The tech job market in India is buzzing with opportunity, reflecting dynamic shifts as companies ramp up their hiring efforts. According to the latest data from Great Learning, there has been a remarkable 43% increase in job postings on their career support platform, GL Excelerate, during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25). This surge is attributed to the growing demand for fresh talent, particularly for entry-level positions, which now constitute 59% of all job listings on the platform.
This resurgence is especially significant considering the recent lull during the pandemic, which had caused many companies to freeze hiring or lay off employees. Now, as India’s technology sector rebounds, the emphasis on hiring fresh graduates has become more pronounced. Key sectors leading this entry-level hiring spree include banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), data analytics, IT, and consulting—industries known for their reliance on fresh talent.
Data roles and technical positions are the front runners, making up more than 66% of job postings. Roles centered around machine learning, data analytics, and artificial intelligence are particularly sought after, showing the workforce's pivot toward skills aligned with current technological trends. Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-founder of Great Learning, highlighted the importance of upskilling, stating, “The rapid growth of global capability centers (GCCs) emphasizes the need for fresh talent and continual skill enhancement, especially in areas like data analytics and cybersecurity.”
Metro cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai remain the focal points for these job opportunities, attracting companies and job seekers alike. The report indicates this is where most hiring activity is concentrated, making it a prime destination for freshers eager to launch their careers. With the tech sector solidifying its place as India’s cornerstone for innovation, the city's infrastructure and ecosystem continue to thrive, encouraging tech startups and established firms to seek fresh talent.
Interestingly, the data aligns with findings from the Naukri JobSpeak Index, which observed an 18% overall increase in hiring compared to last year, particularly within the IT sector. AI/ML roles alone grew by 39% year-on-year, indicating fierce competition among businesses to capture the best tech minds. The emphasis is not only on filling positions but also on enhancing capabilities through data-driven decision-making and innovation, which are now integral components of many firms’ strategies.
Looking at the preferences of job seekers, there’s good news: professionals entering the job market are increasingly prioritizing organizations offering clear growth pathways and mentorship opportunities. A survey conducted by apna.co found 8 out of 10 Gen Z professionals would rather have established career growth routes than merely focusing on salary. This shift indicates the younger workforce is more about skill development and long-term opportunities than short-term financial gains, impacting how companies craft their recruiting strategies.
To remain competitive, those aspiring to enter the tech job market need to sharpen their skills, particularly focusing on AI and data analytics—the hot spots for growth and development right now. Fresh graduates, especially, should take proactive steps to bolster their skill sets, ensuring they meet the current market demands and stand out among applicants.
The growing trend of hiring, especially for entry-level roles, reflects not just optimism for economic recovery but also highlights the need for constant adaptation within industries. Freshers are now poised to enter the workforce at the right moment, riding the wave of digital transformation sweeping across sectors. Companies understand this is an opportune time to invest in talent, leading to stronger team dynamics and innovative approaches to challenges ahead.
So, what does this mean for the future? With entry-level positions making significant strides, the upcoming months are likely to see continued growth in recruitment across the technology and data analytics sectors. It paves the way for students and professionals alike, offering them ample chances to thrive and develop their careers. For now, the job market looks optimistic, and fresh talent has never been needed more.
