E-Commerce, technology start-ups lead fresher hiring with 88% intent in H2 2025

India’s fresher hiring outlook for July-December 2025 shows a mixed trend, with e-commerce and technology start-ups leading recruitment at 88% intent, followed closely by retail at 87% and manufacturing at 82%, according to TeamLease EdTech’s Career Outlook Report (H2 2025). Sectors such as Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) (77%) and Information Technology, Travel & Hospitality (75%) continue to maintain strong demand for entry-level talent, ensuring a resilient job landscape.
The report highlights city-level dynamics, with Bengaluru leading at 81% intent to hire, followed by Mumbai (67%), Chennai (59%), Hyderabad (54%), and Delhi (48%). Freshers with specialised skills in emerging domains are set to gain an edge, with cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning, business analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), and prompt engineering ranking among the top in-demand skill sets. Hiring intent by experience suggests a steady preference for early-career professionals, with zero to one years of experience seeing a slight dip from 74% in H1 2025 to 70% in H2, while those with one to five years’ experience are holding steady at 70%. Interestingly, mid-level professionals (six to 10 years) face a decline to 37%. However, senior hiring (11+ years) shows marginal improvement, reflecting a demand polarisation between fresh talent and highly skilled leadership roles. Overall, fresher hiring remains robust in high-growth sectors, with skills-driven recruitment expected to define the job market in H2 2025.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.