The share of job listings prioritising competencies over qualifications has risen from 4% in 2023 to 14% in 2025, reflecting a shift towards a more skills-driven workforce, according to the findings.
“The shift towards skill-based hiring is undeniable,” said V Suresh, CEO, foundit. “This presents a valuable opportunity for recent graduates to focus on acquiring in-demand skills, earning certifications, and building robust portfolios that highlight their capabilities, ultimately enabling them to differentiate themselves in an ever-evolving job market.”
Fresher hiring has also grown 6% month-over-month (MoM), according to foundit. Among sectors, IT hardware & software continued to lead fresher hiring, doubling its share from 17% in 2024 to 34% in February 2025. However, sectors such as BFSI and BPO/ITES have experienced a decline in fresher hiring.
Beyond the major metropolitan areas, tier-2 cities like Nasik, Jaipur, Surat, Coimbatore, Indore, Kochi, Thane, Vadodara, Chandigarh, and Nagpur are also emerging as key locations for fresher job opportunities, according to the release shared by the company.
Animation & gaming and medical/healthcare sectors lead in YoY growth, showcasing a 15% and 8% increase respectively, while also offering competitive average salary ranges.Pune led in month-over-month (MoM) hiring growth at 6.7%, followed closely by Ahmedabad at 6.3%, indicating strong regional expansion, the foundit release.