Freshers Alert: 73% of Indian Employers Planning to Hire in Early 2026
Nearly 73% of Indian employers intend to hire freshers during the first half of 2026 (January–June), according to the latest TeamLease EdTech Career Outlook Report.
This represents a 3% increase over the previous half-year, signaling a steady rebound in entry-level demand across the country.
Retail and Tech Lead the Surge in Freshers Hiring
The report highlights a dramatic shift in sectoral demand. The Retail sector leads with a staggering 91% hiring intent, a massive jump from 41% just a year ago.
Following closely are E-commerce & Technology Start-ups (90%) and Manufacturing (85%).
Other notable recoveries include the Travel sector, which surged 51 percentage points to reach 77%, and the Power and Energy sector, which rose to 72%.
Common entry-level roles now in high demand include Dark Store Assistants, Battery Assembly Technicians, and Digital Sales Associates.
The “Applied Skills” Divide
A critical finding of the report is the transition from academic credentials to “proof-of-work.”
Employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates who can demonstrate real-world application through:
- Internships and project portfolios.
- Participation in online professional communities.
- Technical certifications in AI, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing.
Shantanu Rooj, CEO of TeamLease EdTech, noted that while opportunities are expanding, access is becoming more selective.
“The real divide today is between candidates who can demonstrate applied skills and those who cannot,” Shantanu stated, emphasizing that degree-only applicants are facing longer job search cycles.
Bangalore and Mumbai: The Freshers Hiring Powerhouses
Geographically, Bangalore remains India’s premier hub for freshers with an 84% hiring intent, driven largely by IT and E-commerce.
It also leads the country in degree apprenticeship hiring at 45%. Mumbai follows at 72%, with strong recruitment activity in Retail, FMCG, and Healthcare.
Chennai holds the third spot at 63%.
Top Roles and Future Outlook
The three most in-demand roles for H1 2026 are Business Intelligence Analyst, Cloud Operations Associate, and Digital Campaign Analyst.
To stay competitive, the report suggests freshers invest in certifications focused on Business Analysis, AI-enabled Digital Marketing, and Project Management.
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