Yes, a non-technical or non-CS educational background professional can absolutely become a software developer. Many successful developers today started in fields like commerce, arts, biology, or even law — what matters most is skill, consistency, and practical experience.
If you are from a non-technical or non-IT educational background. And your questions are:
- Is it possible for someone like me to become a software developer?
- If yes, how should I start?
- What are the essential skills and technologies I need to learn?
- Which courses (free and paid) are best suited for beginners from a non-tech background?
- Are these courses available online, offline, or both?
- How long does it typically take to become job-ready as a software developer for someone with no prior technical education?
- After becoming a software developer, what kind of job opportunities are available?
- Can I get a full-time job in a company, or is freelancing the only option in the beginning?
- What types of entry-level roles are suitable for self-taught developers?
- Could you please share a list of companies (in India and abroad) that are open to hiring self-taught or non-traditional software developers?
Answer is yes, it’s very much possible and here is how –
Non-Technical Person To Software Developer
1. Understand the Basics First
- What to Learn:
- What is programming?
- How the internet works
- Frontend vs Backend
- Version control (Git & GitHub)
2. Choose Your Career Track
- Frontend Developer – Focus on building websites (HTML, CSS, JS, React)
- Backend Developer – Server-side logic (Python, Java, Node.js)
- Full-Stack Developer – Both frontend and backend
- Mobile App Developer – Android (Kotlin), iOS (Swift), or cross-platform (Flutter, React Native)
- Data Science / AI Developer – Python + Math (for analytical minds)
Courses to Take (In Order)
Core Skill Learning (Beginner to Intermediate)
| Subject | Free Platforms | Paid Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| HTML, CSS, JS | FreeCodeCamp, W3Schools, MDN | Udemy (e.g., The Web Developer Bootcamp by Colt Steele) |
| Git & GitHub | GitHub Docs, Codecademy | Coursera, Udemy |
| JavaScript Deep Dive | JavaScript.info | Frontend Masters, Scrimba |
| React / Node.js / Express | FreeCodeCamp, MDN | Udemy, Educative, Coursera |
| Python / Django / Flask | Python.org, RealPython | Udemy, DataCamp, Pluralsight |
| SQL & Databases | Khan Academy, Mode Analytics | Udemy, DataCamp |
⚠ Tip: Do 70% hands-on projects and 30% theory.
How Long Will It Take?
| Learning Time (Part-Time) | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 3 months | Basic HTML, CSS, JS, Git – can build static sites |
| 6 months | Can apply for internships, junior frontend roles |
| 9-12 months | Ready for full-time jobs or freelance as full-stack dev |
If you’re learning 2 hours/day, you can become job-ready in 9–12 months.
What Kind of Jobs Can You Get With No Experience?
Even with no work experience, you can land:
- Internships (remote or in-office)
- Entry-level jobs (Junior Developer, Web Developer, Software Engineer Intern)
- Freelancing (via platforms like Upwork, Fiverr)
- Startup roles (startups often hire on skill rather than degree)
Companies That Hire Non-CS Candidates (India & Overseas):
| Company Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Startups | Zerodha, Razorpay, CRED, Swiggy, Urban Company (India) |
| IT Companies | TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture (they have bridge programs) |
| Product Companies | Zoho, Freshworks, Atlassian, Postman |
| Remote Hiring Companies | Turing.com, Toptal, Deel, Andela, Remotive.io |
| International Startups | Basecamp, GitLab, Automattic – they hire globally, including India |
Even Google and Microsoft hire non-CS grads if you pass their tests (see Grow with Google Career Certificates or Microsoft Learn).
How to Become a Software Developer Without a Technical Background (2025 Guide)
Top Free & Paid Courses (Online & Offline)
Free Courses:
- freeCodeCamp.org – Best for Web Dev
- CS50x by Harvard (edX) – Complete CS Fundamentals
- Google Career Certificates – Beginner-friendly (Coursera)
- The Odin Project – Full-stack curriculum (Project-based)
Paid Courses:
- Udemy – ₹399–₹799 during sales
- “Web Developer Bootcamp” by Colt Steele
- “Python for Everybody” by Dr. Charles Severance
- Coding Ninjas / Scaler Academy (India) – Full-stack paid programs
- Coursera / edX – Professional Certificates
- Masai School / Newton School / GUVI – Pay after placement programs (India)
Offline (India only):
- Masai School (Bangalore, Noida, etc.)
- Scaler Academy (Bangalore, Chennai)
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Salary Expectations for Freshers with No Degree/Experience
| Location | Entry Salary Range |
|---|---|
| India (Metro cities) | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
| Remote Freelancing | ₹30k – ₹70k/month (USD or INR) |
| Abroad (Canada, Germany, UAE) | $35,000 – $70,000/year |
Real Success Path (Example Plan for Non-Tech Person)
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Learn HTML, CSS, JS, Git |
| 3–4 | Build 3-4 mini projects (To-Do App, Portfolio, Calculator, Blog site) |
| 5–6 | Learn React + Node.js OR Python + Django |
| 7–9 | Build full-stack project + Deploy on GitHub & Netlify |
| 10–12 | Apply to jobs, internships, freelancing gigs, start blog/LinkedIn projects |
Bonus Tips
- Create a GitHub portfolio with good README
- Write blogs about your learning journey
- Take part in coding challenges (LeetCode, HackerRank)
- Join Discord & Telegram coding communities
- Use LinkedIn to network with hiring managers
Conclusion
Becoming a software developer without a technical or CS background is not only possible but increasingly common in today’s skills-driven job market. With the right mindset, consistent practice, and a structured learning path, anyone—from a commerce graduate to a literature major—can break into tech.
Focus on core skills, build real-world projects, leverage free and affordable resources, and actively showcase your progress on platforms like GitHub and LinkedIn. Whether you’re aiming for internships, remote freelancing, or full-time roles, remember: it’s your skills, not your degree, that will open doors. Start small, stay consistent, and within a year, you could be writing code professionally.
FAQ
Can I become a software developer without a computer science degree?
Yes, you can. Many developers come from non-tech backgrounds. What matters most is practical skills and consistent learning.
How long does it take to become job-ready as a software developer?
With 2 hours of focused learning daily, most people can become job-ready within 9 to 12 months.
What are the best free resources to learn coding?
Top free platforms include freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project, Harvard’s CS50 on edX, and GitHub Docs.
What kind of jobs can I get without experience?
You can apply for internships, junior developer roles, freelance gigs, and entry-level positions in startups and IT firms.
Do Indian companies hire non-CS graduates as developers?
Yes, companies like Zoho, Razorpay, TCS, Infosys, and even Google and Microsoft consider skills over degrees.
What should I learn first as a beginner?
Start with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, and understand how the internet works. Then move to React, Node.js, or Python.
What’s the best way to showcase my coding skills?
Create a GitHub portfolio, write blogs about your learning journey, and build real projects to share on LinkedIn.
Can I get remote software jobs without a degree?
Yes, platforms like Turing, Toptal, and Remotive.io hire skilled developers regardless of their academic background.
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