Manual Testing Jobs for Freshers: Top 20 Companies Hiring in India 2026

Published on December 12, 2025 | 10-12 min read | Manual Testing & QA
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Manual Testing Jobs for Freshers: Top 20 Companies Hiring in India 2026

Are you a recent graduate or a career switcher looking to break into the dynamic world of software quality? The demand for skilled testers who can ensure flawless user experiences remains robust, making manual testing jobs for freshers a golden entry point into the tech industry. As we look towards 2026, the Indian IT landscape continues to evolve, with numerous companies actively seeking fresh talent to join their Quality Assurance (QA) teams. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top companies hiring, essential skills, and a strategic roadmap to land your first role in QA fresher jobs India. With the right approach, your journey into entry level testing jobs can begin today.

Key Insight: A NASSCOM report indicates that despite the rise of automation, over 60% of testing activities in product development cycles still require human intuition and exploratory manual testing, securing a steady pipeline of fresher QA positions for the foreseeable future.

Why Pursue a Career in Manual Testing as a Fresher in 2026?

Manual testing is the foundation of software quality assurance. It involves a human tester executing test cases without automation scripts, focusing on user experience, UI/UX validation, and exploratory testing to find unexpected bugs. For freshers, it offers a unique advantage: it builds critical analytical thinking, a deep understanding of software development life cycles (SDLC), and a user-centric mindset. These skills are transferable and highly valued, often serving as a springboard to specialized roles in automation, performance testing, or QA leadership.

Top Skills Companies Look For in 2026

While the core principles remain, the skill set for manual testers is expanding. Here’s what you need to master:

  • Core QA Fundamentals: Thorough understanding of SDLC, STLC, Bug Life Cycle, and different testing types (Functional, Regression, Smoke, Sanity).
  • Analytical & Documentation Skills: Ability to create clear test cases, bug reports, and test plans. Tools like Jira, TestRail, or Azure DevOps are a plus.
  • Basic SQL Knowledge: Essential for backend/database validation. Writing simple SELECT queries is often a mandatory requirement.
  • Agile/Scrum Methodology: Most companies operate in Agile environments. Understanding sprints, stand-ups, and retrospectives is crucial.
  • Domain Awareness: Basic knowledge of the industry you're applying to (e.g., BFSI, E-commerce, Healthcare) can be a differentiator.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Soft skills are paramount for working effectively with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

Building this foundation is critical. A structured course like our Manual Testing Fundamentals can fast-track your learning with hands-on projects and industry-relevant curriculum.

Top 20 Companies Hiring for Manual Testing Jobs for Freshers in India (2026 Outlook)

Based on current hiring trends, campus drives, and industry growth projections, here are the top companies where freshers should target their applications for entry level testing jobs in 2026.

1. IT Services & Consulting Giants

These companies have massive QA divisions and are perennial recruiters of fresh talent through campus placements and off-campus drives.

  1. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Consistently hires through its TCS Ignite and TCS Ninja programs for QA roles.
  2. Infosys: Offers dedicated training through its Global Education Centre for freshers recruited as Systems Engineers, often deployed to testing projects.
  3. Wipro: Wipro Turbo and Wipro WILP programs are key entry points for freshers into their testing verticals.
  4. HCL Technologies: Frequently hires for "Graduate Engineer Trainee" roles that include QA and testing pathways.
  5. Tech Mahindra: Runs regular campus connect programs for fresher hiring in software testing.

2. Product-Based & Captive Centers (GCCs)

These companies offer exposure to product-specific testing and often have structured fresher onboarding.

  1. Microsoft (India): Hiring for Support Engineer and Service Engineer roles often involves significant testing components.
  2. Oracle: Looks for freshers for Associate Applications/QA Engineer roles across its Hyderabad and Bengaluru centers.
  3. Adobe: Occasionally hires Quality Engineer interns and freshers, focusing on creative cloud product testing.
  4. SAP Labs India: Offers Associate Developer and QA roles for freshers with strong analytical skills.
  5. IBM India: Has apprentice and Associate Systems Engineer programs that can lead to testing projects.

3. Fast-Growing Indian Product & E-commerce Companies

These startups and unicorns look for agile testers who can adapt quickly.

  1. Flipkart: Hires QA Interns and freshers for testing its vast e-commerce platform and new features.
  2. Zomato / Swiggy: Food-tech giants require testers for their apps, focusing heavily on usability and location-based scenarios.
  3. Paytm / PhonePe: Fintech companies have rigorous QA processes and hire freshers as QA Analysts to ensure transaction security and app reliability.
  4. Byju's & other EdTech: While the sector has consolidated, quality assurance for learning platforms remains a hiring area.
  5. Ola Cabs / Uber India: Focus on testing ride-hailing algorithms, map integrations, and payment gateways.

4. Mid-Size IT Firms & Specialized QA Service Providers

Excellent places to gain broad exposure and rapid responsibility.

