Online recruitment in India saw an increase of 2% in March 2023 compared to March 2022, according to the latest foundit Insights Tracker.

The Tracker replaced the Monster Employment Index (MEI) following Monster India’s rebranding to foundit in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

According to the Tracker, India’s job market opened up, although at a moderated pace.

On a monthly basis, the Tracker registered a decline of 1% in March 2023.

By industry, 13 of the 27 industries monitored by the Tracker reported an increase when compared to the prior year. The Retail industry led the way with 40% year-on-year growth, followed by Telecom/ISP.

On the other hand, the IT – Hardware, Software segment registered a 20% decline over the year, the biggest decline in March 2023.

Meanwhile, six of the 12 functions monitored by the Tracker registered growth over the year. Finance and Accounts saw the biggest yearly growth (20%) followed by HR & Admin (11%). On the other hand, Engineering/Production declined by 15%.

The Tracker also found that four of the 13 monitored cities reported growth over the year with Ahmedabad posting the highest year-on-year growth at 12%.

Demand for entry-level jobseekers with experience of 0-3 years saw 4% growth while the other experience levels registered a decline with jobseekers with 16+ years of experience recording the biggest decline (-29%).