Hiring activity registered an increase of 18 per cent during March over the same period a year ago, with the IT and telecom sector absorbing maximum number of jobseekers, says a report.

According to TimesJobs.coms job index Recruittex, the demand for professionals in the information technology/telecom sector was the highest with 31 per cent increase in demand for talent during March.'

Petrochemicals, oil and gas, power, travel and hospitality sectors witnessed a hiring growth of 16 to 19 per cent during the month.

"The growth of the Indian economy has fuelled MNC interest in India, resulting in rising demand for professionals with experience in Indian contexts, TimesJobs.com COO Vivek Madhukar said."

Madhukar further said, The trend of tech professionals from large organisations making a move to join startups as top bosses is further pushing up attrition and demand for skilled professionals. This trend is expected to continue in the coming quarter. According to the report, tier II and III cities saw significant job growth during March."

Indore topped the chart with over 30 per cent rise in demand for talent in the year to March 2015.

The report noted that demand for entry-level front office and experienced administrative staff grew by a substantial 19 per cent over last year.

The demand index for experienced professionals with 10-20 years experience posted an incredible 26 per cent increase y-o-y, indicating that 2015 is going to see the return of demand for mid-level managers.

Senior professionals with over 20 years experience also saw 18 per cent rise in demand, the report added.