According to research released on Tuesday, over 70% of Indian digital and e-commerce businesses plan to recruit new employees in the first half of 2025, with a strong demand for positions centred on artificial intelligence.

In all, 74% of firms nationwide plan to recruit new hires between January and June, with a variety of AI-related positions leading the way.

According to TeamLease EdTech’s “Career Outlook Report 2025”, the government’s efforts to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to workforce expansion and technological advancement are also consistent with the rise in demand for AI-related jobs.

The Centre of Excellence in AI for Education has been given Rs 500 crore in the yearly federal budget. This demonstrates even more how eager India is to spread AI knowledge and expertise on a large scale.

Other efforts to cultivate a workforce of young people who are prepared for the future and have knowledge of AI and advanced technologies include expanding IITs, investing in workforce development, and offering the PM Research Fellowship.

According to the research, these developments also highlight the critical role AI will play in automation and productivity, particularly given the increasing financing for R&D, digital infrastructure, and high-tech skilling programs.

“The way talent is assessed is being redefined by the changing employment market. Companies are now valuing capabilities in fields like data visualisation, cloud computing, and robots above degrees. This change is giving new hires unmatched chances to take on high-impact positions and play a major part in fostering innovation across sectors, according to Jaideep Kewalramani, COO of TeamLease EdTech and Head of Employability Business.

Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai continue to be important centres for employment; their respective hiring intents are 78%, 65%, and 57%.

Talent with knowledge of financial risk analysis, network security, performance marketing, and robotic process automation is in high demand.

A combination of technical and people skills are the most sought-after soft skills for entry-level roles.

According to the survey, companies specifically want candidates with computational thinking and interpersonal abilities to spur innovation, supported by analytical reasoning for strategic choices and flexibility to succeed in changing work contexts.