India’s IT Hiring Rebounds: Freshers, AI Talent in High Demand
After months of uncertainty and layoffs, India’s IT sector is finally showing signs of a strong comeback. In the first half of FY2025-26, hiring trends have shifted dramatically, with freshers and mid-level professionals back in demand. According to Adecco India, a leading HR solutions firm, this rebound is driven by rising project pipelines and a renewed focus on AI, cloud computing, and data engineering.
Campus Recruitment in India’s IT Sector Sees 25% Growth
Campus hiring is booming again. Compared to last year, recruitment from engineering and technical colleges has jumped by 25%. Top IT companies are actively engaging with institutions across India, especially in major tech hubs like:
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
- Pune
- Delhi NCR
Additionally, tier II cities such as Coimbatore, Udaipur, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, and Indore have seen a 7% rise in placements. This shift reflects a broader strategy to tap into emerging talent pools beyond metro regions.
AI, Cloud, and Engineering Roles Drive Demand
The demand for roles in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and technical engineering has surged by 27%. Companies are offering 5% higher compensation compared to last year, signaling a competitive market for skilled professionals.
Key roles in demand include:
- AI Engineers
- Cloud Architects
- Cybersecurity Analysts
- MLOps Specialists
- Cross-domain Engineers
- Data Engineers
These roles are critical as companies move toward digital transformation and smarter infrastructure.
Shift from ‘Hire-and-Train’ to ‘Train-Then-Hire’ Model
Traditionally, IT firms hired freshers and trained them post-recruitment. Now, many are flipping the model. By engaging with campuses earlier, companies ensure students are trained before hiring, reducing ramp-up time and improving productivity.
This approach aligns academic readiness with real-world project needs, making freshers more market-ready from day one.
Mid-Senior Level Hiring Up by 42% Across Digital Roles
While freshers are back in demand, mid-to-senior professionals are seeing even stronger traction. Adecco reports a 42% increase in hiring for roles such as:
- Delivery Leadership
- Digital Transformation Leads
- DevOps Engineers
- Site Reliability Engineers (SRE)
- Analytics Leads
Companies are now building smaller, high-impact teams rather than large generalist groups. The focus is on outcome-driven leadership and domain expertise.
Strategic Hiring in India’s IT Sector: Quality Over Quantity
Hiring sentiment remains cautious but focused. Organizations are prioritizing skill depth over scale, especially in areas like:
- Cloud Infrastructure
- AI Capabilities
- Data Analytics
This recalibration is essential to address the 45–50% demand-supply gap in specialized tech roles. Companies are aligning workforce strength with active project pipelines to ensure delivery efficiency.
External Source
For more insights, you can read the original coverage on MSN News India.com | MSN and Rediff Business Rediff.com.
