Report reveals most in-demand jobs, Indian cities that are top locations for fresher hiring, salaries and more – Times of India

Software and hardware jobs accounted for almost a third of overall jobs for freshers in India with Delhi and Bengaluru leading the list of cities that have the highest demand for freshers, a report has found.

According to a report by foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME) on fresher hiring trends, the highest share of job postings for freshers was witnessed by the IT and Recruitment/Staffing industry with over 32% and 12% share of jobs, respectively.

Dedicated to entry-level professionals, the demand for freshers has increased by 5% over the last six months, it added.

“Industry reports indicate that IT companies, particularly in the Hardware and Software sectors, are showing intent to hire freshers, signalling a shift in hiring strategies in India. This trend is largely driven by ongoing restructuring efforts within the industry, focusing on adopting new technologies, optimising costs, enhancing innovation, and ensuring scalability,” the report said.

Startups looking to hire newly-graduated engineering students

• The report noted that startups in the IT services and Internet industry lead in fresher hiring, with 23% and 22% of jobs directed to new graduates, respectively.
• While jobs in the IT industry did decline in the last quarter, engineering graduates are in demand for 28% of jobs in startups alone.
• Other roles being hired across startups are Consultants (10%), Sales/Exec Manager (4%), and Operations Exec/Manager (4%).

Delhi, Bengaluru emerge as the top locations for fresher hiring

• Delhi/NCR (21%) hosts the highest share of job postings for freshers, followed by Bengaluru (14%).
• Notably, fresher hiring was highest in metropolitan cities in India. Mumbai (8%), Chennai (8%), Pune (8%), and Hyderabad (8%) were recorded as the next few top locations for hiring freshers.

Software, Hardware account for the highest share of entry-level positions

• Software and Hardware accounted for the highest share of entry-level positions at 32%.
• The other top functions looking to hire freshers include Sales & Business Development (14%), HR & Admin (8%), Healthcare (8%), and Marketing & Communications (8%).
• The Indian IT, Recruitment, and BFSI industries are particularly seeking tech talent skilled in cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“Notably, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking are highly valued,” the report said.

Salary trends for freshers
Bengaluru offers the highest average fresher salary, followed by Mumbai and Delhi.

“Bengaluru stands out with the highest average fresher salary of 4.16 LPA among major Indian cities. Following closely is Mumbai at 3.99 LPA, with Delhi/NCR (3.89 LPA), Chennai (3.84 LPA), Pune (3.8 LPA), Kolkata (3.39 LPA), and Coimbatore (3.35 LPA),” the report said.