After campus placement, you receive an offer letter, accept it and submit documents for background verification (BGV). The company then sends a joining letter with your date and location — sometimes months later. After joining, freshers usually go through induction and technical training, are allocated to a project or wait on the bench, and receive their first salary at the end of the first month along with a PF account linked to their UAN.
🎉 Placed! The Journey Has Just Begun
Getting placed is a huge milestone — but many students are surprised by how long and confusing the road to the first day can be. Joining dates shift, emails ask for documents you've never heard of, and seniors share conflicting advice.
Here's the typical journey for freshers placed through campus drives, especially in IT and services companies, and what you should do at each stage.
🗓️ The Complete Timeline
📄 Documents to Keep Ready
| Document | Why it's needed |
|---|---|
| 10th, Inter / 12th and degree mark sheets | Education verification |
| Provisional / consolidated degree certificate | Proof of graduation |
| Aadhaar and PAN card | Identity and tax (PAN is needed for salary and TDS) |
| Bank account details | Salary credit (some companies open a salary account) |
| Passport-size photos | ID card and records |
| Gap certificate / affidavit (if any gap) | To explain education gaps |
| Medical fitness certificate (if asked) | Some companies require it |
⏳ What If the Joining Is Delayed?
Delayed joining is common in IT services when hiring outpaces project demand. It can feel stressful, but there's a lot you can do with the time:
💰 Your First Salary — What to Expect
| Item | What happens |
|---|---|
| Pro-rated pay | Your first month's pay is calculated from your joining date |
| PF & UAN | A Universal Account Number (UAN) is created or linked; 12% of basic goes to EPF from you, with a matching employer share |
| Professional tax | A small monthly deduction in states that levy it, including AP and Telangana |
| TDS | Income tax is deducted only if your projected annual income is taxable — declare investments to HR |
| Payslip | Check every line: basic, HRA, allowances and deductions |
⚖️ Know Your Rights Under the New Labour Codes
India's four labour codes, in force since 21 November 2025, add protections that matter for new joiners. They require employers to issue appointment letters, and the Code on Wages requires wages due to be paid within two working days of resignation or termination. Read your appointment letter carefully and keep copies of all documents.
- After placement: offer letter → documents & background verification → final results → joining letter → training → project/bench → first salary.
- Joining dates in IT services can come weeks to months after graduation.
- Clearing all subjects and meeting the minimum percentage is usually a condition of the offer.
- First salary is pro-rated; PF (via UAN), professional tax and TDS may be deducted.
- Never pay any fee for joining, training or background verification.