HCL Eligibility Criteria
HCL Technologies conducts the HCL hiring process for graduates aspiring to join one of India's leading global technology and IT services companies. The eligibility standards help ensure that applicants possess strong academic fundamentals, technical readiness, and the ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
Before applying for the HCL Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) Program, candidates must understand the eligibility criteria set for the 2026 hiring cycle.
HCL Eligibility Criteria - Quick Overview
Here's an overview of the HCL Eligibility Criteria 2026:
| S. No | Eligibility Criteria for HCL | Information |
|---|---|---|
1 |
Academic Criteria |
|
2 |
CGPA / Percentage |
Minimum 60% or 6.0 CGPA throughout academics |
3 |
Passing Year |
Eligible for 2024, 2025, and 2026 pass-out batches |
4 |
Backlog / Arrears |
No active backlogs during test/interview; all must be cleared before joining |
5 |
Education Gap |
Maximum 2 years gap allowed with valid documentation |
6 |
Mode of Education |
Only full-time degrees accepted; open/distance learning not allowed |
7 |
Citizenship |
Must be an Indian citizen or hold a PIO / OCI card |
8 |
Foreign Nationals |
Not eligible, except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan |
9 |
Verification Documents |
Proof of nationality, address, and identity required (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport) |
10 |
Age Limit |
Minimum: 18 yearsMaximum: 24 years for B.Tech / B.E, 26 years for M.Tech / MCA |
11 |
Preferred Skills |
Strong analytical skills, programming basics, communication skills, adaptability |
12 |
Work Location & Mobility |
Willingness to relocate to any HCL office across India |
HCL Eligibility Criteria - Detailed Explanation
Before beginning the application process for the HCL Graduate Engineer Trainee (GET) Program, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements defined for the 2026 hiring cycle.
Academic Criteria
The academic criteria for HCL are as follows:
Candidates must have secured a minimum of 60% aggregate in 10th standard from a recognized board.
A minimum of 60% aggregate in 12th standard or Diploma, with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science as core subjects.
Graduation must be completed in B.E / B.Tech / M.E / M.Tech / MCA from recognized institutions.
Eligible engineering streams include CSE, IT, ECE, EEE, E&I, Mechanical Engineering (for specific roles), and Civil Engineering (for infrastructure support roles).
Academic performance must be consistent across all qualifying examinations.
CGPA / Percentage Criteria
The CGPA or percentage requirements for HCL are as follows:
- A minimum of 60% or 6.0 CGPA must be maintained throughout 10th, 12th, Diploma (if applicable), and Graduation.
Passing Year Criteria
The passing year criteria for HCL are as follows:
- Candidates from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 graduating batches are eligible to apply for the HCL GET Program.
Backlog / Arrears Criteria
The backlog criteria for HCL are as follows:
- Candidates must have no active backlogs at the time of the online test or interview process.
- All pending backlogs should be cleared before joining HCL.
Education Gap Criteria
The education gap criteria for HCL are as follows:
- A maximum education gap of 2 years is allowed between academic milestones (such as between 12th and graduation).
- The reason for the academic gap should be valid, genuine, and supported with appropriate documentation.
Mode of Education Criteria
The mode of education criteria for HCL are as follows:
- Only full-time degrees from recognized universities or institutions are considered valid.
- Open or distance learning programs are not accepted for graduation-level qualifications.
Citizenship Criteria
The citizenship criteria for HCL are as follows:
- Candidates must be Indian citizens to be eligible.
- If holding a foreign passport, candidates must possess a valid PIO (Person of Indian Origin) or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.
Foreign Nationals Criteria
The foreign national eligibility for HCL is as follows:
- Foreign nationals are not eligible for the GET Program.
- The only exception applies to citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, who may apply.
Verification Documents Criteria
The verification document requirements for HCL are as follows:
- Candidates must provide original proof of identity, address, and nationality.
- Accepted documents include Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or equivalent government-issued identification.
Age Limit Criteria
The age limit criteria for HCL are as follows:
- The minimum age for eligibility is 18 years as of 1st July 2026.
- The maximum age is 24 years for B.E / B.Tech graduates and 26 years for M.Tech / MCA graduates.
Preferred Skills and Attributes
The preferred skills for HCL are as follows:
- Strong analytical and logical reasoning abilities.
- Basic programming knowledge in languages such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to adapt to new technologies and work in a dynamic environment.
- A positive attitude and problem-solving approach.
Work Location & Mobility Criteria
The work location and mobility criteria for HCL are as follows:
- Candidates must be willing to relocate to any HCL office across India, including locations such as Noida, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, or Madurai.
- International deployment opportunities may be offered after 18-24 months based on project performance and client requirements.
Additional Notes
The additional requirements for HCL are as follows:
- Candidates with less than 6 months of work experience are still eligible to apply.
- Applicants who attended any HCL hiring process in the last 6 months are not eligible to reapply.
- Any falsification of documents or academic details may lead to immediate disqualification.
Additional Help
HCL offers opportunities for graduates from various engineering and technical backgrounds who meet the required academic and eligibility criteria.
For any additional queries, candidates can visit the HCL Careers portal to review guidelines related to applications, documentation, and hiring updates.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
Who can apply for the HCL hiring test 2026?
For HCL 2026, candidates from the following full-time degrees can apply:
- B.E / B.Tech / M.E / M.Tech
- MCA
- Eligible streams: CSE, IT, ECE, EEE, E&I, Mechanical (specific roles), Civil (infra roles)
What is the HCL eligibility criteria for freshers in 2026?
HCL Eligibility Criteria 2026:
- Academic Qualifications: Full-time degrees in B.E / B.Tech / M.E / M.Tech / MCA
- Stream Preferences: CSE, IT, ECE, EEE, E&I, Mechanical, Civil
- Percentage Requirements: Minimum 60% or 6.0 CGPA in 10th, 12th, Diploma, and Graduation
- Backlog Limitations: 0 active backlogs during test/interview; all backlogs must be cleared before joining
- Gap Restrictions: Maximum 2-year educational gap with valid documentation
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years; Maximum 24 years (B.Tech / B.E) and 26 years (M.Tech / MCA)
- Course Type: Only full-time courses allowed
- Experience: Candidates with less than 6 months of experience are eligible
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen or have a PIO/OCI card
Can pre-final and final-year students apply for HCL 2026?
Candidates from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 PASS-OUT batches are eligible.
Is there a specific age limit for HCL?
Yes. Minimum age is 18 years, and maximum age is 24 years for B.Tech/B.E graduates and 26 years for M.Tech/MCA graduates.
What is the CGPA requirement for HCL?
Candidates must have at least 60% or 6.0 CGPA throughout 10th, 12th/Diploma, and Graduation.
How are the backlog criteria defined for HCL?
Candidates must have zero active backlogs during the online test or interview. All pending backlogs must be cleared before joining the company.
What is the maximum allowable gap in academic career for eligibility?
HCL allows a maximum 2-year education gap, provided the reason is valid and documented.
How many attempts are allowed for the HCL hiring test?
Candidates must maintain a 6-month gap between two HCL recruitment attempts.