It has been a long wait for many graduates recruited by various IT companies last year.
While many are still waiting to be called onboard, some have been asked to prepare for more tests. The situation, fear college officials, might only worsen in the new year.
“I was recruited by Infosys in September 2011 and I graduated in May 2012. It has been more than six months now, but I am still waiting for my offer letter,” said Anjana Murthy, student of a private engineering college in the city.
College officials say the placement season has been the worst for students in MCA and MBA streams, with most colleges registering just about 40 per cent placement.
“Most of the recruited students have been advised to take up sales jobs for the time being and quit when the market improves,” said R. Pandian, placement officer of a reputed group of engineering colleges.
Students recruited by HCL have been asked to clear another test before the offer letter is sent. “Even those who have cleared the test — a very small number — are waiting to hear of the joining dates,” said R. Karen, a student.
According to a recent report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), 2012 saw a 21 per cent decline in job generation in various sectors across India.
The National Capital Region topped the country as over 1.1 lakh jobs were generated during the period followed by Mumbai with over 77,000 jobs. Chennai came in fourth generating over 44,000 jobs, after Bangalore.
Nearly 2.1 lakh jobs were created across the country by the IT sector. This is the highest number among all sectors, the report said. When compared to insurance, banking, automobile, financial services, manufacturing and engineering sectors, academics and education fared better with more number of jobs.
Job generation growth dipped by 10 per cent to 50 per cent in other sectors during this period, the report said.
Except for TCS and Wipro, no other company has shown an interest in mass recruitment, says T. George, a senior professor, in a private college. The worse may be yet to come, he said.
“Many companies are undecided about recruitment this year. We have enquired about their plans but they have asked for more time. Some said hiring would depend on business and if need be, they would contact us after September,” Mr. George said.
“We have asked students to not be very hopeful, but make sure their academic performance is good,” he said.