  1. Mindtree / LTI (Now LTIMindtree): Have dedicated fresher hiring programs like "Campus Beats" that include QA tracks.
  2. Mphasis: Regularly recruits freshers for junior testing roles across various domains.
  3. Hexaware Technologies: Known for its strong testing services, it hires freshers as Associate Test Engineers.
  4. Capgemini: Runs the "Fresher Hiring" drive for roles including Analyst and Test Engineer.
  5. Accenture: Hires a large number of freshers as Associate Software Engineers, with many placed in application development and testing projects.

Pro Tip: Don't limit yourself to job titles with "Tester." Also search for and apply to roles like Associate Software Engineer, Quality Analyst, Junior QA Engineer, Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) - Fresher, and Product Support Engineer. These often encompass manual testing responsibilities.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide for Freshers

Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation

Before applying, ensure your fundamentals are rock solid. Consider a comprehensive program that covers both manual and the automation skills companies now expect. Our Manual and Full-Stack Automation Testing course is designed to make you a hybrid tester, significantly boosting your employability.

Step 2: Craft a Winning Resume

  • Highlight projects: Include any academic or personal projects where you tested software or websites. Describe your test approach, bug logging, and results.
  • Showcase skills: List testing types, tools (Jira, Trello, Postman for API basics), and methodologies explicitly.
  • Certifications: Add any relevant certifications (like ISTQB Foundation Level) or course completions.

Step 3: Master the Job Portals & Networking

  • Portals: Set up alerts on Naukri, LinkedIn, Indeed, and Instahyre for keywords: "fresher QA," "manual testing fresher," "junior QA analyst."
  • LinkedIn: Optimize your profile. Connect with QA leads and recruiters from your target companies. Engage with content posted by QA communities.
  • Company Careers Pages: Bookmark and regularly check the 'Careers' or 'University Hiring' sections of the top 20 companies listed above.

Step 4: Ace the Interview Process

The typical process includes:

  1. Aptitude/Online Test: Covers logical reasoning, quantitative ability, and basic English.
  2. Technical Interview: Be prepared to answer questions on:
    • Difference between bug, error, and defect.
    • What is a test case? Write a sample test case for a login page.
    • Explain Severity vs Priority.
    • What is regression testing? When is it done?
    • Simple SQL query to retrieve data.
  3. HR Interview: Focus on your communication skills, willingness to learn, and cultural fit.

Future-Proofing Your QA Career

Starting in manual testing is just the beginning. To ensure long-term growth, plan to upskill within 12-18 months of your first job:

  • Learn Automation: Tools like Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright are in high demand. Becoming a hybrid tester is the key to higher salaries.
  • Explore Specializations: Consider moving into Performance Testing (LoadRunner, JMeter), Security Testing, or Mobile App Testing.
  • Get Certified: Pursue advanced certifications like ISTQB Advanced Level or tool-specific certifications.

Embarking on a career in QA is a strategic move. By targeting the right companies, building a compelling skill set, and following a structured application process, you can successfully land one of the coveted manual testing jobs for freshers in 2026 and build a rewarding career in technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Fresher QA Jobs

1. Do I need to know coding for manual testing jobs as a fresher?
For pure manual testing roles, extensive coding is not mandatory. However, basic knowledge of SQL for database querying and an understanding of how code works is highly beneficial and often expected. It also prepares you for future automation roles.
2. What is the average salary for a manual testing fresher in India?
As of 2025-26 trends, the average starting salary for a manual testing fresher in India typically ranges from ₹2.5 LPA to ₹4.5 LPA, depending on the company (service-based vs. product-based), location, and the candidate's skill set and internship experience.
3. Is manual testing a dying career due to automation?
Not at all. Automation complements manual testing but cannot replace human intuition for usability, exploratory testing, and UX evaluation. Manual testing is evolving, with a greater focus on strategic thinking and early SDLC involvement, making it a stable career foundation.
4. Which certification is best for a fresher: ISTQB or a tool-based course?
For freshers, the ISTQB Foundation Level (CTFL) is highly recommended as it provides globally recognized theoretical knowledge of QA processes. Coupling it with a practical, project-based course on manual testing tools and fundamentals creates a strong resume.
5. How can I get manual testing experience as a fresher with no job?
Create your own experience. Test popular websites or mobile apps (like Flipkart, Instagram), document test cases, log bugs (you can report UX issues to them), and build a portfolio. You can also contribute to open-source projects or take on freelance testing gigs on platforms like Utest.
6. Are there internships available in manual testing?
Yes, many companies listed above, especially product-based startups and IT firms, offer QA Internship programs. These are excellent opportunities to gain real-world experience and often lead to pre-placement offers (PPOs).
7. What are the most common interview questions for a fresher QA role?
Common questions include: "Explain the SDLC/STLC," "What is the difference between verification and validation?" "How would you test a pen/vending machine/login page?" "What is a bug lifecycle?" and "Why do you want to pursue a career in QA?"
8. Can a non-IT graduate (B.Com, B.Sc) apply for manual testing jobs?
Absolutely. Many companies hire graduates from any discipline for fresher QA roles, provided the candidate demonstrates strong logical reasoning, analytical skills, and has acquired the necessary technical knowledge through certifications or dedicated courses.

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