Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 18: Software services companies are expected to adopt a cautious yet strategic approach to hiring in the second half of FY25, with projected growth of 3–5 per cent compared to the first half, recruitment specialists said.

The focus will be on skilled freshers and junior-level positions, given lower costs and higher learning potential. “Hiring may remain muted in H2 unless client spending picks up. Lateral hiring will be need-based, while fresh hiring could be calibrated to future deal visibility. Overall, H2 may see 3–5% growth, driven largely by demand for AI, cloud, and platform roles,” said Neeti Sharma, CEO of Teamlease Digital.

Top IT firms, including TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, added fewer than 5,000 employees in the April-June quarter amid trade and macroeconomic uncertainties. Nevertheless, fresher hiring remains optimistic, with TCS and Wipro targeting 40,000 and 12,000 freshers respectively, while Infosys and Cognizant aim to onboard 15,000–20,000 each.

Companies are prioritising cost optimisation and utilising entry-level hiring as a strategic investment in future talent, while mid-to-senior roles face restructuring due to reduced billability, M&A overlaps, or outdated technology.

“Demand will be strongest in AI/ML, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and digital consulting. Companies are identifying real ROI from AI pilots and hiring talent to scale viable projects. Growth will be selective and skills-led, not volume-driven,” said Aditya Narayan Mishra, MD & CEO of CIEL HR.

Randstad Digital’s India Talent Insights Report 2025 highlighted 39% growth in AI and ML demand in 2024, even as overall IT recruitment fell 7% due to global economic pressures. Tier-2 cities such as Chandigarh and Coimbatore are emerging as junior and mid-level hiring hubs, driven by GCC expansion and distributed workforce models.