India’s job market stays strong, eyes freshers and tech for FY26
Bangalore, 29th April 2025: India’s job market is ending the financial year on a high note. Despite global headwinds, employers in India are doubling down on hiring, especially tech talent and freshers. According to Indeed’s latest ‘Hiring Tracker’, 82% of employers actively hired between January and March 2025, and increased overall hiring by 3% compared to October and December 2024.
“The job market is evolving, and employers are moving ahead with cautious optimism. While fresher hiring remains steady and tech roles continue to grow, especially in areas like software development, data analytics, and AI, there’s also a clear need to bridge the skills gap. As we enter FY26, companies are being more deliberate about who they hire and how they build future-ready teams,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India
Freshers take the spotlight as FY26 planning kicks off
As companies locked in budgets and future-facing teams, fresh graduates emerged as the most in-demand talent, accounting for 53% of new hires last quarter. The top roles driving this demand were Software Developers (29%), Data Analysts and Scientists (26%), and Sales Executives (23%).
Employers are increasingly seeking freshers trained in Data Analytics, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, and Software Development — indicating that India’s hiring momentum is closely tied to the tech and AI boom. From AI developers to Cybersecurity specialists, employers are building teams that can future-proof their business, and freshers are leading the charge.
The skills gap challenge: Fresh talent, but not job-ready
Despite a strong interest in fresher hiring, many employers are grappling with a persistent skills gap. 38% of employers cited this as their top concern. While fresh graduates bring enthusiasm and adaptability, many lack the hands-on, practical experience that’s essential in today’s fast-evolving workplace.
Beyond technical skills, employers are also finding that new hires often fall short of workplace readiness. From communication to collaboration and time management, 27% of employers report that freshers need more support to adjust to professional environments. On top of that, 25% struggle with bridging the gap between candidate expectations and what companies can realistically offer, especially when it comes to compensation.
Yet, most companies still view freshers as long-term investments. What’s clear is that employers are becoming more discerning. They’re looking for candidates who not only have the right technical know-how in areas like AI, software development, and data analytics but also demonstrate flexibility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn on the job.
Freshers’ viewpoint: High hopes, tough competition
On the other side of the table, freshers are navigating their own set of challenges. While many are eager to upskill and prove themselves, competitive pay remains a sticking point. A large share of job seekers say they’re unwilling to settle for low compensation, and employers are taking notice. In fact, 72% of employers say fresher salaries have increased year-on-year. However, nearly 60% admit that the hike has been modest, capped at 5%.
Adding to the pressure, 39% of freshers say the sheer volume of competition makes it hard to get noticed.
“For every job today, there are six freshers vying for the role, and in tech, seven freshers compete for one role. That’s a sign of a young, ambitious workforce ready to work. Now, it’s time for the ecosystem to rise to the challenge. With the right push from new-age tech companies and innovation-led sectors like AI and cybersecurity, we have a real opportunity to turn this energy into impact,” added Mr Kumar.
Employers came close to meeting the salary expectations of the class of 2025 this quarter, offering an average starting salary of ₹3,50,000 LPA against freshers’ hopes of ₹3,80,000 LPA. Around 58% of employers offered packages in the ₹300,000 – 500,000 LPA range, aligning closely with the expectations of 67%. However, despite this near-match, 72% of freshers said they would not compromise on their salary demands, even if attractive learning or growth opportunities were available, underlining once again that pay remains their top priority.
This disconnect between employer expectations and job seeker needs is shaping how talent engages with opportunities. In fact, 62% of job seekers say they are more likely to apply to roles that clearly outline compensation, responsibilities, and work culture.. For employers looking to attract top talent, greater transparency and well-defined expectations may be key to building a stronger talent pipeline in FY26.
Outlook for FY26
The outlook for FY26 is cautiously optimistic. Over 34% of employers surveyed for Indeed Hiring Tracker Q4 FY’25 said they plan to hire freshers in the coming April-June 2025 quarter. Demand remains strong for fresh graduates and tech talent, especially in areas like AI, data, and cybersecurity.
