India’s job market witnessed a 41 percent year-on-year growth in February 2025, driven largely by a rise in fresher hiring, according to a report by foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME). The data highlights a 26 percent YoY increase in demand for entry-level talent, reflecting a sustained hiring push across industries.
IT Sector Leads Fresher Hiring Boom
The IT – Hardware and Software sector emerged as the biggest recruiter of freshers, nearly doubling its share from 17 percent in 2024 to 34 percent in 2025, according to the report.
“The shift towards skill-based hiring is undeniable. Employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates with practical expertise and industry-relevant skills,” said foundit CEO V Suresh.
The foundit Insights Tracker (fit), a monthly analysis of online job postings, indicates a shift towards competency-driven hiring, with companies focusing on hands-on experience over traditional qualifications.
Rising Demand Across Recruitment & Staffing
Beyond IT, the Recruitment and Staffing industry has also seen a significant increase in fresher hiring, reflecting rising demand for fresh talent across multiple domains. However, hiring activity in BFSI and BPO/ITES sectors has slowed, signaling changing industry priorities in workforce planning.
Tier II Cities Emerging as Hiring Hubs
While metro cities remain major job hubs, Tier II cities are witnessing rising hiring activity. Key locations for fresher job opportunities include Nasik, Jaipur, Surat, Coimbatore, Indore, Kochi, Thane, Vadodara, Chandigarh, and Nagpur.
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With business expansion beyond traditional urban centers, more companies are looking to tap into talent pools across emerging cities, further diversifying India’s job landscape.
Outlook: Skill-Based Hiring to Drive Growth
The continued focus on practical skills and industry readiness suggests that India’s job market is shifting towards competency-driven hiring models. As businesses embrace digital transformation and evolving industry demands, freshers with technical expertise and hands-on experience will find strong career opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
