Learn · Role path · 💻
Software developer:pick a stack, build real things, ship them.
Java for enterprises and banks, Python for data/AI/automation, JavaScript/TypeScript for web and products. The market rewards developers who can also deploy, test and explain what they built.
What the job is
- Build backend services (Spring Boot / Django-FastAPI / Node-NestJS), REST/GraphQL APIs, databases
- Frontend (React/Next.js) and mobile (Flutter/React Native) where needed
- Tests, CI, code review; containers and basic cloud deployment
- Work with product/QA; estimate; document
Core skills
- Data structures, HTTP, SQL, Git — the fundamentals interviewers test
- One language deeply: Java (Spring), Python (Django/FastAPI) or TypeScript (Node/React)
- Testing, debugging, reading other people’s code
- Docker, CI basics, cloud deployment
- Security basics (OWASP Top 10)
Java/Spring Boot, Python/Django/FastAPI, Node/NestJS, React/Next.jsPostgreSQL, RedisGit/GitHub, Docker, GitHub ActionsPostman, VS Code/IntelliJ
Certifications that matter in India
| Certification | Issuer | Level | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle Java SE Programmer (OCP) | Oracle | Mid | Enterprise Java roles; optional |
| AWS Developer Associate | AWS | Mid | Cloud-native developer roles |
| Spring Professional | VMware/Broadcom | Mid | Spring-heavy shops |
| Portfolio + GitHub | — | All | Matters more than any cert for developers |
The path
- 0–6 monthsFundamentals + one language; build 3 small projects with tests; Git daily
- 6–18 monthsJunior developer/intern; learn the codebase, write tests, fix bugs, ship features
- 18–36 monthsDeveloper: own a service end to end, APIs, performance, deployment
- 3–6 yearsSenior/lead: architecture, mentoring, system design, cloud-native patterns
Typical pay (India, 2026)
| Level | Range |
|---|---|
| Fresher | ₹3–6 LPA (service cos) · ₹8–20 LPA (product) |
| Developer (2–4 yrs) | ₹6–15 LPA |
| Senior (4–8 yrs) | ₹15–35 LPA |
| Lead / architect | ₹35–70 LPA |
Product companies and GCCs in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Delhi-NCR pay at the top of each band; service companies at the bottom. Contract/migration work pays a premium.
Labs to do this month- REST API with auth, tests and Docker; deploy to a ₹300/month VPS with HTTPS
- Add CI that runs tests and blocks merges
- Build one of our free tools as a project and write up the design
Want this path with a mentor and real projects?
We hire and train engineers for client work, and we connect vetted engineers with companies. Search terms people use for this role: java developer jobs india · python developer roadmap · full stack developer course · software engineer salary india · spring boot tutorial.