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Recruitment in India’s white-collar job sector fell by 1.4% in March 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, according to a report by Naukri.com. The report, based on its JobSpeak Index, highlighted a noticeable slowdown in hiring across sectors such as retail (down 13%), oil and gas (down 10%), and education (down 14%). While overall white-collar hiring remained relatively steady, these specific industries saw a significant dip.
IT Sector Shows Mixed Trends
The IT sector recorded a smaller decline of 3% in March 2025, an improvement from the 16% fall noted in March 2024. Within the sector, emerging technology firms—especially those involved in blockchain and cryptocurrency—reported a substantial 36% increase in hiring. IT startups also demonstrated resilience, with an 11% rise in job creation during the same period.
AI Adoption Rises, But Talent Gaps Remain
Indian companies are increasingly focusing on the use of generative AI, treating it as a core business strategy rather than just a trend. Despite this shift, human resource professionals are facing difficulties in finding well-qualified candidates. The report reveals that 54% of HR professionals believe less than half of job applicants meet required qualifications. The top concerns are a lack of technical skills (61%) and interpersonal skills (57%).
