The Indian white-collar job market is poised for a substantial hiring surge in the first half of 2025. According to a report by Naukri.com, 96% of employers have expressed optimism regarding hiring activities during this period, an increase from 92% in 2024. Notably, 58% of these employers plan to both create new positions and fill existing roles, a significant rise from 48% the previous year.

The report highlights a pronounced demand for IT professionals, with 37% of employers prioritizing IT roles, up from 24% in 2024. However, 42% of employers also anticipate higher attrition rates in IT positions, indicating potential challenges in talent retention within the industry.

Mid-career professionals, particularly those with 3-8 years of experience, are expected to be in high demand, accounting for 58% of the projected hiring activity, an increase from 53% last year. This trend reflects employers' preference for candidates who offer a blend of fresh perspectives and practical expertise.

Encouragingly, the proportion of employers anticipating layoffs has decreased from 3% in 2024 to 2% in 2025. Additionally, 34% of employers have confirmed that campus hiring will proceed as planned, up from 30% the previous year, providing a stable entry point for fresh graduates into the workforce.

Dr. Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer at Naukri.com, stated, "It is encouraging to see companies' strong hiring intent backed by substantial increment plans for H1 2025. The renewed focus on both new job creation and replacement hiring across sectors signals a positive first half of the year."