Around 73% of employers are looking to recruit freshers in the first half of 2026, showing a 3% increase from the previous period. The hiring trend is shifting towards prioritizing demonstrable skills, as per a report by TeamLease EdTech. Sectors like retail, e-commerce, technology start-ups, and manufacturing are leading in hiring intentions, with retail topping at 91%.
The report identifies specific roles in demand across sectors. In retail, positions like dark store assistants and inventory management assistants are sought after. E-commerce and start-ups are looking for digital sales associates and junior web developers, while manufacturing requires inventory and logistics coordinators and battery assembly technicians. Shantanu Rooj, the Founder and CEO of TeamLease Edtech, emphasized the importance of candidates showcasing practical skills.
Rooj highlighted a significant surge in hiring intent in certain sectors. Retail hiring intent, for instance, has seen a remarkable increase from 41% to 91%. He mentioned a growing need for candidates with applied skills and suggested integrating proof-of-work into learning paths for better outcomes. The market is witnessing a structural reset, favoring candidates with internships, project portfolios, or hands-on experience over those with only degrees.
Freshers are witnessing a rise in hiring intent in various sectors. The travel industry, for instance, has seen intent surge from 26% to 77%, while Power and Energy sector hiring intent has risen from 22% to 72%. Geographically, Bengaluru leads in fresher hiring intent at 84%, primarily driven by IT and e-commerce & technology start-ups. Mumbai follows closely at 72%, with strong demand in retail, FMCG, and healthcare & pharmaceuticals.
The demand for fresh talent is also high in the engineering & infrastructure sector, particularly for roles like software testing engineer and digital marketing executive. The report suggests that certifications in Business Analysis, AI and Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, AI-enabled Digital Marketing, and Project Management can enhance the employability of freshers.
