Microsoft India is one of the top product-based companies in the world, with major development centers in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Noida. It provides roles in software engineering, Azure cloud computing, and AI/ML research. Microsoft is known for premium salary packages and global opportunities.

💰 Microsoft India Packages for Freshers

1. Software Engineer (SDE I) – ₹22–28 LPA
   • Core development role (backend, frontend, or full-stack).
2. Program Manager / Associate Consultant – ₹18–22 LPA
   • Roles in planning, consulting, and managing product lifecycle.
3. Research / AI / Data Scientist Roles – ₹30–40 LPA+
   • Advanced positions in AI/ML, Cloud, and Data Science.

💡 Packages also include joining bonus, performance bonus, and stock options (ESOPs).

📝 Microsoft Placement Rounds

The process usually consists of 5–6 rounds:

1. Online Assessment (OA)
   • 2–3 coding problems (DSA medium-hard).
   • MCQs on computer fundamentals (OOPs, DBMS, OS, CN).
2. Technical Interview 1 (DSA & Problem Solving)
   • Arrays, strings, recursion, trees, graphs, DP.
   • Example:
     • Write code to detect a cycle in a linked list.
     • Find kth smallest element in a BST.
3. Technical Interview 2 (Advanced Algorithms)
   • Harder DSA + optimization-based questions.
   • Example:
     • Implement LFU Cache.
     • Solve N-Queens problem using backtracking.
4. System Design / Low-Level Design(for SDE roles)
   • Design scalable systems like a messaging app, file storage system, or ride-sharing app.
5. Technical Interview 3 / Managerial Round
   • Mix of tech + behavioral questions.
   • Discussion about projects, real-life problem-solving, and leadership.
6. HR / Behavioral Round (The “Microsoft Fit”)
   • Tests cultural fit and growth mindset.
   • Example: “Tell me about a time you solved a problem that no one else could.”

📖 Preparation Tips for Microsoft

• Master DSA & Algorithms (LeetCode Medium/Hard).
• Revise core CS subjects (DBMS, OOPs, OS, CN).
• Learn System Design basics (API design, scalability, caching).
• For AI/ML roles, revise ML algorithms, Python libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Focus on problem-solving approach, not just coding output.
• Work on projects (especially Cloud & AI-based) for a stronger resume.

🔗 Best Websites to Prepare for Microsoft

• GeeksforGeeks – Microsoft Interview Experiences
• LeetCode – Microsoft Tagged Problems
• InterviewBit – Coding & system design
• HackerRank
• System Design Primer (GitHub)

🔺 Upside of Working at Microsoft

• Premium salary + stocks with strong career growth.
• Opportunity to work on Azure Cloud, Office 365, GitHub, and AI projects.
• Great culture – mentorship, learning, and global team exposure.
• Chance to file patents, publish research, and innovate.
• Flexibility to switch roles between engineering, research, and management.

👉 Pro Tip: Microsoft emphasizes “growth mindset” in interviews. Show that you are open to learning, adapting, and collaborating, not just strong at coding.