Fresher hiring in India hits 75% as e-commerce and manufacturing lead the charge
On International Youth Day 2026, new data from TeamLease EdTech reveals that 75% of Indian employers plan to hire fresh graduates in the second half of the year, up from 73% in the previous six months. But the recovery is uneven, with e-commerce, retail, and manufacturing driving demand while traditional sectors like IT and consulting see a decline.
The report, based on a survey of 1,097 employers conducted between May and July 2026, shows that the strongest hiring intent is concentrated in e-commerce and technology start-ups (93%), retail (93%), and manufacturing (89%). Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) follows at 86%, and travel and hospitality at 81%. These sectors span consumer businesses, digital commerce, and industrial employment, signaling a shift away from traditional white-collar graduate recruitment.
Which sectors are hiring the most freshers?
E-commerce and technology start-ups saw hiring intent rise from 90% in the first half of 2026 to 93% in the second half. Retail increased from 91% to 93%, manufacturing from 85% to 89%, FMCG from 80% to 86%, and travel and hospitality from 77% to 81%. These gains contrast with IT, where hiring intent dropped from 81% to 76%, and consulting, which fell from 22% to 19%. Educational services, media and entertainment, marketing and advertising, and telecom also recorded declines.
What roles are in demand for freshers?
The top five fresher roles identified are AI Application Developer, Jr. Semiconductor Design Engineer, Data Centre Operations Associate, Programmatic Advertising Associate, and Inventory & Dispatch Executive. Other in-demand positions include cybersecurity analysts, full-stack developers, quick-commerce operations executives, digital media analysts, biomedical equipment technicians, digital marketing executives, data research analysts, automation and controls engineers, supply chain planners, and GIS analysts. Key skills sought include full-stack engineering, cloud security, business analytics, healthcare technology, machine learning, big data engineering, sustainability, performance marketing analytics, and semiconductor design. Soft skills like accountability, attention to detail, critical thinking, work ethics, and adaptability are also prioritized.
Which cities lead fresher hiring?
Bengaluru tops the list with 89% hiring intent, followed by Mumbai at 75%, Chennai at 71%, Hyderabad at 60%, Delhi at 49%, and Pune at 41%. All six cities recorded higher intent than in the previous half-year. The report describes a broader shift from qualification-led to capability-led hiring, with employers emphasizing practical experience, digital fluency, and the ability to apply knowledge in workplace situations.
FAQ: What does this mean for young job seekers?
Why are e-commerce and manufacturing hiring more freshers?
These sectors are expanding due to digital commerce growth and industrial demand, creating entry-level roles that require practical skills rather than traditional degrees.
Is the IT sector still a good option for freshers?
IT still hires at 76% intent, but demand has fallen by five percentage points, suggesting a more cautious approach compared to consumer and industrial sectors.
What skills should freshers focus on?
Employers value AI, semiconductor design, data analytics, cloud security, and sustainability skills, along with soft skills like critical thinking and adaptability.
Photo: The Indian Express