Indian IT services firms are witnessing a fresh wave of recruitment, with a projected 20-25% increase in fresher hiring for FY25. This turnaround follows a slowdown in recruitment over the past year. According to a TeamLease Digital analysis, global capability centres (GCCs) are set to boost fresher hiring by 40%, driven by the need for specialized skills.

The demand for skills in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data analytics is reshaping the hiring landscape. Data scientists, for instance, have seen a surge in job postings, with 69% of these roles requiring ML expertise in 2024. Additionally, skills in natural language processing (NLP) have gained momentum, jumping from 5% in 2024 to 19% in 2025.

Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, emphasized the importance of aligning talent strategies with technological advancements, particularly in AI and Cloud computing. Upskilling is now a necessity to remain competitive in this dynamic environment.

Key players like TCS, Accenture, and HCLTech have echoed these sentiments. TCS has more than doubled its intake of higher-cadre trainees, while HCLTech is focusing on specialized recruitment in data and AI for its 2025-26 campus hiring. Specialized freshers are also commanding higher-than-average salaries, with some roles offering compensation two to four times higher than standard packages.

The demand for specialized skills extends to mid- and senior-level roles, particularly in areas like project management, cybersecurity, and Cloud engineering. Salaries for these roles have seen a rise of up to 10.8%, reflecting the market’s growing need for experienced professionals.

By FY25, India is expected to require over 2 million Cloud professionals as the adoption of Cloud technologies continues to accelerate across various industries.