Mumbai : The E-commerce & Technology Start-ups sector is driving fresher hiring in India with an impressive 88% intent for the July–December 2025 period, according to the latest Career Outlook Report (HY2 2025) by TeamLease EdTech. The report highlights robust opportunities for first-time job seekers in key industries, with Retail (87%) and Manufacturing (82%) also showing strong hiring intent for freshers. Among cities, Bangalore leads with 81% intent, followed by Mumbai (67%) and Chennai (59%).

While overall fresher hiring intent has slightly softened to 70% for July–December 2025, a 4% dip from January–June 2025, opportunities remain robust in high-growth sectors. This shift is attributed to AI-led workforce restructuring, global trade uncertainties, and a strategic focus on retaining experienced talent in core industries.

The report notes a steady rise in demand for degree apprentices, with Manufacturing (37%), Engineering & Infrastructure (29%), and Information Technology (18%) leading the way. Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune are at the forefront of apprenticeship hiring intent at 37%, 30%, and 26%, respectively. Smaller organisations are also displaying a notable inclination to hire freshers compared to larger enterprises, though their hiring capacity remains relatively limited.

Shantanu Rooj, Founder & CEO, TeamLease EdTech, shared, “The strong hiring intent in E-commerce & Technology Start-ups reflects the dynamic growth in this sector, creating exciting opportunities for freshers. As industries evolve with technology, freshers who blend technical expertise with adaptability and human skills will find themselves well-positioned. The rise in degree apprenticeship programs further underscores the demand for practical, skill-based learning pathways.”

Demand remains high for roles such as IoT Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Process Automation Analyst, Jr. NLP Developer, Content Marketing Executive, and Jr. Actuarial Analyst. Core domain skills in demand include Cyber Security, Data Storytelling, Prompt Engineering, Sustainable Energy Systems, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Actuarial Science, Genetic Engineering, Business Analytics, and Performance Marketing.

Soft skills are increasingly critical, with employers prioritizing Communication, Empathy, Ethical Judgment, Active Listening, Adaptive Learning Mindset, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Resilience, Digital Fluency, and Time Management.

Total sample size: 1,065. 755 employers intend to hire freshers (within which 32 also intend to hire degree apprentices). 206 employers intend to hire degree apprentices (within which 32 also intend to hire freshers).

The survey was carried out between May and July, 2025.