NewKerala.com

73% Employers Plan Fresher Hiring in H1 2026, Seek Applied Skills

Nearly 73% of employers in India intend to hire freshers in the first half of 2026, marking a 3% increase from the previous period. The retail sector shows the highest intent at 91%, followed by e-commerce and tech startups. Companies are increasingly prioritizing applied skills demonstrated through internships and projects over academic degrees alone. Top in-demand roles include Business Intelligence Analysts and Cloud Operations Associates, with certifications in AI and Cloud Computing recommended for job seekers.

Key Points: Fresher Hiring Intent Rises to 73% for H1 2026 in India

  • 73% employers plan H1 2026 fresher hiring
  • Retail leads with 91% hiring intent
  • Shift from degrees to proof-of-work like internships
  • Top roles: Business Intelligence Analyst, Cloud Operations
2 min read

High intent for fresher hiring in H1 2026 as employers prioritise applied skills: Report

73% of Indian employers plan to hire freshers in H1 2026, with retail and e-commerce leading. Applied skills like internships are now key over degrees.

"The real divide today is between candidates who can demonstrate applied skills and those who cannot. - Shantanu Rooj"

New Delhi, February 18

Nearly 73 per cent of employers in India plan to hire freshers during the first half of 2026, according to the TeamLease EdTech Career Outlook Report. This represents a 3 per cent increase in hiring intent compared to the previous six-month period. While the demand for entry-level talent is growing, companies are shifting their focus away from academic degrees alone. Instead, recruiters are looking for proof-of-work, such as internships, real-world projects, and active participation in online professional communities.

The Retail sector leads the market with a 91 per cent hiring intent, followed closely by E-commerce and Technology Start-ups at 90 per cent, and the Manufacturing sector at 85 per cent. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai are the primary hubs for these opportunities. In Bangalore, 84 per cent of employers are looking for new talent, particularly for roles like Software Testing Engineers and Digital Marketing Executives. Mumbai follows with 72 per cent hiring intent, driven by sectors such as FMCG and Healthcare.

The report emphasises a growing gap between candidates who possess theoretical knowledge and those who can apply their skills in a professional setting.

According to the TeamLease EdTech release, Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, stated, "The real divide today is between candidates who can demonstrate applied skills and those who cannot. Freshers with internships, project portfolios, or hands-on exposure are moving faster into growth tracks, while degree-only applicants face longer search cycles."

Business Intelligence Analysts, Cloud Operations Associates, and Digital Campaign Analysts are among the most sought-after roles for the January-June 2026 period. To remain competitive, the report suggests that freshers pursue certifications in AI and Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and Project Management. These findings are based on responses from 1,051 employers across various industries in India, highlighting a selective but steady recovery in the entry-level job market.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! Companies are realizing that a degree doesn't guarantee job readiness. I graduated last year and it was my freelance social media projects that got me my first job, not my marksheet. More colleges need to integrate mandatory internships into their curriculum.
R
Rohit P
Good news, but the pressure on students is immense. They are already paying high fees for degrees, and now they need to spend extra time and money on certifications, online courses, and unpaid internships to be "job-ready". The system needs to support them better.
S
Sarah B
The focus on Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai is a bit concerning. What about opportunities in tier-2 and tier-3 cities? The growth needs to be more inclusive. Remote roles could be a great equalizer if companies are willing to adopt them for freshers too.
K
Karthik V
Retail at 91% is surprising and very encouraging! It shows there are diverse entry points into the workforce beyond just tech. A positive sign for graduates from all streams, not just engineering. Hard work and practical skills are the real keys.
M
Michael C
The emphasis on Cloud and AI certifications is spot-on for the global market. Indian freshers who skill up in these areas will be competitive not just domestically, but will have great opportunities for roles abroad as well. Future is bright for those who adapt.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50