Free guides, interview Q&As, and job responsibility breakdowns — curated by industry veterans to help you crack MNC interviews
Networking is the backbone of every IT system — cloud, security, data centres, and enterprise communication all run on it. That makes network engineer one of the most stable, in-demand entry points into IT for freshers in India, and unlike software roles, it doesn't require coding. This guide lays out the exact skills to learn, the certifications that matter, the salary you can expect in 2026, and the fastest way to get placed as a fresher.
Quick answer: To become a network engineer in India, build a strong foundation in networking fundamentals (CompTIA Network+), then routing and switching (CCNA) — IP addressing, subnetting, VLANs, OSPF/EIGRP, and hands-on practice in Cisco Packet Tracer. Freshers with CCNA-level skills typically start at ₹3–5 LPA, rising to ₹7–13 LPA in 3–5 years. A placement-backed program is the fastest route because it combines practical labs with direct MNC interviews.
See the 45-Day Job Ready Program with 100% placement support →
A network engineer designs, configures, and maintains the systems that let devices communicate — routers, switches, firewalls, and the links between offices, data centres, and the cloud. Day to day, entry-level engineers handle connectivity troubleshooting, VLAN and IP configuration, monitoring, and ticket resolution. As you grow, you move into design, security, and automation.
| Experience | Level | Salary (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Fresher (CCNA) | ₹3–5 LPA |
| 3–5 years | Mid-level | ₹7–13 LPA |
| 7+ years | Senior / Architect | ₹15–30+ LPA |
Indicative 2026 ranges. CCNA can lift a fresher offer meaningfully over uncertified candidates, and later specialisations — CCNP, cloud networking (AWS/Azure), SD-WAN, or automation — add a further premium. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Delhi NCR pay at the top end.
Explore the CCNA (200-301) course →
Step 1 — Networking fundamentals (Network+). Network types (LAN/MAN/WAN), devices (router, switch, hub, firewall), cabling and topologies, the OSI and TCP/IP models.
Step 2 — IP addressing & subnetting. IPv4/IPv6, public vs private, classes, subnet masks, CIDR, VLSM.
Step 3 — Commands & protocols. ping, tracert, ipconfig, nslookup; DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, SMTP.
Step 4 — Routing & switching (CCNA). Static and dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF, EIGRP), VLANs and inter-VLAN routing, in Cisco Packet Tracer.
Step 5 — Hands-on projects. Build and troubleshoot enterprise topologies; document your work.
Step 6 — Interview prep. Subnetting speed, protocol explanations, real troubleshooting scenarios, and mock interviews.
Cisco Packet Tracer for lab simulation, Wireshark for packet analysis, and command-line tools for troubleshooting. Getting comfortable building topologies and reading traffic is what separates a job-ready fresher from someone who only memorised theory.
Certification proves knowledge; a placement-backed program gets you hired. Evision's 45-Day Live Job Internship Program → covers Network+ fundamentals and CCNA-level routing and switching with real Packet Tracer labs, plus Windows, virtualization, ITIL, and Linux — giving you a broad infrastructure profile that MNCs value. It includes five certificates, full interview preparation, and 100% placement support across 250+ MNC hiring partners, with the major fee due only after your job is confirmed.
Become a job-ready network engineer →
Do I need coding to become a network engineer?
No. Networking is about configuration, troubleshooting, and infrastructure — not software development. Basic scripting helps later for automation, but it isn't required to start.
Is CCNA enough to get a job as a fresher?
CCNA-level skills plus hands-on lab practice are enough to enter roles like Network Support Engineer, NOC Engineer, or Junior Network Engineer. Real practice and interview readiness matter as much as the certificate.
What salary can a fresher network engineer expect?
Indicative fresher salaries are ₹3–5 LPA in 2026, rising to ₹7–13 LPA with 3–5 years and strong hands-on experience.
Can non-IT graduates become network engineers?
Yes. Anyone willing to complete a practical, work-based networking program can enter the field, regardless of degree stream.
How long does it take to become job-ready?
With focused, structured training and hands-on labs, freshers can reach job-ready level in a matter of weeks rather than months.
Networking is a stable, high-growth career, and it's one of the most fresher-friendly ways into IT. The fastest route is a structured, placement-backed program with real labs and direct MNC interviews. Evision's 45-Day Job Ready Program → offers exactly that, with 100% placement support.
Talk to a career advisor now for eligibility and next batch details: Chat on WhatsApp →
