IT Sector's Fresher Hiring to Rise by 20-25% in FY25: TeamLease Digital

Fresher hiring in the Indian information technology (IT) sector is poised for a significant rebound, with expectations of a 20-25 per cent increase in recruitment for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25). This shift follows a period of subdued hiring as IT services firms scaled back their recruitment efforts. Additionally, global capability centers are projected to enhance their fresher hiring by 40 per cent compared to the previous year, according to a recent analysis by TeamLease Digital.

The anticipated rise in hiring is largely driven by a growing demand for specialised skills, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics. TeamLease highlighted that this skills focus spans various experience levels, reflecting a broad industry trend.

The analysis indicates a marked increase in job postings for data-related roles, with nearly 69 per cent of postings in 2024 specifying ML skills. There has also been a notable rise in demand for expertise in natural language processing, which is expected to jump from 5 per cent in 2024 to 19 per cent in 2025. Additional in-demand skills include Python programming, ethical hacking, penetration testing, Agile Scrum Master, AWS Security, and JavaScript, illustrating the evolving landscape of tech hiring.

Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, said, “To stay ahead, companies must align their talent strategies with technological advancements, particularly in AI and cloud computing. Investing in upskilling programs is not just a choice but a necessity, enabling professionals to remain competitive in this dynamic environment. This alignment will be crucial for fostering sustainable growth and innovation in the coming years.”

This trend is echoed by major industry players such as Accenture, Tata Consultancy Services ( TCS ), and HCLTech.

Milind Lakkad, Chief Human Resource Officer at TCS , noted during an analyst call after the release of Q2 FY25 results that the firm is significantly increasing its intake of higher-cadre trainees. “Our current trainee hiring is segmented with differential compensation for each segment. This year, we have more than doubled our intake of higher-cadre trainees,” Lakkad stated, according to a report by Business Standard.

HCLTech has also shifted its campus hiring strategy to focus on specialisation rather than volume. Ramachandran Sundararajan, Chief People Officer at HCLTech, explained that this emphasis on specialisation applies to freshers as well. “In the past 12 months, we have onboarded freshers from diverse backgrounds, with many specialising in data and AI, allowing for a quicker transition to project mode.”

The shift toward specialisation is expected to result in higher salaries for freshers in these fields. Sundararajan highlighted that a fresher selected for the company's product business could see compensation nearly four times the standard figure, while those specialising in data may receive offers two to three times higher than typical salaries.

TeamLease's analysis also reveals a consistent demand for mid-level roles, including project managers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts, with salaries in these positions increasing by 7.89 per cent to 10.2 per cent compared to 2023-24. Demand for senior management roles has risen by 21 per cent since last year, driven by the importance of expertise in data engineering, product management, and DevOps, with salary increases ranging from 6.54 per cent to 10.8 per cent.

The ongoing migration to cloud infrastructures is further fueling hiring in roles related to cloud engineering, development, and architecture. Organisations are prioritising platform-specific certifications, particularly in AWS and Microsoft Azure, as these credentials are becoming essential for tech professionals. By FY25, India is projected to require over 2 million cloud professionals to support the accelerated adoption of cloud technologies across various sectors.