Remo D’Souza Teases Major Twists on Realme Hip Hop India S2
MUMBAI, India–April 29, 2025: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has been topping the charts with India’s first and only hip–hop-based dance reality show, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2. With raw talent, fierce battles, and mind-blowing performances, the show has been making waves week after week, even consistently securing its spot in the Top 3 of Ormax’s ‘Most-watched Streaming Originals in India’ list. Steering the ship this season is the dance maestro Remo D‘Souza, along with the ever-glamorous Malaika Arora. Together, they continue to mentor and encourage contestants through each battle and beat. As the stakes climb higher, the duo teases even more unexpected twists in the upcoming episodes that promise to leave viewers floored.
Each episode of Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 is packed with unpredictable challenges that push contestants beyond their comfort level. Talking about what lies ahead in the coming episodes, Remo D’Souza shared, “All I can say is, expect the unexpected. This season, we’ve added a few curveballs and introduced new layers that do not just test contestants’ technique but also their mental and emotional strength. There are rounds that challenge their ability to adapt, improvise, and collaborate on the spot. From surprise eliminations to high-stakes dance-offs and fresh entries that shake up the competition, it’s going to keep both the dancers and the viewers on their toes.”
Malaika Arora echoed his sentiment, adding, “Let’s just say this season of Realme Hip Hop India is far from predictable. From the first episode itself, we, as judges, have been equally surprised as the contestants. Every challenge, every twist, and every new round is designed to push them harder, challenging their strength, imagination, and will. In each challenge, the task is different, and before you even think you’re onto it, something new catches you off guard. They’re thrilling, emotional, and will keep your mind guessing every single step of the way.”
As rivalries heat up and emotions run higher than ever, Realme Hip Hop India Season 2 continues to rewrite the rules of competition. New episodes drop every Thursday, only on Amazon MX Player, accessible on the Amazon Shopping App, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs.
Sundaram Finance Limited Revises Deposit Interest Rates Effective 1st May 2025
Chennai/April 29, 2025 — Sundaram Finance Ltd., one of India’s most trusted NBFCs, is revising Deposit Interest Rates effective 1st May 2025, in line with the RBI’s repo rate revision announced recently. Revised rates for Senior Citizens are 7.70% for 12 months and 8% for 24 and 36 months. Similarly, for others, 7.20% for 12 months and 7.50% for 24 and 36 months.
The adjustments reflect Sundaram Finance Ltd.’s measured response to broader economic conditions and market dynamics and are a part of their financial strategy to align with current economic trends.
Recently, the company introduced a Digital Deposit facility, making savings simpler, safer, and more accessible than ever. Customers can conveniently invest and manage their deposits digitally through a seamless and secure process, enjoying peace of mind and attractive returns. This online transaction can be initiated through the company portal.
ABOUT SUNDARAM FINANCE
Sundaram Finance was established in 1954, and the company has today grown into one of the most trusted and diversified financial services groups in India providing financing for commercial vehicles, cars & utility vehicles, tractors and farm equipment, construction equipment, SME finance and a range of working capital products for financing diesel, tyres, insurance.
Through its subsidiaries and group companies, the company offers home finance, loans against property, mutual funds and investment management solutions and the full range of general insurance products and services. It has a nationwide presence of over 700 branches, over 1.1 lakh depositors and over 4.75 lakh lending customers.
Sundaram Finance’s vision is to be the most respected NBFC in the country and its mission is to deliver the Sundaram experience to all customers, big and small, in keeping with the ethos of the Company. Sundaram Finance embraces a philosophy that balances Growth with Quality and Profitability and remains rooted in its ideal of protecting and enhancing shareholder value. The founding philosophy of the company is that everything begins with the customer. Our founder, Late Sri T S Santhanam, enshrined in the company its core values – The Sundaram Way – that have been the company’s guiding light over the decades. The company is deeply rooted in its values and proud of its heritage, also constantly innovating in terms of technology and processes to deliver the unique Sundaram experience to its customers and stakeholders.
