Is Campus Hiring Sentiment on the Rise with 73% of Indian Firms Expecting Growth?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A recent report indicates a promising shift in campus hiring in India, with 73% of companies forecasting growth. This transformation reflects evolving recruitment strategies focused on skill alignment and workplace diversity, positioning organizations to shape their futures.
Key Takeaways
- 73% of Indian firms expect growth in campus hiring.
- Optimism is highest in financial services and life sciences.
- Companies are planning significant workforce expansions.
- Salary growth for fresh graduates remains limited.
- Focus on diversity and workplace culture is increasing.
New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) The prospects for campus hiring in India have improved significantly, as a recent report reveals that 73% of organizations anticipate moderate to substantial business growth. This positive trend was highlighted in a report published on Tuesday.
According to data from Aon, the highest levels of optimism are seen in sectors such as financial services, life sciences, and consumer goods, leading to an increased intention to recruit fresh graduates compared to 2024.
The ‘Campus Study Report 2025-26’, based on feedback from over 220 organizations, indicates that fields such as information technology, industrials, materials, and healthcare are also contributing to this demand.
The report notes that over 40% of companies surveyed are planning to grow their workforce by more than 10% in FY26, suggesting a broader recovery in the job market despite ongoing global economic challenges.
However, even with the uptick in hiring sentiment, the growth in compensation for fresh graduates remains limited.
Graduates from MBA and engineering programs have experienced only minor increases in their total cost to company (TCC), primarily driven by joining bonuses and performance-based pay rather than significant fixed salary increments.
Companies are emphasizing incentives, with variable pay ranging from 10% to 12%.
The report highlights that 67% of employers offer short-term incentives to MBA graduates.
“The landscape of campus hiring in India is transforming,” stated Roopank Chaudhary, partner and head of data solutions for Aon in India.
“Organizations are transitioning from mass recruitment to prioritizing candidates with the right skills, early engagement, and long-term retention strategies,” Chaudhary added.
The report also points to an increasing emphasis on workplace culture and diversity. More than half of the surveyed organizations believe that aligning culture directly influences performance, with nearly 90% assessing cultural fit during the hiring process.
Gender diversity has emerged as a significant focus, with half of the firms establishing gender ratio targets across their talent pools.
More than 30% of employers are even broadening their recruitment beyond traditional college lists to meet these targets, according to the findings.
“Campus hiring has evolved beyond mere role fulfillment; it is about shaping the organization's future,” remarked Saachi Verma, associate director of Talent Solutions for India at Aon and the lead author of the report.
Verma emphasized that developing robust learning and development programs and a compelling employee value proposition will be crucial for attracting and retaining top talent.
Point of View
I believe the findings of this report reflect a significant evolution in campus hiring. Organizations are not only focusing on filling positions but are also emphasizing the importance of cultural fit and skill alignment. This progressive approach is crucial for fostering a dynamic and diverse workforce that can adapt to future challenges.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current sentiment for campus hiring in India?
The sentiment for campus hiring in India is positive, with 73% of firms expecting moderate to high business growth, according to a recent report.
Which sectors are showing the most optimism in hiring?
The sectors demonstrating the most optimism include financial services, life sciences, and consumer goods, along with IT, industrials, and healthcare.
What is driving the demand for new graduates?
The demand for new graduates is primarily driven by the positive business outlook and the need for skilled candidates in various sectors.
Are salaries for fresh graduates increasing?
While hiring sentiment is improving, the growth in salaries for fresh graduates remains modest, with increases mainly from bonuses rather than fixed salaries.
What strategies are companies adopting for campus hiring?
Companies are focusing on early engagement, skill alignment, and long-term retention strategies. There is also an emphasis on workplace culture and diversity.
