As a final year student of B.Tech in computer science, how can I start a career in product management in a tech company (say, Microsoft) in India?

In India, your best bet might be to get a MBA from a top tier b-school. The MBA wouldn't help in your job but is a good signalling mechanism. Your second option is to join a tech function - something a little customer facing like professional services would be best - and over a couple years move to a PM role

There are various ways to start your career in any product company, as you have mentioned that you would like to work in a product company e.g. Microsoft. Microsoft have 1Lakh+ employees, It seems there will be 5000+ product managers, who actually take care for the business side. Means Product managers are those MBA's { mostly} , who actually plan the business e.g. based on the situation what would be the next version features of MS Office. and these product managers are with different roles, from junior to senior to principal, and based on my experience { if you talk about the redmond office} most of these product managers are with MBA degree { with some exceptions too} from  a premium  university.  Overall , If you are really serious on the product management side,and you feel that is your strength and passion, then you need to prove your creativity on that, and start applying to interested product of yours ? { Are you talking about the specific software products ? } To start your career : {Step-1} - Do you homework for the product companies you would like to work in. { Various home parameters based on your situation } {Step-2} : Prepare your CV that should be the best and creative based of the existing competition, Include the best proof of your creativity with regard to product management. {Step-3} : Apply based on various creative means : via friends, direct approach, LinkedIn InMail, Direct meetings, Professional contacts Continue to Step-1 to Sep-3 until you achieve your goals. Wish you all the best.

It depends on many factors to name a few: Understanding of Customer requirements - your level of maturity in doing it. Tools - How well versed are you in wireframing, project management tools Interpersonal Skills - How well you can work with designers, developers, quality check teams Also most of them in India have requirements of a management degree for PM, or a good experience to back yourself. Ideally try being a software engineer gain experience and plan ahead