Programmer/Coder/Software Engineer
Designs, develops and tests software that meets a client's needs, and debugs it.
Overview
A Computer Programmer designs, develops and tests software that meet their client's needs. They also search for bugs in the program and try to remove those bugs to improve the overall utility of the program.
Where they work
- IT companies
Work environment
The work timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable. Entrepreneurship: you can pursue freelancing in this domain as well as start your own company.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are good with computers.
- You like to analyse problems/situations.
- You pay attention to details while working.
- You are comfortable with communicating with others.
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.Sc./BCA/B.E.) in Computer Science/Information System
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Tech/M.Sc./MCA/M.E.) in the same field
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a PG Diploma in Information System
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Computer Science. This list of Institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu
- Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, New Delhi
- Asutosh College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, New Delhi
- College of Applied Science, Kundara, Kollam, Kerala
- Government Engineering College, Bikaner, Rajasthan
- East Calcutta Girls College, Kolkata, West Bengal
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Annai College of Arts and Science, Vilathur, Tamil Nadu
- AD Patel Institute of Technology, New Vallabh Nagar, Gujarat
- All India Institute of Management Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Acropolis Institute of Management Studies and Research, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Bangalore City College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Bapatla Engineering College, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh
- Bonnie Foi College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Karnataka
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Junior Developer
- 2Software Developer
- 3Senior Developer
- 4Lead Developer
- 5Software Architect
- 6Technical Lead
- 7Engineering Manager
Related careers to explore
Full Stack Developer
Develops both the client and server end of a web application — an end-to-end service.
Computer Science Engineer
Designs, implements and manages information systems across both software and hardware.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths, Computer Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to coding.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Shalini Sah — Works as Software Engineering Manager at Meta. She has done her BTech in Computer Science and Engineering from National Institute of Technology Durgapur. According to NIT Durgapur Alumni Association, Sah is considered the best female coder in India, according to Hari Ram Choudhary, Former vice-chairman, ACM NIT Surat.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 651 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Software_Engineer_%2F_Developer_%2F_Programmer/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The contents page lists this career on printed page 653, but the card is on 651.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.