India’s white-collar job market is poised for robust growth in the latter half of 2025, with a significant majority of employers planning to expand their workforce through net new job creation.
According to Naukri’s bi-annual Hiring Outlook report, 72% of surveyed employers indicated plans to create new roles rather than rely solely on replacement hiring.
The report, based on responses from over 1,300 employers across sectors, reflects a broad-based optimism in hiring activity despite global concerns around automation and economic uncertainty.
Overall, 94% of employers expressed intent to hire during the second half of the fiscal year, underscoring a strong recovery in recruitment momentum across industries.
AI Seen as a Catalyst, Not a Threat to Employers
Contrary to global narratives around job displacement due to artificial intelligence (AI), the report reveals that 87% of Indian employers do not anticipate significant job losses from AI adoption.
In fact, 13% believe AI will act as a catalyst for job creation, particularly in emerging roles that require advanced technical skills.
Sectors expected to benefit most from AI-led opportunities include:
- Information Technology (42%)
- Analytics (17%)
- Business Development (11%)
These areas are witnessing increased demand for professionals skilled in machine learning, data science, and AI-related technologies, as companies shift focus from traditional IT functions to emerging tech capabilities.
Mid-Level Professionals in High Demand
Hiring intentions are strongest for mid-level professionals with 4–7 years of experience.
Nearly 47% of employers plan to recruit in this category, citing a need for candidates who combine technical expertise with practical experience.
Entry-level candidates (up to 3 years of experience) account for 29% of hiring plans, while senior-level hiring remains limited:
- 17% plan to hire professionals with 8–12 years of experience
- Only 3% intend to recruit those with 13–16 years of experience
This trend suggests a preference for agile, adaptable talent capable of contributing to fast-evolving business needs.
Sector-Wise Hiring Trends
Beyond IT and analytics, other sectors showing strong hiring momentum include:
- Business Development (20%)
- Operations and Supply Chain (14%)
- Marketing (10%)
- Analytics (6%)
These figures reflect a growing emphasis on customer engagement, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across industries.
Challenges for Employers in Tempering Enthusiasm
Despite the upbeat outlook, employers flagged several challenges that could impact hiring plans:
- Budget constraints (28%)
- Skill misalignment (21%)
- Talent shortages (20%)
- Competition for skilled professionals (10%)
Attrition also remains a concern, with nearly half of employers expecting exits to exceed 10%, and 11% anticipating churn above 20%.
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