India’s job market is set to witness robust momentum in the second half of 2025, with a large majority of employers optimistic about workforce expansion, according to the latest Hiring Outlook released by Naukri. The bi-annual survey, which captured insights from over 1,300 employers across sectors, points to broad-based confidence in hiring activity, despite concerns around attrition and budget pressures.
AI’s Role: A Positive Outlook Diverging from Global Trends
The report shows that 94% of employers plan to hire in H2 2025. Of these, 72% expect net new job creation, while 22% anticipate replacement hiring alone. Sectors such as IT, Business Development, and Operations are expected to lead recruitment efforts. However, attrition remains a pressing issue, with nearly half of employers expecting exits to cross 10%, and 11% predicting churn of over 20%.
On the role of artificial intelligence in shaping employment trends, the findings present a more positive picture than global narratives. While job loss concerns dominate discussions worldwide, 87% of Indian employers surveyed said they do not foresee significant disruptions due to AI. Instead, 13% believe AI will create new opportunities, particularly in IT, Analytics, and Business Development. Specialised technology roles, especially in machine learning, data science, and AI-driven applications, are likely to see heightened demand, with 37% of employers indicating plans to expand their tech workforce.
Beyond technology, Business Development is emerging as another strong growth driver, with 20% of employers planning to hire, followed by 14% in operations and supply chain, 10% in marketing, and 6% in analytics. Mid-level professionals with 4-7 years of experience are the most sought after, with 47% of employers focusing on this band, while entry-level talent accounts for 29% of hiring intentions. Senior-level hiring remains relatively muted, with just 17% planning to hire professionals with 8-12 years of experience.
In-Demand Roles and Experience Levels
Employers also flagged challenges that could temper hiring enthusiasm. Budgetary constraints were cited as the top hurdle by 28% of respondents, followed by talent shortages (20%), skill misalignment (21%), and competition for talent (10%).
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer at Naukri, said it was encouraging that a majority of employers were focused on genuine job creation rather than replacement hiring. He added that the limited concerns around AI-led job losses mark a significant divergence from global anxieties.