India is the first country in Asia with the largest number of English speakers, over 265 million people. Are you looking to leverage India’s vast talent pool for your web development needs? You’re on the right track. 

The large number of English-speakers renowned for their technical expertise, with a proven track record for delivering top-notch projects at affordable rates, makes India one of the most-favored countries for businesses around the world for their web development needs. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to find and hire web developers in India, highlighting the steps to take, factors to consider during the hiring process, and effective strategies to overcome potential challenges and ensure a successful collaboration.

How to Hire Web Developers in India

Follow these steps to successfully hire a web developer in India:

Step 1: Define your needs

Begin by clearly defining your project requirements. This will help you streamline your search and find the right match for the role. 

Here’s what you need to outline:

• Project scope: Are you building a new website (e.g., a business website, e-commerce store, or web application), redesigning an existing website, or migrating your website to a new content management system? 
• Technical skills: Do you need a front-end developer specializing in UI design, a back-end developer specializing in server functionality, or a full-stack developer who can handle both?
• Experience: Do you require a seasoned developer with a proven track record, or a comparatively less experienced, recent graduate with fresh ideas?

Step 2: Utilize appropriate platforms

Once you’ve defined your requirements, leverage these platforms to find ideal candidates: 

• Freelance marketplaces: Use platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to connect with Indian freelance web developers with affordable rates. Carefully vet candidates by reviewing their portfolio and reading client testimonials.
• Web development agencies: Partner with  agencies that can provide dedicated teams  or connect you with pre-vetted web developers. The advantage of hiring a web development agency is that they can streamline the process but the cost might be higher compared to freelancers. 
• Online job portals and social media: Post detailed job descriptions on online job portals (e.g.,Naukri, MonsterIndia) and professional social media platforms like LinkedIn. Optimize your posts with relevant keywords and target the right communities.

Step 3: Conduct thorough screening

After receiving applications, filter through the candidates to identify the best fit, using the following processes:

• Initial screening: Screen their resumes and portfolios to shortlist qualified candidates. Also, conduct initial phone/video interviews to assess their basic fit for the role.
• Technical assessments: Evaluate their technical skills by conducting coding challenges or in-depth technical discussions.
• Soft skills and cultural fit evaluation: Beyond technical proficiency, assess soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and analytical reasoning through behavioral or scenario-based questions. You should also gauge cultural fit by asking about their communication style, approach to work, and personal values.

Step 4: Negotiate contract terms 

Once you have found the perfect match, negotiate fair and competitive contract terms, whether you’re hiring full-time employees or independent contractors.

• Full-time employees: Research industry standards in India, specifically in each city you are hiring from. It will differ based on the location and experience. In addition to a competitive salary, a lucrative benefits package is crucial to attract and retain the best candidate.
• Independent contractors: The contract should clearly outline the project scope, quality expectations, timelines, deliverables, and payment terms. 

Step 5: Onboard and manage your new hire

After signing the contract, integrate the new developer into your team through the following processes: 

• Onboarding: Introduce the team, communicate the project details and work responsibilities, and provide the needed tools and resources. This ensures the new hire aligns with the team and the company goals, boosting productivity from day one.
• Ongoing communication and management: Clearly communicate expectations regarding work style, deadlines, and project updates. Additionally, provide relevant training and offer constructive feedback to enhance employee performance and foster retention.

Employer of Record (EOR) services, like Gloroots, can cut onboarding times from weeks to days. Our SaaS-based platform streamlines contract generation, documentation processing, and payroll management, enabling you to integrate new hires into your team seamlessly. 

6 Top Cities to Hire Web Developers

India is renowned for its exceptional tech talent, fostered by top-notch educational institutions and favorable government policies. The presence of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in major cities has also contributed to the robust tech talent development in the country.

According to a NASSCOM report GCC 4.0, there are over 2740+ GCC units in India (as of FY2023), with Bangalore , Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune being the leading destinations. 

Here’s a closer look at the top cities to hire web developers in India.

1. Bangalore

Bangalore’s robust infrastructure and business-friendly policies, including tax exemptions, subsidies, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs)  solidified its position as a frontrunner in India’s  IT boom.

• Prominent Tech Hubs: Electronic City, International Tech Park Bangalore, GCCs of major corporations.
• Top universities: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institute of Technology Bangalore (IITB), National Institute of Design (NID).
• Major tech companies: Infosys, Wipro, Flipkart, etc.

2. Hyderabad

Hyderabad is one of India’s fastest-growing IT hubs, thanks to business-friendly government policies. Notably, the single-window clearance system, which expedites the process of starting business operations, has attracted several established firms and startups.

• Prominent Tech Hubs: HITEC City (Hyderabad Information Technology Engineering Consultancy City) 
• Top universities: University of Hyderabad, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH)
• Major tech companies: Infosys, Microsoft, Amazon, InMobi, etc.

3. Pune

Pune’s wealth of educational and research institutes, coupled with its proximity to Mumbai make it one of the favorable destinations to hire top talent. The city is a major center for IT and automobile companies.

