Indian companies to hire 10% more employees in 2025: CIEL HR report

Indian companies are set to expand their workforce by at least 10% in 2025, with a strong focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and renewable energy, according to a new report by CIEL HR.

The report highlights growing confidence in the job market, driven by rapid advancements in technology and evolving business priorities across various industries.

The hiring growth is expected to surpass 2024 levels, with sectors such as semiconductors, startups, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and global capability centers (GCCs) leading the charge.

Executives from leading companies, including Colgate-Palmolive, Tata Steel, KPMG, and Tech Mahindra, have expressed optimism about recruitment in the coming year.

Many businesses are not only planning to increase hiring but are also prioritizing upskilling their current workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

Aditya Mishra, CEO of CIEL HR, shared that the Indian job market is poised for transformation in 2025. Emerging technologies like edge computing, quantum applications, and AI are expected to drive growth in industries such as IT, manufacturing, and healthcare.

The IT sector, in particular, is predicted to lead with a 15% growth in hiring, fueled by the expansion of GCCs, multi-cloud adoption, and a focus on sustainability through energy-efficient data centers and green IT practices.

Meanwhile, the retail sector is forecasted to achieve 12% growth, propelled by increasing consumer spending in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and the resurgence of experiential brick-and-mortar stores.

The telecom sector is also expected to see an 11% increase in hiring, thanks to advancements in 5G, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Roles in areas like edge computing, software-defined networking (SDN), and cybersecurity are anticipated to be in high demand.

Companies like Colgate-Palmolive and DS Group have emphasized the strategic importance of India as a growth market. Colgate-Palmolive plans to expand its workforce significantly, while DS Group is gearing up for new product launches and expansion across verticals.

Tech Mahindra and Meesho are also ramping up campus recruitment to build a robust talent pipeline. Tech Mahindra plans to hire approximately 5,000 engineering graduates in 2025, focusing on skills in AI, machine learning (ML), and data analytics.

Meesho, which hired aggressively in 2024, aims to continue its growth trajectory with a focus on diversity, including hiring more women and young professionals from leading institutions.

Reena Wahi, Partner and Head of People, Performance, and Culture at KPMG India, revealed that the firm is planning to hire aggressively in 2025 due to strong demand across its business verticals.

KPMG is prioritizing in-demand skills such as data science, AI, ESG, and IoT while fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce by hiring from underrepresented communities, including people with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Tata Steel has also outlined plans to build a future-ready workforce by focusing on both internal talent development and external hiring. A spokesperson for the company emphasized the importance of adaptability and innovation as key traits for its future workforce.

This surge in hiring and upskilling reflects India Inc.'s readiness to embrace emerging technologies and drive operational agility in a competitive global market.

With a strong emphasis on sustainability and diversity, Indian companies are positioning themselves for long-term growth while creating opportunities for a new generation of professionals.

The evolving landscape of the job market in 2025 highlights not only economic growth but also a collective effort to build a workforce that is equipped to meet the challenges of the future.