NEW DELHI: The Indian IT hiring landscape is poised for a significant rebound in 2025, with a strong focus on specialized skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. This optimistic outlook follows a challenging 2024, marked by delayed onboarding and a decline in overall hiring activity due to broader macroeconomic challenges and global uncertainties.
The demand for roles in AI and machine learning surged by 39% in 2024, reflecting a shift towards more specialized skill sets as organizations prioritize these technologies. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating a 30-35% increase in demand for specialized tech roles in 2025.
There has been notable growth in IT hiring within Tier 2 cities, which saw an impressive 48% increase during the third quarter of 2024. This geographic diversification of job opportunities beyond traditional tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad is reshaping India’s IT employment landscape.
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Hiring for professionals with mid- to senior-level experience increased by 35%, suggesting that companies favour experienced candidates amid market fluctuations. The hiring landscape for fresh graduates remained subdued, with growth rates ranging from 2-15% across various tech sectors.
Improvements in economic conditions and technological advancements are expected to fuel recovery and growth in the IT sector. As large projects commence in early 2025, there will be a notable increase in job opportunities for new graduates.
Sunil Chemmankotil, Country Manager of Adecco India, noted that while Global Capability Centres (GCCs) played a crucial role in boosting hiring—accounting for 52.6% of job openings for tech professionals—they could not fully offset the significant downturn in the IT services sector. However, the resilience and growth in certain areas, particularly AI and machine learning, are encouraging signs for the future.
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Jaideep Kewalramani, COO and Head of Employability Business at TeamLease Edtech shared that fresh hiring will likely pick up as organizations become more confident about the economic outlook after key elections. Companies are expected to invest heavily in upskilling their workforce to meet evolving demands, particularly in areas such as AI and cybersecurity.