Small businesses drive India’s job market with 35Mn applications: Apna report
MUMBAI, INDIA — In a significant indicator of the rising influence of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in India, over 35 million job applications were recorded in the first eight months of 2024.
This data, reported by Apna, a leading jobs and professional networking platform, signifies a 20% increase from the previous year.
The surge is primarily driven by increased demand for roles such as sales & marketing managers, accounting technicians, telecallers, back office executives, and business development associates.
Key industries driving employment surge
The report underscores notable growth in several key industries. The marketing and advertising sector experienced a 25% increase in demand for workers, while the business process outsourcing (BPO) call center industry saw a 15% rise.
Additionally, the real estate and banking sectors recorded growth rates of 10% and 12%, respectively. These trends highlight the pivotal role of SMBs in driving employment across various sectors.
Rise of India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities
A significant aspect of this employment boom is the geographic distribution of job applications across India.
More than 55% of applications came from tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Jaipur, Indore, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kochi, and Bhubaneswar.
This shift indicates a growing demand for employment opportunities outside major metropolitan areas, aligning with the expansion of SMBs in these regions. As businesses continue to grow in these cities, a mutually beneficial ecosystem is developing for both employers and job seekers.
Women’s participation is on the rise
Of the total job applications recorded on Apna’s platform, 14 million were from women—an impressive 30% increase year over year.
This trend underscores the growing participation of women in various job roles ranging from finance and accounts to marketing and graphic design.
Notably, over 38% of these applications originated from tier-2 cities, reflecting Apna’s efforts to foster an inclusive job market across India.
Significance of SMBs and MSMEs in India’s job market
Nirmit Parikh, Founder & CEO of Apna, highlighted the critical role of SMBs, stating, “SMBs and MSMEs employ over 110 million individuals, and their success is essential for achieving our nation’s $5 trillion economic goal.”
As India’s SMB sector grows, it continues to be a key driver of economic development, making substantial contributions to GDP and employment in both urban and rural regions.
