India's hiring market witnessed a remarkable 10% growth in February 2025, signaling a strong rebound in employment trends, according to the latest foundit (formerly Monster APAC & Middle East) report. The surge in job creation was primarily fueled by freshers and the booming IT sector, which has more than doubled its hiring share from 17% in 2024 to 34% in February 2025.

Skills-Based Hiring on the Rise

A significant shift towards skills-based hiring was observed, where employers prioritized competencies over traditional qualifications. The share of job listings requiring specific skills over degrees increased from 4% in 2023 to 14% in 2025, highlighting the evolving job landscape in India. This trend encourages aspiring professionals to upskill and earn relevant certifications to enhance their employability.

Fresher Recruitment Grows Despite Sectoral Variations

The overall fresher hiring market grew by 6% month-over-month (MoM), with the IT hardware and software sector emerging as the primary driver of demand. However, not all industries experienced positive momentum. Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) and Business Process Outsourcing/Information Technology-Enabled Services (BPO/ITeS) witnessed a decline in fresher hiring, reflecting a shift in industry preferences.

Tier 2 Cities: The New Hiring Hubs

The hiring boom was not restricted to major metropolitan areas. Tier 2 cities such as Nasik, Jaipur, Surat, Coimbatore, Indore, Kochi, Thane, Vadodara, Chandigarh, and Nagpur emerged as major employment hubs for freshers. These cities are witnessing increased corporate interest, leading to a surge in recruitment activity across diverse industries.

Sector-Specific Hiring Trends

Apart from IT, certain other industries demonstrated robust hiring trends:

• The Animation & Gaming sector saw a 15% year-over-year (YoY) hiring increase, reflecting the rising demand for creative professionals.
• The Medical and Healthcare industry recorded an 8% hiring growth, emphasizing the ongoing need for skilled professionals in the sector.

Regional Employment Growth: Pune & Ahmedabad Lead the Way

Among cities, Pune recorded the highest month-over-month hiring growth at 6.7%, followed by Ahmedabad at 6.3%. These figures highlight the increasing employment opportunities beyond traditional job markets like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Expert Insights: The Road Ahead for Fresh Graduates

As competition intensifies in the job market, V. Suresh, CEO of foundit, emphasized the importance of acquiring in-demand skills. He stated that fresh graduates must focus on certifications, hands-on experience, and strong portfolios to stand out. The ongoing shift towards skills-based hiring reinforces the importance of practical expertise over academic qualifications.

Conclusion

The 10% hiring growth in February 2025 reflects a dynamic job market with expanding opportunities for freshers and skilled professionals. With Tier 2 cities gaining prominence, IT sector dominance, and evolving hiring preferences, India’s employment landscape is set for transformative growth. Job seekers must align themselves with industry trends, skill enhancement, and digital adaptability to capitalize on emerging career prospects.

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