India’s IT firms are poised for a hiring surge in fiscal year 2026 (FY26), with fresher recruitment projected to exceed 150,000.
This marks a near doubling of the hiring numbers compared to FY25, which saw an estimated 85,000–95,000 freshers entering the workforce.
The increase in hiring reflects the sector’s recovery from recent challenges and its focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Industry experts have highlighted the importance of fresher hiring in sustaining the sector’s growth and competitiveness.
Neeti Sharma, CEO of Teamlease Digital, noted that companies are expanding their workforce to meet the increasing demand for specialized skills.
Gaurav Vasu, founder and CEO of UnearthInsight, emphasized the role of GCCs in driving innovation and creating opportunities for fresh graduates.
Key Drivers of IT Firms Fresher Hiring
The anticipated hiring boom is driven by several factors, including renewed investments in technology and the growing demand for specialized skills.
Global IT services firms like Accenture, Capgemini, and Cognizant are expected to lead the recruitment drive, with fresher hiring projected to range between 160,000 and 180,000.
The focus on roles in AI, generative AI (GenAI), cybersecurity, and data analytics underscores the industry’s shift towards innovation and digital transformation.
Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are also contributing to the hiring momentum, accounting for 25–30% of fresher recruitment.
These centres are focusing on new-age skills such as embedded systems, design engineering, and AI engineering.
Indian and multinational IT services companies drive the remaining 70–75% of fresher hiring.
Industry Context and Challenges
The hiring surge comes after a challenging period for the $280 billion Indian IT outsourcing industry, which faced job losses and cautious recruitment strategies in 2024.
The sector experienced a workforce reduction of over 70,000 employees in FY24 due to global economic slowdowns and reduced technology spending.
However, FY25 has seen a revival in hiring momentum, particularly for freshers, even as overall headcount growth remains moderate.
Despite the positive outlook, the industry continues to grapple with uncertainties related to economic policies and global market conditions.
The imposition of US trade tariffs and macroeconomic headwinds in key markets such as the US and Europe have added to the challenges.
Analysts predict a slower pace of recovery, with moderate growth expected in FY26 and FY27.
Strategic Implications for IT Firms
India’s top six IT exporters, including TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, have announced plans to onboard approximately 82,000 fresh graduates in FY26.
This represents a cautious yet optimistic approach to workforce expansion.
TCS, for instance, aims to recruit over 40,000 campus freshers, while Infosys plans to increase its fresher hiring target from 15,000 in FY25 to over 20,000 in FY26.
Wipro has also announced plans to recruit 10,000–12,000 freshers in the upcoming fiscal year.
The focus on fresher hiring aligns with the industry’s broader strategy to invest in emerging technologies and address skill gaps.
Companies are prioritizing roles that require expertise in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation, reflecting the evolving demands of the global IT landscape.
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