IIT Hyderabad graduate loses lucrative Qualcomm role in latest tech layoffs

The semiconductor company's recent restructuring has claimed another casualty from India's premier engineering institutions, with a fresh graduate from IIT Hyderabad among those affected. The individual had secured the position through the institute's campus placement drive, with an annual compensation package valued at Rs 26 lakh.

Qualcomm has been undertaking significant workforce adjustments as part of broader cost-cutting initiatives across the global technology industry. The layoffs have extended to both experienced professionals and recent joiners, reflecting the sector's volatility following a surge in hiring during the post-pandemic period.

The development highlights growing concerns among engineering graduates regarding job security, even after landing placements at major multinational corporations. Campus recruitment cycles at premier institutions like IIT Hyderabad had shown robust activity this year, with companies offering competitive packages to fresh talent.

The broader technology sector has witnessed successive rounds of retrenchment over the past year, with major players including Meta, Amazon, and others reducing headcount substantially. Industry observers note that semiconductor companies, while critical to global supply chains, remain subject to cyclical pressures tied to chip demand fluctuations and economic conditions.

These developments come as India's technology workforce grapples with questions about long-term career stability, prompting graduates and employers alike to reassess hiring and retention strategies in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.