Digital Gold Shines Bright This Akshay Tritiya with Amazon Pay Offers
As festive occasions like Akshay Tritiya continue to inspire traditional investments, more customers are turning to digital gold for its convenience, security, and flexibility. Amazon Pay has seen a significant rise in digital gold purchases, with demand during auspicious periods like Akshay Tritiya increasing by 2-3 times in the past year.
In response to this growing trend, Amazon Pay is offering up to ₹1,000 cashback on digital gold purchases this Akshay Tritiya 2025. Customers can also enjoy special deals on gift cards from top jewellery brands like Tanishq, Joyalukkas, and Kalyan Jewellers, available through April 30.
Industry sources reveal that with recent gold price hikes, 5–7 lakh customers have opted for digital gold via platforms like PhonePe, Paytm, and Amazon Pay in the last three months.
Amazon Pay remains committed to delivering trusted and rewarding festive experiences to millions across India, making investing in gold easier and smarter than ever.
Shruti Haasan Opens Up on ‘Unlucky’ Tag and Working with Legends on Filmfare Show
One of the most dynamic and versatile artists of her generation, Shruti Haasan has carved a distinct identity across music, films, and television, effortlessly straddling industries from India to Hollywood. Born to legendary actors Kamal Haasan and Sarika, Shruti has embraced both the privileges and pressures of her celebrated lineage while forging her own path in the industry. Over the years, she has navigated the highs and lows of stardom with honesty, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her personal growth.
In a heartfelt and revealing episode of In The Ring With Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel, Shruti sits down for a candid conversation with Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare. She opens about being labelled ‘unlucky,’ addressing early labels, navigating mental health struggles, career struggles, personal milestones, and much more.
Recalling the challenges she faced at the start of her career, Shruti shared, “There was this whole myth in the Telugu industry that I was unlucky because my first two films didn’t work. But what people didn’t realize was that both those films had the same hero. They just decided, ‘We don’t want her, we don’t want her.”
When asked if she ever felt privileged growing up, Shruti voiced, ”No, because a lot of people don’t know what happened to me prior to me joining the film industry. I was humbled by life with my parents’ separation. We were not living in a big mansion, and when my mom decided to leave, we moved from Chennai to Mumbai.”
Opening up about love, relationships, and lessons Learned, she added, “I wish I wasn’t so influenced by my relationships, but it’s something about me that hasn’t changed over the years. When I go in, I go all in — and when I leave, I go all out and run away. Yes, we all have that one dangerous ex, you know, but apart from that, I really do close each chapter with no regrets. I try my best every time. That’s why when people say, ‘Oh, which boyfriend is this?’ they don’t realize — for them, it’s a number, but for me, it’s the number of times I’ve failed at finding the love I want.”
On how her father’s guidance shaped her outlook, Shruti said, “There isn’t a moment when I’m not aware of and proud of my parents’ achievements. But he didn’t raise me to watch every film of his or to be in awe of him — he removed the fear from it. That said, working with him is more nerve-wracking as a daughter. My dad always says, ‘No pain, no gain,’ and that holds true in every aspect of life — professionally, personally, and psychologically. You have to go through tough times to come out stronger on the other side.”
Delving into her mental health journey, she revealed, “I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, especially after long work hours when my anxiety tends to spike. I chose not to go on medication because it didn’t work for me; instead, I focused intensely on talk therapy. Over time, I developed a personal toolkit to manage my anxiety and panic attacks — I actually prefer handling them alone. I believe healing is a continuous process, and real strength comes from understanding yourself and building ways to cope.”
Talking about her experience working alongside the legendary Rajinikanth, she said, “It was really wonderful getting to know him and working with him. I didn’t go in with that sense of being star-struck because I’ve grown up with Papa, so there’s a certain neutrality to it. You just can’t figure Rajinikanth sir out — that’s the best part about him. He’s an amalgamation of so many great qualities. He’s extremely humble yet very sharp and observant. He seems genuinely non-judgmental, but at the same time, he’s very clear about how he does things. Overall, he’s just very kind to everyone.”
