India’s IT sector is experiencing a significant revival in recruitment efforts, with major players like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCLTech, and Wipro announcing plans to hire a substantial number of freshers in the ongoing financial year (FY25). This resurgence in hiring marks a positive shift after a period of headcount reductions and industry challenges.
TCS Leads the Charge
TCS, India’s largest IT services firm by revenue, has set an ambitious target to hire 40,000 freshers this year. In the June quarter alone, TCS added 5,452 employees, bringing its total headcount to 606,998. Milind Lakkad, TCS’s Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), emphasized India’s enduring appeal for talent amidst diverse skill requirements and geopolitical challenges. TCS is also focusing on reskilling and upskilling programs, ensuring its workforce is prepared for future technological shifts.
Infosys’s Strategic Hiring
Infosys, the country’s second-largest IT services firm, plans to hire up to 20,000 freshers in FY25. This hiring will be a mix of on-campus and off-campus recruitment. Despite reporting a decline in headcount for six consecutive quarters, Infosys’s CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka expressed optimism about future growth, citing high utilization rates and a strategic focus on expanding the workforce to meet rising demand.
HCLTech’s Focus on Fresh Talent
HCLTech also announced plans to hire 10,000 freshers in FY25, despite a notable headcount drop of 8,080 employees in the first quarter. The company clarified that most of this reduction resulted from the divestiture of a joint venture with State Street International Holdings. HCLTech continues to invest in fresh talent, focusing on offshore transitions and upskilling initiatives, including training employees in generative AI to stay competitive in the evolving tech landscape.
Wipro’s Campus Recruitment Drive
Wipro is set to onboard around 10,000-12,000 freshers this fiscal year, marking a return to campus recruitment after a year-long break. With utilization rates reaching an all-time high, Wipro’s CHRO, Sourabh Govil, highlighted the importance of building the headcount base to prepare for growth. The company’s renewed focus on hiring indicates a positive outlook for the IT job market.
Industry-Wide Implications
The combined hiring efforts of these IT giants signal a broader recovery in the Indian tech industry. Attrition rates have shown improvement across the board, with companies like TCS and Infosys reporting lower rates compared to previous quarters. Additionally, the emphasis on reskilling and upskilling employees reflects a proactive approach to adapting to technological advancements and maintaining a competitive edge.
Conclusion
The planned recruitment of 80,000 freshers by TCS, Infosys, HCLTech, and Wipro in FY25 is a strong indicator of the IT sector’s recovery and growth potential. As these companies continue to invest in talent and adapt to new technologies, the future of India’s tech industry looks promising.