• Prominent Tech Hubs: Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Cybercity IT Park, EON Free Zone IT Park, and numerous other IT parks.
• Top universities: Symbiosis Institute of Engineering and Technology (SIET), College of Engineering Pune (COEP).
• Major tech companies: Mahindra & Mahindra, Persistent Systems, Tata Motors.

4. Noida

Located within the National Capital Region (NCR), Noida is a strategic location for companies seeking to hire top web developers at a cost-effective rate.  With its SEZs, providing tax benefits and streamlined regulations, Noida attracts major IT companies.

• Prominent Tech Hubs: DLF IT Park, SP SEZ, Logix Tech Park in.
• Top universities: IIT Delhi and Delhi University 
• Major tech companies: HCL, Accenture, Wipro, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, etc.

5. Gurgaon

Gurgaon has seen phenomenal growth in the IT sector in the past two decades. Its proximity to Delhi provides access to a wider range of resources and networking opportunities. The city offers highly skilled web developers, a dynamic work environment, and a supportive business ecosystem. 

• Prominent Tech Hubs: DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon Cyber Hub
• Top universities: Shiv Nadar University, IIM Lucknow, IIT Delhi 
• Major tech companies: Google, McKinsey & Co

6. Chennai

Chennai is a port city with a strong tech talent pool and excellent technical infrastructure. The city is known for its automotive software development, embedded systems, and manufacturing solutions. 

• Prominent Tech Hubs: Tidel Park, one of Asia’s largest IT parks,and many other GCCs.
• Top universities: IIT Madras, Anna University. 
• Major tech companies: TCS, Accenture, Zoho.

Apart from these cities, many more tier-2 and 3 cities, such as Coimbatore, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Chandigarh, offer world-class web developers. These cities are comparatively more cost-effective than the metros and other tier-1 cities. 

Factors To Consider When Hiring Web Developers in India

Here are some important factors you should consider when hiring web developers in India.

• Communication and collaboration

Assess the candidate’s communication skills and work style. These skills are important for them to seamlessly integrate with your existing team. Also, the time difference between India and many Western countries could affect communication and collaboration, which should also be streamlined based on the convenience of both parties involved.

• Cultural differences

Evaluate if the candidate’s cultural background aligns with your company’s culture. Employees should be given cross-cultural training to be sensitive to cultural differences and foster a collaborative work environment. 

• Cost-effectiveness

India offers a significant cost advantage, compared to hiring from the UK or elsewhere in the world. However, consider additional factors beyond the salary, such as employee benefits, taxes, Employer of Record (EOR) charges, and other expenses to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved.

• Legal and compliance requirements

Familiarize yourself with India’s employment laws and regulations governing payroll, taxes, benefits, and other aspects to ensure compliance.  Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal obligations, so it’s advisable to seek guidance from local legal experts or leverage the expertise of EOR services.

3 Ways To Employ Web Developers in India

When looking to build a team of skilled Indian web developers, employers have several options, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

1. Set up a local entity in India

For large companies with a long-term commitment to the Indian market, establishing a subsidiary or branch office with a fully functional HR and administrative team is a straightforward approach. 

Advantages:

• Full control over employment terms and employee management
• Ability to build a large, stable team of developers for the long term.

Disadvantages:

• Significant time and expertise required to navigate legal and regulatory compliance
• High initial setup costs for registration and infrastructure
• Ongoing legal and tax implications

2. Hire Independent Contractors

Companies needing specialized skills for short-term projects, or those on a tight budget, can hire freelancers or independent contractors. 

Advantages:

• Easy to scale your team up or down based on project needs
• No long-term commitment, offering flexibility
• No upfront setup costs or administrative burden

Disadvantages:

• Limited control over how and when contractors work
• Potential employee misclassification issues leading to legal complications

3. Use Employer of Record (EOR) Services

Companies seeking the benefits of a wholly-owned entity, without the administrative and compliance hassles, can partner with EOR solutions. You hire your web developers, but the EOR firm acts as their legal employer, handling onboarding, payroll, taxes, and other administrative tasks.

Advantages:

• Reduced compliance and administrative burden
• Easier scaling of your team
• Ongoing support from the EOR provider

Disadvantages:

• EORs charge additional fees for their services

Ultimately, the most suitable option depends on your specific business requirements, budget, and long-term goals.

Why Hire Web Developers in India?

 Here’s why you should explore India when hiring web developers.

• Access to a large number of talented and qualified web developers.
• World-class technological infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity and data centers.
• Large English-speaking population with cultural compatibility
• Competitive pricing, reducing your labor costs
• Business-friendly government policies 

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Web Developers in India?

Here’s an overview of the average pay for web developers in India across different career stages:

• Entry level: USD 3,606 (INR 3L per annum)
• Mid-level: USD 7,212 (INR 6L per annum)
• Senior level: USD 10,818 (INR 9L per annum)

However, the actual compensation you pay might vary based on various factors, like:

• Experience and skill set
• Location
• Complexity of the project
• Additional benefits

Hire Web Developers in India with Gloroots

Are you looking to build a high-performing web development team in India but worried about the legal and administrative complexities? Gloroots, an EOR platform, can make the whole process simple and streamlined. 

Our in-house team of experts handles everything from onboarding to payroll and compliance, helping you focus on your core business operations. 

Contact us for a free demo!