As we enter 2025, career aspirations are part of common new-year goals. Whether one is looking for a job switch or preparing for their own venture, understanding the latest hiring trends is essential to stay competitive for both sought-after talent and recruiters seeking the best fit.
A recent report from Naukri.com identified industries fueling job market expansion in December 2024. As per the report, AI and machine learning (ML) topped the charts with a 36% growth, followed by oil and gas with over 13% growth, FMCG with over 12% growth, and healthcare with over 12% growth.
Pawan Goyal, chief business officer at Naukri, said, “India’s job market is entering 2025 with vigour, driven by AI/ML growth and creative sectors. The surge in fresher hiring and evolving C-suite roles signals a transformation into a more dynamic landscape.”
Skills Critical for Hiring
AI skills are emerging as a key requirement in this evolving job market. A LinkedIn report revealed that employees skilled in generative AI are five times more likely to develop complementary skills like creative ideation, design thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Organisations with more GenAI-skilled employees also see four times the usual rate of leadership promotions and five times the usual rate of overall promotions.
In an interview with AIM, Joseph Sudheer Thumma, CEO and MD of IT company Magellanic Cloud, stressed the growing importance of AI expertise. “In today’s era, AI-related skills are essential across roles. At Magellanic Cloud, we prioritise candidates with a proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to change. While technical AI knowledge is crucial for some roles, we value curiosity and a growth mindset, ensuring continuous upskilling to meet tech-driven challenges.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rajesh Chandran Sogasu, senior VP at IT firm Happiest Minds Technologies, added, “AI skills are vital for our Generative AI Business Unit and Analytics/AI Center of Excellence. For other roles, we offer training to help employees leverage AI for career growth.”
In 2025, professionals with expertise in AI/ML technologies such as Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn will be highly sought after, along with the knowledge of neural networks and natural language processing (NLP).
Data engineering and big data skills, including experience in data pipelines, Hadoop, Spark, and cloud platforms like AWS and Google Cloud are also in demand. Organisations are actively seeking data science and analytics capabilities, such as advanced statistical analysis, SQL proficiency, and familiarity with visualisation tools like Tableau and Power BI.
The growing focus on AI ethics underscores the importance of understanding AI governance, bias detection, and data privacy laws. Additionally, roles in computer vision require expertise in OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision Library), deep learning for vision tasks, and 3D modelling tools. At the same time, AI product management demands strategic thinking, project management skills, and a strong grasp of AI technologies.
Appraisal Migration Wave
The IT sector’s annual migration season kicks off in April. According to placement data from the job portal Apna.co, 82% of professionals are planning to change jobs, creating a ripple of anxiety among HR departments.
Speaking to AIM, Khushbu Singh, lead process excellence at Capgemini, explained an unusual shift this year, “Typically, most companies follow the April-June appraisal cycle. However, delays in appraisals from the October-November-December (OND) cycle are now spilling into February. If OND cycles extend, it’s likely the April-June cycle will push into September. Additionally, companies consolidating two appraisal cycles into one are adding to this uncertainty.”
What’s Next?
As AI continues to reshape industries like IT, retail, automotive, and healthcare, Bengaluru stands out as the hub for AI jobs in India.
V Suresh, CEO of foundit, told AIM, “AI-driven solutions are creating demand for roles like machine learning engineers, AI researchers, and automation specialists. Key skills include NLP, computer vision, and AI ethics. Opportunities are concentrated in senior roles, with Bengaluru standing out as India’s AI job capital.”
Beyond Bengaluru, other cities are also making strides. Chennai saw a 35% growth, while Hyderabad posted a 15% growth, driven by demand in IT, consumer durables, and real estate. Coimbatore stood out, with fresher hiring growing by 14%, fueled by a remarkable 52% surge in foreign MNC hiring.
So, upskilling is no longer optional. Updating resumes, staying informed about industry shifts, and being ready to relocate, if necessary, will be imperative this year.
