Can 2024 passouts still apply for fresher jobs in 2026?

Last updated: 12 October 2026 · By the Asuraa Team

Quick answer: Yes. Many fresher openings in 2026 still accept 2024 graduates. TCS iON lets students who passed out between 2021 and 2027 take the National Qualifier Test, and many company roles ask for 0 to 2 years' experience instead of a batch year. Some drives are limited to the 2025 or 2026 batch, so read each notice. Explain your gap honestly and show what you did during it.

Key facts

• The TCS iON NQT is open to students passing out between 2021 and 2027, with an age limit of 17 to 30 (TCS iON).
• An NQT score stays valid for 2 years from the result date (TCS iON).
• TCS's September 2026 NQT cycle listed 2024, 2025 and 2026 graduates as eligible (SarkariJobs).
• Graduates can join a government-backed apprenticeship under NATS if they join within 5 years of passing (Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University).

Which fresher drives accept 2024 passouts?

The main route is the TCS NQT. It accepts a wide range of batches, from 2021 to 2027 (TCS iON). As of October 2026, registration for the next test is open until 12 November 2026 (FreshersHunt).

Other drives vary. A 2026 Wipro Elite listing named 2024, 2025 and 2026 batches (FresherJobInfo). A Cognizant GenC drive earlier in 2026 was open to 2024 and 2025 engineering graduates (FreshersHunt). Some drives, such as Infosys's 2026 Specialist Programmer drive, were limited to the 2026 batch (EnggWave).

So the answer depends on the drive. Always check the "eligible batch" line in the official notice.

Do jobs that ask for 0 to 2 years' experience count for 2024 passouts?

Yes. Many job posts do not mention a batch at all. They ask for 0 to 2 years' experience. For example, an Accenture Application Support Engineer role in Chennai lists 0 to 2 years and 15 years of full-time education (Accenture careers).

If you have no full-time job yet, you count as a fresher for these roles. If you did an internship or a short job, it can help your profile, as long as you stay within the experience range.

Will a gap after graduation stop me from getting hired?

Usually not, if it is short and you can explain it. Gap rules differ by company and are not always published. One 2026 guide says most large IT firms are reported to allow up to about 2 years after graduation, but it also says these are estimates from candidate reports and can change per batch (PapersAdda).

What you can do:

1. Read the gap rule in the official notice. If it is not stated, ask HR.
2. Keep proof of what you did, such as course certificates, project links or internship letters.
3. Prepare a short, honest answer for the interview. Say what you learned and why you are ready now.

Some companies may ask for a gap declaration or affidavit at joining (PapersAdda). Keep this simple and truthful.

What else can a 2024 graduate do if drives say "2026 batch only"?

Do not wait only for mass drives. Try these routes too:

• Apprenticeship under NATS: Graduates and diploma holders can apply if they join within 5 years of passing. It runs for 1 year for technical graduates (North Maharashtra University). Some employers pay more than the minimum. NIT Tiruchirappalli offered Rs 15,000 a month to graduate apprentices in 2026 (NIT Trichy).
• Direct roles on careers pages: Search company sites for "associate", "trainee" or "graduate" roles with 0 to 2 years.
• Internships: A paid internship can turn into a full-time offer and fills your gap with real work.
• Re-take the NQT: Your score is valid for 2 years, so one good score can be used for many openings (TCS iON).

Find fresher jobs on asuraa.in

asuraa.in lists jobs for interns, freshers and early-career candidates. Always apply through the official link. Browse jobs on asuraa.in · Related: How to explain a gap after graduation in an interview · Which companies are hiring 2025 and 2026 batch freshers right now?

FAQ

Can a 2024 passout write the TCS NQT in 2026?

Yes. TCS iON says students passing out between 2021 and 2027 can take the NQT, and the age limit is 17 to 30. Working people with up to 2 years' experience can also take it. Register only on the official TCS iON website and check the current cycle's dates there.

Am I still a fresher if I graduated in 2024?

Yes, if you have not worked full-time yet. Most companies treat you as a fresher if you have no full-time experience, whatever your batch. Many roles ask for 0 to 2 years' experience, which includes you. Some drives still limit eligibility to a batch year, so read each notice.

How long a gap do IT companies accept after graduation?

There is no single rule. A 2026 guide reports that many large IT firms allow up to about 2 years after graduation, but these figures come from candidate reports and change per batch. Check the official notice, ask HR if it is unclear, and keep proof of what you did during the gap.

Can a 2024 graduate join an apprenticeship under NATS?

Yes, in most cases. Under NATS, a graduate or diploma holder can join an apprenticeship if the joining date is within 5 years of passing. Technical apprenticeships run for 1 year and pay a monthly stipend. Apply only through the official NATS portal.

Sources

• TCS iON, NQT eligibility and score validity
• SarkariJobs, TCS NQT September 2026 cycle
• FreshersHunt, TCS NQT November 2026
• FresherJobInfo, Wipro Elite 2026
• FreshersHunt, Cognizant GenC 2026
• EnggWave, Infosys 2026 batch drive
• Accenture careers, 0–2 years role
• PapersAdda, IT gap year policy 2026
• North Maharashtra University, NATS eligibility
• NIT Trichy, apprenticeship 2026