Strategic Hiring Focuses on Freshers and Junior-Level Positions

Software services companies are adopting a cautious yet strategic approach to hiring in the second half of FY25. Recruitment specialists project a 3–5 per cent growth compared to the first half, with a strong focus on skilled freshers and junior-level positions. This shift is attributed to lower costs and higher learning potential.

Industry Leaders Set Ambitious Targets

TCS and Wipro have reaffirmed their FY26 fresher hiring targets of 40,000 and 12,000 respectively, while Infosys and Cognizant aim to add 15,000–20,000 freshers each. Despite a slowdown in net additions, outsourcing firms remain optimistic, citing stronger deal momentum and rising demand for specialized skills.

Emerging Trends and Skills in Demand

Demand is strongest in AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and digital consulting. With many AI pilots underway, companies are beginning to identify the real ROI and are looking to hire talent that can scale viable projects. However, growth will be selective and skills-led, not volume-driven.

Tier-2 cities such as Chandigarh and Coimbatore are emerging as junior and mid-level hiring hubs, driven by GCC expansion and distributed workforce models.