The job search for young graduates and entry-level candidates has reached a record high as companies narrow their hiring funnel. In the last 30 days, about 26 lakh entry-level freshers actively sought job openings, which is significantly higher than the typical range of 10-12 lakh. The increase in job hunts is due to a tightening economy, macroeconomic headwinds, and companies cutting costs. Hiring freezes and downsizing in sectors like IT/ITes and start-ups have also created a vacuum in the entry-level job market.
The latest release of the Times Higher Education s World University Rankings 2024 showcased a surge in the presence of Indian universities, with 91 institutions making it onto the prestigious list. This substantial increase is a notable upswing from just 19 universities in 2016 but none of these universities have made it to the top 200.
The travel and hospitality industry in India is expected to see a 15% increase in hiring intent for freshers in the second half of this year, according to a report by TeamLease EdTech. Tier I and II cities, such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram, are expected to drive hiring in specific roles.
There are thousands of such job seekers, including many from top-tier engineering and management institutes, who have fallen victim to what market experts call a "fresher glut" created by a spike in the talent pool of young professionals - freshers and those with one to two years of experience.