degree courses (family income up to ₹8 lakh, current rate). Apply on NSP.
3. 3
   Night shifts in IT are allowed for women only with safeguards (consent, safe transport, CCTV) under state rules. Report harassment to the company's internal committee or SHe-Box.

Official sources

• Vaidaani roadmapScholarships for every stage→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 5

• Official
  Cyber crime portal (helpline 1930)Report fraud; call 1930 at once if you lose money.
  Free
• Article
  Official cyber fraud advisoriesWarnings about fake captcha and task jobs and fake job offers.
  Free
• Official
  PIB Fact CheckCheck fake 'government job' messages.
  Free
• Video
  CyberDost (Ministry of Home Affairs)Short videos on avoiding online fraud.
  Free
• App
  Sanchar SaathiReport fraud calls and SMS.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Red flags

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Big companies like Infosys say clearly they never charge any fee or security deposit. Anyone asking for "registration", "training" or "refundable deposit" money is a fraud.
2. 2
   "Like videos / fill captchas and earn" task jobs pay a little first, then demand money: a common online scam.
3. 3
   Check a college's AICTE approval before joining. Lost money? Call 1930 at once or report on cybercrime.gov.in.

Official sources

• infosys.comInfosys: recruitment fraud alert (no fees ever)↗
• cybercrime.gov.inCyber crime portal (helpline 1930)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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