Finally, remembering her interactions with Sridevi, Shruti fondly reminisced, “She was peculiarly innocent till the very end. I found her to be so childlike in a real way — pure inside, especially in the way she would talk about stories. But the rest of the time, she was commanding and incredibly powerful on set, like a queen had entered. She carried this quiet, strong grace and humility — just incredible, truly incredible.”
Reflecting on her Hollywood debut in the psychological thriller The Eye, Shruti shared, “It was mostly a women-led crew, and I was the last one to join the mix. I don’t like token feminism — for example, when people say, ‘There’s an all-women crew flying to space,’ I’m like, ‘That’s cool. Whatever.’ This, however, was real sisterhood. In any creative environment, you experience toxicity, ego, humility, creativity, and intellect — it’s all a roller coaster. I found it more challenging to work with a female director. When you’re a woman and you tell a male director, ‘As a female, I believe this is my character’s perspective,’ they usually step back and listen. But that dynamic was different here.”
Childhood Unlocked: Celebrating Karnataka’s Progress in Early Childhood Education
Bengaluru, Apr 28, 2025: Key Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting government systems to deliver quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) for children between the ages of 3-6, hosted the “Childhood Unlocked” event at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. The event brought together 150-200 ECE advocates, including senior government officials, policy experts, teachers, parents, and children, to celebrate the progress made by the state of Karnataka in furthering excellent ECE inside government schools since 2019.
“Our youngest citizens deserve an education system that unlocks their full potential. We’re thrilled to celebrate the progress made by Karnataka in providing quality ECE and look forward to continued collaboration with the government to ensure every child enters school ready to learn and ready for life,” said Swetha Guhan, Co-founder of Key Education Foundation.
“Childhood Unlocked is a platform for us to come together and reimagine what quality learning can look like for our children. We’re proud to showcase the recent progress made by the LKG and UKG model in ensuring quality ECE and share our partnership with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka towards achieving this mission,” added Swetha Guhan.
Event Highlights:
The event featured interactive exhibits, including the Bachpan Manao Stall and playful learning interactions, allowing attendees to experience playful learning and carry it back with them. The agenda included celebrating government officials who ensured quality implementation of the pre-primary program across districts, discussing future priorities for the early years, and showcasing grassroots stakeholders like teachers, parents, and children.
Early childhood is a critical period of growth, requiring nurturing and comprehensive support. Research shows that most brain development occurs in early years, and deficits at this stage can impact a child’s life trajectory. Karnataka has made consistent efforts in refining policy decisions to ensure sustained efforts for providing quality early education to children in the state.
Progress Made by Karnataka:
Karnataka has been among the first few states to pioneer the initiation of Early Childhood classrooms in government schools. Started in 2019, with the introduction of kindergarten sections in 285 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), the state now has early childhood sections in approximately 2700 government schools across the state, with a plan to expand to 5000 schools in the next 1-2 years.
Key Education Foundation’s Partnership with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka
Key Education Foundation works in partnership with Samagra Shishana, Dept. of School Education in the state of Karnataka to strengthen the quality and provision of pre-primary programs in Government Schools. The foundation takes a holistic approach, ensuring enriching classroom environments, equipping teachers with training and support, and empowering parents with resources and awareness to create opportunities for playful learning at home.
Thin Essence: A New Chapter in Minimalist Bathroom Design
There’s something captivating about restraint in design. When every line is intentional, every curve speaks, and nothing feels excessive: that’s when you know that you have something extraordinary around you. Thin Essence, SOMANY’s latest wall-hung collection, captures that feeling beautifully.
Inspired by the elegance and discipline of ballet, Thin Essence is about lightness – both in form and feel. It doesn’t seek attention. It earns it. The design is refined, measured, and strikingly minimal, making it an effortless addition to spaces that value quiet sophistication.
The ultra-slim rim profile is Thin Essence’ s USP. With a rim thickness of just 13 to 15 mm, it is dramatically slimmer than the conventional 45 to 60 mm designs seen in standard ceramic ware. This subtle detail shifts the entire aesthetic. Bathrooms feel more open. Lines appear cleaner. And the overall space takes on a far more contemporary character.
