Has India's EPC Sector Experienced a 51% Surge in Hiring Over 5 Years?
Synopsis
Discover the latest insights into India's booming Engineering, Procurement, and Construction sector, which has seen a staggering 51% increase in hiring over the past five years. This growth reflects ongoing infrastructure projects and the push for clean energy, but significant talent shortages remain a pressing issue.
Key Takeaways
51% increase in hiring in the EPC sector since 2020.
227,000 professionals added in the last four quarters.
80% of demand is in Tier-1 cities.
Roads and Highways account for 26% of hiring .
Significant talent shortages for experienced roles.
New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) sector in India has witnessed a remarkable 51% increase in hiring since 2020, adding 227,000 professionals in the past four quarters, as reported on Saturday.
According to data from HR solutions firm CIEL HR, 80% of the demand originated from Tier-1 cities, with Mumbai leading at 23% and Delhi at 22%. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Coimbatore, and Visakhapatnam are also showing a growing need for execution-focused roles.
The Roads and Highways sector constituted the largest portion of hiring at 26%, followed by power transmission and distribution at 15%, and renewables at 14%.
The EPC industry's growth is being driven by both India's infrastructure development and its transition to clean energy, according to the report.
The report also highlights a significant shortage of skilled talent for experienced positions.
Despite advancements, 60% of job openings require candidates with over six years of experience, resulting in critical gaps for specialized roles such as commissioning engineers, protection engineers, BMS specialists, road-safety engineers, TBM tunneling experts, UPS cooling system engineers, and BESS engineers.
These talent shortages are particularly evident in rapidly evolving sectors like roads & highways, metro systems, and renewables.
“As projects become increasingly technology-driven and execution timelines shorten, organizations need to enhance their focus on talent development and engagement, not just recruitment,” stated Aditya Narayan Mishra, Managing Director & CEO of CIEL HR.
Developing strong learning ecosystems, investing in skill assessments and upskilling, and fostering a culture of continuous learning will be essential to maintaining productivity and safety, he added.
The top ten EPC firms accounted for about 20% of the total demand, the report indicated. Women's participation in the sector was reported at 14%, significantly lower than in the IT and retail industries.
While the participation rate is low, there have been ongoing initiatives in recent years aimed at enhancing gender inclusivity, including policies to encourage women's entry into the workforce and focused skill development programs.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize that the substantial growth in India's EPC sector signifies not only economic opportunity but also a pressing challenge in talent management. The data reflects a critical need for skilled professionals in a rapidly evolving landscape, underscoring the importance of investing in human capital. The government's commitment to infrastructure and clean energy must align with strategies to develop and retain a capable workforce.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recent hiring trend in India's EPC sector?
India's EPC sector has seen a 51% increase in hiring since 2020, adding 227,000 professionals in the last four quarters.
Which cities are driving the demand for EPC professionals?
Tier-1 cities, particularly Mumbai and Delhi, are leading the demand, accounting for 80% of new hiring.
What sectors within EPC are experiencing the most hiring?
The Roads and Highways sector leads with 26% of hiring, followed by power transmission and renewables.
Is there a talent shortage in the EPC sector?
Yes, there is a significant shortage of skilled professionals, particularly for roles requiring over six years of experience.
What initiatives are being taken to improve gender inclusivity in the EPC sector?
There are ongoing efforts to enhance women's participation through targeted policies and skill development programs.
