E-commerce, Tech Startups Lead Fresher Hiring in India with 88% Intent
TeamLease EdTech study shows strong opportunities for first-time job seekers despite slight overall slowdown
Freshers find hope in fast-growing sectors
India’s e-commerce and technology startup sector is set to drive fresher hiring with 88% intent during July–December 2025, according to the Career Outlook Report (HY2 2025) released by TeamLease EdTech.
Other sectors also show robust hiring intent for freshers:
- Retail – 87%
- Manufacturing – 82%
While overall hiring intent for freshers has softened slightly to 70% (a 4% dip compared to January–June 2025), opportunities remain strong in high-growth industries.
Cities leading fresher opportunities
Bangalore continues to dominate the fresher job market:
- Bangalore – 81%
- Mumbai – 67%
- Chennai – 59%
Pune also features prominently in apprenticeship hiring, with 26% intent, following Bangalore (37%) and Chennai (30%).
Apprenticeships on the rise
The report highlights a steady increase in demand for degree apprenticeships, particularly in:
- Manufacturing – 37%
- Engineering & Infrastructure – 29%
- Information Technology – 18%
Smaller organisations, though limited in scale, are showing a greater inclination to hire freshers compared to larger enterprises.
In-demand roles and skills
Freshers with tech-driven and future-ready skills are expected to benefit most. The report identifies strong demand for roles such as:
- IoT Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Process Automation Analyst
- Junior NLP Developer
- Content Marketing Executive
- Junior Actuarial Analyst
Core domain skills in demand include:
- Cybersecurity & Data Storytelling
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Prompt Engineering
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Sustainable Energy Systems
- Actuarial Science
- Genetic Engineering
- Business Analytics & Performance Marketing
Industry perspective
“The strong hiring intent in e-commerce and technology startups reflects the dynamic growth in this sector, creating exciting opportunities for freshers. As industries evolve with technology, freshers who blend technical expertise with adaptability and human skills will find themselves well-positioned,” said Shantanu Rooj, Founder & CEO, TeamLease EdTech.
He added that the rise of apprenticeship programmes underscores the growing demand for practical, skill-based learning pathways.
What’s shaping the market
The slight dip in overall fresher hiring is attributed to:
- AI-led workforce restructuring
- Global trade uncertainties
- A strategic focus on retaining experienced talent in core industries
Despite these headwinds, India’s fresher job market remains optimistic and future-ready, with technology-led sectors paving the way.
