India’s Job Market Grows 10% In February; Skill-Based Hiring On The Rise

According to a report released on Thursday, India’s job market continued its upward trend in February 2025, witnessing a 10% month-over-month (MoM) increase in hiring.

The report, based on insights from jobs and talent platform foundit, highlights a growing preference for skills and certifications over traditional degrees in fresher hiring.

The proportion of job listings prioritizing competencies over qualifications has increased from 4% in 2023 to 14% in 2025, signaling a shift towards a skill-driven workforce.

V Suresh, CEO of foundit stated, “The shift towards skill-based hiring is undeniable. Employers are increasingly prioritising candidates with practical expertise and industry-relevant skills.”

“This presents a valuable opportunity for recent graduates to focus on acquiring in-demand skills, earning certifications, and building robust portfolios that highlight their capabilities, ultimately enabling them to differentiate themselves in an ever-evolving job market,” he further asserted.

IT Sector Leads Fresher Hiring; Other Sectors Show Mixed Trends

Fresher hiring in India grew 6% MoM in February, with steady demand for entry-level talent.

The IT hardware and software sector dominated fresher recruitment, nearly doubling its share from 17% in 2024 to 34% in 2025.

Meanwhile, the recruitment and staffing industry also saw a notable rise in fresher hiring, reflecting the growing demand for new talent.

However, sectors like BFSI and BPO/ITES experienced a decline, suggesting shifting industry priorities.

Among job functions, IT remains the most sought-after field, though its share has slightly declined.

In contrast, sales and business development, marketing and communications, and medical roles have gained traction.

Notably, marketing and communications now accounts for 11% of fresher job postings, marking a significant increase.

Tier-2 Cities Emerging As Key Job Hubs

Apart from major metropolitan areas, Tier-2 cities such as Nasik, Jaipur, Surat, Coimbatore, Indore, Kochi, Thane, Vadodara, Chandigarh, and Nagpur are rapidly becoming prominent hubs for fresher job opportunities.

Fresher salaries in February 2025 show notable year-on-year (YoY) growth in sectors like animation, gaming, and medical/healthcare, with increases of 15% and 8%, respectively.

These industries continue to offer competitive salary ranges.

In terms of MoM hiring growth, the import and export and BPO sectors saw the highest surge at 14%, followed by energy (12%) and logistics and transportation (11%).

Also Read: India’s Telecom Sector Sees Unprecedented Growth; Surpasses 936 Million Internet Users