After a subdued period, fresher hiring in India’s IT services sector is poised for a strong revival in FY25, with a projected 20-25% increase. Global capability centres (GCCs) are also expected to expand their fresher recruitment by 40% compared to the previous year, according to an analysis by TeamLease Digital.
This growth reflects the IT industry’s renewed focus on attracting fresh talent to meet the rising demand for specialised skills in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics. The uptick in hiring marks a turnaround as companies gear up to address evolving technological challenges and opportunities.
Rise of Specialised Skills in AI, ML, and Data Analytics
The TeamLease Digital report underscores that the increase in fresher hiring is primarily driven by a focus on specialised technical skills. As AI, ML, and automation gain prominence across industries, demand for data-related roles has surged.
In fact, nearly 69% of job postings for data scientists in 2024 mention ML skills, indicating the growing importance of AI-powered technologies in the modern workplace. Additionally, skills in natural language processing (NLP) have become highly sought-after, with demand increasing from 5% in 2024 to 19% in 2025.
This trend is mirrored in the demand for other skills like Python programming, ethical hacking, penetration testing, Agile Scrum, AWS Security, and JavaScript, reflecting the industry’s shifting focus toward AI-driven and cloud-based solutions.
Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, highlighted that businesses must adapt their talent strategies to keep pace with technological advancements.
She stressed that upskilling is essential for professionals to remain competitive in the rapidly changing tech landscape, with AI and Cloud computing playing a key role in this transformation.
Industry Players Prioritizing Specialization Over Volume
Leading IT firms like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCLTech are also aligning their hiring strategies with this trend toward specialization. TCS has more than doubled its intake of higher-cadre trainees, offering differential compensation based on skills.
Milind Lakkad, TCS Chief Human Resource Officer, emphasized during an analyst call that the company is now offering specialized compensation packages, particularly for roles requiring advanced technical expertise.
HCLTech has similarly adopted a specialized approach to fresher hiring.
According to Ramachandran Sundararajan, HCLTech Chief People Officer, the company’s recruitment process has increasingly focused on candidates with specialized skills in data and AI, as these disciplines allow freshers to transition to project mode quickly.
Sundararajan also noted that compensation for freshers in these specialized roles is significantly higher than average, with those selected for product business roles earning up to four times the standard salary.
Mid to Senior-Level Hiring Also Reflects Specialised Demand
The focus on specialization is not limited to fresher hiring; it extends to mid-level and senior-level roles as well. Mid-level hiring has remained stable, with continued demand for project managers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts.
Salaries in these roles have increased by 7.89% to 10.2% compared to 2023-24, reflecting the premium placed on professionals who can effectively manage and optimize complex business operations.
At the senior management level, demand has risen by 21% since last year, particularly for roles in data engineering, product management, and DevOps. Salary increments for senior professionals in these fields range from 6.54% to 10.8%, highlighting the strategic importance of expertise in these areas.
Additionally, the rapid migration to Cloud infrastructures has led to increased hiring for roles related to Cloud engineering and architecture, with certifications in platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure becoming essential credentials for tech professionals.
By FY25, India is expected to require over 2 million Cloud experts to support the widespread adoption of Cloud technologies across industries.
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