India’s hiring landscape remains resilient heading into the third quarter of 2025, with employers reporting a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 42%.
According to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, this marks a slight dip from the previous quarter but reflects a strong 12-point year-on-year gain.
Despite global economic uncertainties, India continues to rank second globally in hiring intent, driven by growth in private services and shifts in global trade dynamics, particularly in relation to China.
Sector-Wise Hiring Trends
The survey highlights sectoral hiring trends, with Energy & Utilities emerging as the strongest sector, reporting a Net Employment Outlook of 50%—an 18-point increase from the previous quarter.
Other key sectors include:
- Information Technology (46%) – Despite an 11-point decline year-over-year, IT remains a major hiring driver, fueled by digital transformation and AI-related skill demands.
- Industrials & Materials (45%) – Strong hiring momentum continues in manufacturing and infrastructure.
- Financials & Real Estate (43%) – Employment remains steady, reflecting economic expansion and investment trends.
- Healthcare & Life Sciences (38%) – Growth in biotech and medical research is driving employment in this sector.
Regional Hiring Outlook
Among India’s regions, North India leads with a NEO of 46%, reflecting a 2-point increase from the previous quarter and a 10-point rise since Q3 2024.
Other regions include:
- East (44%) – Consistent hiring growth.
- West (41%) – Moderate expansion in employment.
- South (36%) – Slightly lower employment intent compared to other regions.
Workforce Transformation and Employer Strategies
The survey also highlights key workforce trends, including:
- Company expansion (44%) as the top reason for staffing increases.
- Economic challenges (38%) as the primary driver for workforce reductions.
- Automation investments (82%) – Employers are accelerating digital adoption to enhance efficiency.
- Workforce strategy evolution (67%) – Companies are adapting hiring models to meet changing skill demands.
Impact of Global Trade Uncertainty
Global trade uncertainty is shaping employment decisions for 90% of companies, particularly in Energy & Utilities (94%), Information Technology (93%), and Financials & Real Estate (91%).
Employers are restructuring hiring strategies to navigate geopolitical shifts and maintain workforce stability.
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