Hiring Shifts

While corporates grow, funding winter drives dramatic startup headcount cuts

- SAMREEN WANI

India's corporate job market faces a stark contrast: While NSE 500 firms expand, startups drastically slow hiring. Overall headcount for NSE 500 companies was nearly 11 million in FY25, up significantly from 7.4 million in FY22, with the growth driven primarily by contractual rather than permanent roles. However, traditional industries like tobacco products and readymade garments show signific