New Delhi, Feb. 18 -- Nearly 73 per cent of employers in India plan to hire freshers during the first half of 2026, according to the TeamLease EdTech Career Outlook Report. This represents a 3 per cent increase in hiring intent compared to the previous six-month period. While the demand for entry-level talent is growing, companies are shifting their focus away from academic degrees alone. Instead, recruiters are looking for proof-of-work, such as internships, real-world projects, and active participation in online professional communities.

The Retail sector leads the market with a 91 per cent hiring intent, followed closely by E-commerce and Technology Start-ups at 90 per cent, and the Manufacturing sector at 85 per cent. Cities like Ban...