But Thin Essence isn’t only limited to aesthetics. It’s also deeply functional. Its pure rimless design ensures thorough flushing and high standards of hygiene. The thoughtful contours are easy to clean and maintain, reducing areas where dust and bacteria typically accumulate. It is ‘design with intention’ where every feature supports the way we live today.
There are two form options to choose from: Round and Square. The Round model (360x520x360 mm) brings a softness that complements fluid, organic interiors. The Square model (365x520x350 mm) offers a more structured presence: modern, bold, and architectural. Both versions come in a polished white finish that reflects light beautifully and works effortlessly with a wide range of interior palettes.
Each wall-hung is paired with a UF Ezee Close Seat Cover, known for its comfort and smooth close mechanism. The blind installation system further enhances the seamless look, eliminating visual clutter and allowing the product to almost float against the wall. The result is a bathroom that feels open, uncluttered, and distinctly modern.
Thin Essence is not trying to be loud. It doesn’t rely on flourish or exaggeration. Instead, it quietly raises the bar for what a well-designed wall-hung closet can be. It’s a collection that understands the nuances of contemporary living where aesthetics and utility are not separate ideas but part of the same conversation.
For homeowners, designers, and architects seeking a timeless statement in ceramic design, Thin Essence offers the perfect balance of elegance and practicality. Thoughtfully designed, beautifully built, and effortlessly modern: THIN ESSENCE from SOMANY is a celebration of form, precision, and simplicity.
Ace Blend, Organic Tattva & More Get YCL Nod from Luke Coutinho
28th April 2025, Mumbai: Select products from Ace Blend, Organic Tattva, and Wellbeing Nutrition, among others, receive the ‘Pink Tiger’ stamp of approval for ingredient transparency and clean-label integrity. These brands have been verified by Luke Coutinho’s You Care Lifestyle (YCL), which independently assesses products through third-party lab testing for ingredient quality and clean formulation.
YCL is a platform founded by Luke Coutinho, an integrative and lifestyle medicine expert who aims to build a clean food chain. The Pink Tiger stamp is a mark of assurance and integrity for clean, trustworthy ingredients aligned with the Indian food ethos and conscious lifestyle choices. Furthermore, recipients of the Pink Tiger stamp include Orange Health Labs and products from Naturaltein, Sarthak Satvik, Cosmix, Pod Nutrition, Protuff, Trexgenics, and Aevo, reinforcing a growing shift towards transparency in the wellness and nutrition space.
To meet rising consumer demand for authenticity, YCL independently verifies through rigorous third-party lab testing to assure quality, ethical formulation, and full ingredient transparency. The testing process involves random batch evaluations, ingredient analysis, and label accuracy. Each verified product carries a scannable QR code, allowing consumers to access lab results and ingredient transparency in real-time for full transparency at the point of purchase. The stringent quality testing parameters of YCL’s Pink Tiger Stamp benchmark a product for its authenticity and transparency to aid an informed choice.
Backed by a recent $1 million investment from the founders, YCL plans to test up to 100 brands by 2025, with a continued focus on ingredient integrity, ethical sourcing, and accurate labelling. YCL has tested over 50 products, out of which 33 have successfully passed third-party lab tests and are now available on the company’s website. YCL provides a scalable framework for wellness products and brands to establish a global presence. This is achieved through robust verification and HealthTech integration.
Luke Coutinho, Founder of YCL, commented, “In today’s cluttered wellness market, consumers are overwhelmed with choices and claims. Our goal with YCL is simple. It is to bring clarity and trust back to the shelf. By validating products through independent testing, we are helping consumers make better choices and giving truly clean brands the recognition they deserve.”
