India's entry-level job market poised for growth with lucrative salaries across sectors

India’s entry-level job market is gearing up for significant growth in FY 2024-25, with evolving opportunities across sectors such as Global Capability Centers (GCCs), Information Technology (IT) Products & Services, and Non-Tech industries.

According to a recent report by TeamLease Digital, the salary trends and demand for roles in these sectors present a promising landscape for young professionals entering the workforce.

The report highlights competitive packages in software development and engineering, a domain requiring expertise in coding, designing, and maintaining software.

This growth is driven by the rising demand for skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). By the close of FY 2024-25, entry-level salaries are expected to reach ₹9.37 LPA in GCCs, ₹6.23 LPA in IT Products & Services, and ₹6 LPA in Non-Tech industries.

In critical areas like cybersecurity and network administration, which safeguard IT infrastructures, GCCs lead the way with salaries averaging ₹9.57 LPA.

This marks a significant premium of 40.12% over the ₹6.83 LPA offered in IT Products & Services and ₹5.17 LPA in Non-Tech sectors.

Similarly, roles in data management and analytics, focusing on data collection and decision-making insights, are set to offer ₹8.73 LPA in GCCs, ₹7.07 LPA in IT, and ₹6.37 LPA in Non-Tech industries.

The adoption of cloud platforms across sectors such as BFSI, healthcare, and manufacturing is driving demand for cloud and enterprise solutions roles. Entry-level salaries in these areas are projected to average ₹7.67 LPA in GCCs, ₹6.07 LPA in IT, and ₹6.53 LPA in Non-Tech industries.

GCCs are expected to prioritize hiring for roles such as Penetration Tester, Data Scientist, Full Stack Developer, Software Developer, and Customer Success Specialist, with salaries ranging from ₹11.8 LPA to ₹8.8 LPA.

The IT Products & Services sector will focus on Big Data Developers, IT Auditors, RPA Business Analysts, Cloud Security Engineers, and IoT Engineers, offering salaries between ₹9.7 LPA and ₹6.9 LPA.

Meanwhile, Non-Tech industries will focus on roles like Data Engineer, SAP ABAP Consultant, Cloud Support Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Automation Engineer, with compensation spanning ₹9.4 LPA to ₹6 LPA.

Commenting on the findings, Neeti Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Digital, remarked, "India's entry-level job market is witnessing dynamic changes, as highlighted by our data for FY2024-25. While IT Services have seen a slowdown in fresher and entry-level hiring over the last 2–3 years, Global Capability Centers and Non-Tech sectors have emerged as the torchbearers, offering young talent premium salaries and robust opportunities."

She further noted that the rapid expansion of GCCs in India, which employ over 1.66 million people, has driven demand for specialized roles to maintain global standards.

Functional domains like Cybersecurity and Data Analytics are experiencing heightened demand, offering entry-level candidates ample opportunities to align their skills with industry requirements.

As companies across GCCs, IT, and Non-Tech sectors continue to evolve their talent acquisition strategies, entry-level professionals with hybrid skills are well-positioned to benefit from these emerging opportunities.