India’s white-collar job market strengthened in August 2025, recording a 23% year-on-year (YoY) increase and a 3% month-on-month (MoM) rise, according to the foundit Insights Tracker (fit). While recovery is visible across sectors, the real momentum is being shaped by STEM-driven industries, which are expanding their job base and redefining India’s workforce priorities.
STEM employment has grown from 6.8 million jobs in August 2024 to 7.3 million in August 2025, marking a 7.4% annual rise, with demand spanning IT, BFSI, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
Overall Hiring Trends – August 2025
In August ‘25, India’s hiring market reflected steady momentum:
- FMCG (+41% YoY), Retail (+40%), and IT – Software & Services (+17%) were the fastest-growing industries.
- Healthcare & Pharma (-5% MoM), Printing & Packaging (-10% MoM), and Shipping & Maritime (-7% YoY) slowed down.
- Mumbai (+26% YoY) led among metros, followed by Bengaluru (+19%), Pune (+18%), and Hyderabad (+18%). Among Tier-2 hubs, Coimbatore (+23%) and Ahmedabad (+22%) stood out.
STEM at the Core of Hiring Growth
STEM accounts for more than 7.3 million jobs today.
IT–Software & Services leads with 2.48 million jobs (35% share), reflecting strong demand for cloud, cybersecurity, and AI.
BFSI follows with 9% share, while Manufacturing and BPO/Tech-enabled services each contribute 7%.
Healthcare & Pharma and Construction & Engineering hold a combined 12% share, while Automotive and Energy (5% each) highlight growth in EVs and renewables.
Newer entrants like AgriTech — are also adding momentum.
Functional Trends – IT, Engineering, and Customer Service Lead
IT roles dominate with 2.26 million jobs (33%), while Engineering & Production accounts for 20%, driven by India’s EV and infrastructure push.
Customer Service (11%) remains steady, cementing India’s outsourcing strength. Sales & BD (9%) and Finance & Accounting (7%) are expanding, while Medical (7%) continues to see stable demand.
Marketing & Communications, Supply Chain, and HR — though smaller in size — are increasingly integrated into STEM hiring.
Location Trends – Metros Strong, Tier-2 Rising
Metros still lead, with 53% of STEM jobs (3.87 Mn). Bengaluru (16%), Delhi NCR (12%), and Hyderabad (9%, the fastest-growing metro) dominate. Mumbai holds 7%, while Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata contribute another 9%.
Tier-2 cities are gaining share, now accounting for nearly 20% of STEM jobs.
Ahmedabad and Jaipur are front-runners, while Coimbatore, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Indore, and Kochi are expanding across IT, engineering, and BPO. This decentralisation reflects how STEM hiring is no longer metro-exclusive.
Experience-Level Trends – Freshers First, Leaders Rising
Freshers (0–3 years) remain the largest pool, with 45% of STEM jobs (3.28 Mn), especially in IT, GCCs, and startups. Tier-2 hubs absorb more entry-level talent (52%) than metros (40%).
Mid-level roles (4–10 years) make up 39%, steadying delivery and execution functions. Senior professionals (>15 years) now hold a 7% share, with demand rising as firms expand governance and succession planning. Many of these leadership roles are relocating to Tier-2 cities for scale and efficiency.
About the foundit Insights Tracker
The foundit Insights Tracker (fit), previously known as the Monster Employment Index, is foundit’s monthly deep-dive into hiring trends across India. Drawing from millions of job postings, fit delivers comprehensive insights into sectoral demand, functional growth, city-wise shifts, and salary benchmarks, providing a clear view of India’s dynamic job market.