38.64% of Equity MFs Beat Benchmarks in March ’25: PL Wealth
Mumbai, April, 28th, 2025: PL Wealth Management, PL Capital’s Wealth Management arm, in its latest study on mutual fund performance analysis, cited that the AUM (assets under management) of equity mutual funds—excluding Sectoral/Thematic Funds— witnessed a modest growth of 7.68% from INR 23,12,571 crore in February 2025 to INR 24,90,218 crore in March 2025. The study, which analysed 298 open-ended equity diversified funds, found that 38.64% of these funds outperformed their respective benchmarks over the past month, ending March 31, 2025. In total, 114 funds recorded outperformance during this period.
|
Category
|
Benchmark |
Number of Schemes |
Number of schemes that Outperformed |
Scheme Outperformance (%) |
|||||
|
Large Cap funds |
NIFTY 50 TRI |
33 |
23 |
71.88% |
|||||
|
Large & Mid Cap Funds |
NIFTY LargeMidcap 250 – TRI |
31 |
18 |
58.06% |
|||||
|
Multi Cap Funds |
Nifty500 Multicap 50:25:25 – TRI |
30 |
7 |
23.33% |
|||||
|
Flexi Cap Fund |
NIFTY 500 – TRI |
39 |
14 |
35.90% |
|||||
|
Mid Cap Funds |
Nifty Midcap 150 – TRI |
30 |
15 |
51.72% |
|||||
|
Small Cap Funds |
Nifty Smallcap 250 – TRI |
30 |
3 |
10.00% |
|||||
|
Focused Funds |
NIFTY 500 – TRI |
28 |
9 |
32.14% |
|||||
|
Value Contra Div. Yield Funds |
NIFTY 500 – TRI |
34 |
9 |
27.27% |
|||||
|
Equity Linked Savings Schemes |
NIFTY 500 – TRI |
43 |
16 |
37.21% |
|||||
|
Total |
|
298 |
114 |
38.64% |
Large Cap Funds was the best performing category where 71.88% of the schemes outperformed the benchmark. It was followed by Large & Mid Cap Funds and Mid Cap Funds which outperformed their respective benchmarks by 58.06% and 51.72% respectively during the month of March 2025.
Small Cap Funds were the least performing fund category with 10.00% of funds outperforming the benchmark.
KAFF’s Casto 75 DC Chimney – When the Air Feels as Good as the Food Tastes
The CASTO 75 DC isn’t your ordinary chimney. It’s a quiet revolution in your kitchen. It lets you deep-fry, sauté, grill, or bake without having to worry about odours, smoke or grease fogging up your space or your head.
Draped in a black tempered glass body with a sophisticated matt finish, this 75 cm beauty isn’t trying too hard to impress. It just quietly does. You’ll first notice the subtle LED insignia – a gentle glow that feels more like a signature than a spotlight. It’s elegant without being flashy, designed to blend into modern kitchens while still standing out just enough to make a point.
But the USP for CASTO 75 DC has to be its understanding of your life in the kitchen. It comes equipped with smart auto-clean technology, which means it literally cleans itself. Think about that – no more calling service people or pulling apart greasy filters on a Sunday afternoon. It performs an automatic cleaning cycle that helps keep maintenance almost negligible, so you can focus on what actually matters: cooking, creating, and enjoying.
The chimney responds to the way you move. With gesture motion control, you don’t have to press a single button. Just wave your hand to adjust the settings. It’s like your chimney knows when the onions are about to hit the pan and you need that quick airflow boost.
And yes, power matters too. The CASTO 75 DC is built to handle intense Indian cooking with ease. Its BLDC motor offers strong, smooth performance with less energy consumption and noise. You get up to 1480 m³/h of airflow – meaning smoke and grease barely get a second to settle in before they’re extracted. The multi-dimensional extraction system works like a pro, drawing in air from various angles to ensure nothing escapes.
With eight speeds and a booster mode, it adapts to whatever you’re cooking. Light steaming? A gentle pull. Frying fish or cooking up a storm for guests? Just notch it up. And with the soft, frosted LED bar lights, your cooktop stays gently lit – no harsh glares, just warm, functional light that lets you focus on your food.
More than anything, the CASTO 75 DC adds comfort to the kitchen. You can now spend more time chatting over a simmering pot, prepping meals with your kids, or brewing evening tea without that thick, greasy air getting in the way. It turns your kitchen into a place where you don’t just cook – you live. Because when the air feels fresh, the kitchen becomes more than a workspace. It becomes the heart of your home.