New Delhi, Feb. 9 -- Recruitment companies are bracing for a subdued hiring season during the summer months, which typically mark the second-largest hiring period after the festive season in India.

While mandates are coming in from e-commerce and logistics players, banking, consumer durables, and electronics companies with physical stores are largely limiting hiring to replacements.

"The mood is sombre. There has been no change in the Budget that would lead to more money in the hands of consumers, which directly impacts consumption patterns. However, online platforms are expected to perform marginally better than last year," said Aditya Narayan Mishra, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of talent solutions firm CIEL HR....