According to a recent survey, 72% of Indian firms want to hire new hires in the second half of 2024. According to a report by TeamLease Edtech survey, this increased trend in hiring intent is based on a thorough survey of over 603 organisations nationally. It represents a noteworthy 7% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a 4% increase from the previous half-year.
“Hiring intent for freshmen has increased, which is positive. TeamLease EdTech’s founder and CEO, Shantanu Rooj, stated that the trend “reflects growing confidence among employers and presents valuable opportunities for fresh talent entering the workforce.”
According to data from the National Statistical Office (NSO), the unemployment rate in India has decreased to 3.1%; however, job seekers who are recent graduates or fresh graduates still have difficulties in finding jobs.
Sectors and Cities Driving Hiring Trend
According to the survey, the sectors driving the trend towards hiring more recent graduates include e-commerce, tech startups, engineering, infrastructure, and retail. Top of the list is Bengaluru, where 74% of companies say they intend to hire recent grads. Mumbai comes in second with 60% and Chennai third with 54%.
Specific roles continue to be in high demand, including Full Stack Developers, SEO Executives, Digital Sales Associates, and UI/UX Designers. According to the survey, businesses are increasingly looking for people with specialised abilities in cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and search engine optimisation.
Rooj added that overall hiring sentiments are benefiting from the government’s continued policy reforms, with fiscal, monetary, and regulatory support helping firms boost their investment appetite. The 1.48 lakh crore budget for education, employment, and skilling in the Union Budget 2024-25 could also play a role in the increase in fresher demand, he noted.
Shift Towards Practical Learning
“The need of the hour is to constantly learn, not just for freshers but also for managers and employees as workplaces undergo transformation,” Mr. Rooj remarked.
According to Jaideep Kewalramani, head of employability business and COO of TeamLease Edtech, the 7% increase in fresher hiring intent, combined with rising demand across a variety of sectors, indicates a strong job market rebound. “For graduates, this means focussing on in-demand digital skills and embracing varied learning experiences can significantly boost their career prospects in this evolving landscape,” he told me.
Rooj pointed to the fast changing work market, where tech and digital skills are gaining centre stage, saying, “We’re seeing a strong demand for professions that combine technical competence with creative problem-solving. The true game changer is the growing realisation of the importance of stronger industry-academia collaborations. The consistent demand for degree apprenticeships reinforces this shift towards practical, hands-on learning. It’s an exciting time for both freshers and employers as we bridge the gap between education and industry requirements.”
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