2025 to Witness New Transformation in Indian Workforce, 500,000 new jobs expected – states FirstMeridian Business Services
15% Increase Across Construction, Hospitality, and Renewable Energy Industries Expected
2024, marked by significant shifts across various sectors, has set a foundation for an evolving job market characterized by resilience and adaptability. The Indian job market has shown resilience, particularly in sectors driven by the domestic economy. Notably, the Oil & Gas, Pharma, and FMCG sectors have experienced robust hiring growth. Interestingly, sectors like E-commerce (25%), Renewable Energy (20%), Healthcare (18%), and Logistics (15%) have also recorded significant increases in hiring compared to the previous year, with roles such as Data Analysts, Project Managers, Healthcare Workers, and Supply Chain Managers in high demand. In the coming year, industries such as Manufacturing, Hospitality, E-commerce, and Renewable Energy are projected to maintain their upward trajectory with a 15% average increase in opportunities, driven by ongoing investments and consumer demand.
In contrast, traditional sectors such as IT have faced challenges, reflecting a cautious market sentiment. However, even within IT, there has been notable growth in niche areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing, and overall hiring in this sector is expected to surge by 10% in the coming year.
Another significant trend this year has been the emphasis on upskilling. With 60% of recruiters prioritizing candidates with expertise in technology and data science, organizations are increasingly investing in training programs to equip their workforce with necessary skills. The rise of digital transformation initiatives has further accelerated this trend, pushing companies to seek talent adept in AI, cloud computing, and data analytics.
Salary expectations have also evolved in response to market dynamics. The demand for senior professionals has outpaced other experience levels, with a reported 20% increase in hiring for candidates with over 10 years of experience. This trend indicates a willingness among companies to offer competitive compensation packages to attract top-tier talent. In 2025, the average salary range across entry-mid-senior levels is anticipated to increase by a 10-20% average.
Overall, the hiring outlook for 2025 stands promising, with an estimated increase of 500,000 new employment opportunities across leading sectors like Construction, Hospitality, Renewable Energy, and Healthcare. From a geographic perspective, even Tier II and Tier III locations will experience an influx of jobs as India Inc.’s business footprint expands.
In 2025, the adoption of AI-driven recruitment tools is also expected to grow, enhancing efficiency in hiring processes and improving candidate experiences. Additionally, as hybrid work models become more entrenched in corporate culture, organizations will broaden their recruitment strategies to include talent from diverse geographic locations. Incidentally, the push for diversity and inclusion will likely intensify in the coming year, with companies implementing strategies to attract candidates from underrepresented groups.
Quote from Manmeet Singh, CEO, FirstMeridian Global Services and Innovsource:
“2024 has been a transformative year for India’s job market, showcasing resilience and adaptability across sectors like Renewable Energy, Healthcare, and E-commerce, which have seen robust hiring growth. As we look ahead to 2025, the emphasis on upskilling and the integration of AI in recruitment processes will redefine how organizations attract and retain talent. With a projected 15% increase in opportunities across emerging industries, the future of work in India appears promising.”