India’s job market is projected to grow 9% in 2025, led primarily by sectors like information technology, retail, telecommunications and banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), show data from jobs and talent platform Foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME).
Hiring in November grew 10% from a year earlier and 3% from the previous month. The momentum, according to Foundit, will continue into next year.
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, its survey has found.
“Companies are not only looking for seasoned professionals but also broadening their search beyond established hubs. We believe this approach will create a healthier, more diverse environment — allowing businesses to access new talent pools and build a workforce aligned with future needs,” Anupama Bhimrajka, vice president – marketing at Foundit, said in a news release.
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.
Bengaluru (10%) and Coimbatore (9%) are forecast to lead city-wise job growth in 2025, followed by Hyderabad (8%) and Chennai (6%).
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, as per the survey.
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, as per the data.
