India’s job market projected to grow 9% in 2025

India’s job market is expected to boom in 2025, with a projected 9% growth driven by IT, retail, telecom, and BFSI sectors. Emerging technologies and evolving business needs are shaping hiring trends, with Bengaluru and Coimbatore leading city-wise growth. November 2024 saw a 10% year-over-year hiring increase, indicating continued momentum.

Hiring in November 2024 grew 10% from a year earlier and 3% from the previous month and the momentum will continue into 2025.

Emerging technologies and evolving business priorities will shape India’s job market in 2025. Innovations such as edge computing, quantum applications and cybersecurity advancements are set to transform industries like manufacturing, healthcare and IT, while the rise of retail media networks and AI-driven workforce analytics will reshape talent needs in ecommerce, HR and digital services. Organisations will look for professionals skilled in digital marketing, ad management and HR analytics.

Companies are not only looking for seasoned professionals but also broadening their search beyond established hubs. This approach will create a healthier, more diverse environment — allowing businesses to access new talent pools and build a workforce aligned with future needs.

The IT sector is set to post 15% growth in hiring in 2025, driven by the expansion of global capability centers (GCCs) and multi-cloud adoption.

The retail sector is projected to achieve 12% hiring growth, reflecting rising demand for both traditional and tech-enabled roles. The sector’s growth is driven by the resurgence of experiential brick-and-mortar stores and growing consumer spending in tier-2 and -3 cities.

The telecom sector’s 11% projected growth is driven by advancements in AI, 5G and IoT, with demand for skills in edge computing, SDN (software-defined networking), NFV (network function virtualisation) and cybersecurity.

Function-wise, finance & accounts is projected to see an 8% rise in hiring, particularly for strategic roles prioritising knowledge of digital tools, compliance expertise and focus on sustainability metrics. HR & admin shows an estimated 7% increase in hiring on the back of a focus on DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives, employee experience and HR tech, while IT (6%) will see demand for cloud specialists, AI/ML experts and cybersecurity professionals.

In 2024, India’s job market showed an uptick in hiring compared with 2023. Key industries such as manufacturing, consumer electronics and real estate drove momentum, supported by rising industrial activity, digital adoption and urbanisation. Meanwhile, cities like Coimbatore and Jaipur led regional growth, reflecting the diversification of hiring across geographies.