Are E-commerce and Tech Startups Leading Freshers Hiring in India with 88% Intent?

New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The e-commerce and technology startup sectors are at the forefront of fresh graduate recruitment in India, exhibiting a remarkable 88 percent intent for the July-December timeframe, as highlighted in a report released on Tuesday.

The Career Outlook report (HY2 2025) from TeamLease EdTech showcases strong prospects for entry-level job seekers across crucial industries, with retail (87 percent) and manufacturing (82 percent) also demonstrating significant hiring intent for freshers.

In terms of cities, Bangalore tops the list with 81 percent intent, followed by Mumbai (67 percent) and Chennai (59 percent).

Despite a slight decrease in overall fresher hiring intent to 70 percent for the July-December 2025 period—down 4 percent from January-June 2025—opportunities remain robust in fast-growing sectors.

This change is attributed to AI-driven workforce restructuring, global trade uncertainties, and a strategic emphasis on retaining seasoned talent in core industries, as stated in the report derived from a survey involving 1,065 employees and employers.

The demand for degree apprentices is steadily rising, with manufacturing (37 percent), engineering and infrastructure (29 percent), and information technology (18 percent) leading the charge.

“The substantial hiring intent in e-commerce and tech startups signifies the dynamic expansion in this sector, offering exciting opportunities for fresh graduates. As industries evolve with technology, freshers equipped with technical know-how, adaptability, and interpersonal skills will be well-positioned,” commented Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech.

“The growth of degree apprenticeship programs further highlights the demand for practical, skill-oriented educational pathways,” Rooj added.

Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune lead in apprenticeship hiring intent at 37 percent, 30 percent, and 26 percent, respectively. Smaller firms are also showing a marked preference for hiring fresh talent compared to larger corporations, although their hiring capacity remains somewhat limited.

Additionally, there is a sustained demand for positions such as IoT engineer, cloud engineer, process automation analyst, Junior NLP developer, content marketing executive, and Junior actuarial analyst, as per the report.

Core domain skills in demand encompass cybersecurity, data storytelling, prompt engineering, sustainable energy systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, actuarial science, genetic engineering, business analytics, and performance marketing.