Mangaluru: As many as 2,416 candidates received on-the-spot job offers at the 16th edition of ‘Alva’s Pragathi’, a major job fair organised by the Alva’s Education Foundation, while another 6,183 candidates were shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
The job fair witnessed the participation of 15,539 candidates and 332 companies representing a wide range of sectors, highlighting the continued demand for employment opportunities among students, graduates and skilled candidates.
Addressing a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club on Wednesday, Vivek Alva, managing trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation, shared details of the recruitment outcomes and future plans to maintain continuous engagement with job seekers.
Strong recruitment in manufacturing sector
The manufacturing sector emerged as one of the major contributors to recruitment at Alva’s Pragathi 2026. A total of 75 manufacturing companies participated in the job fair, with 924 candidates shortlisted and 523 eventually selected.
Tata Electronics Systems selected 216 candidates, with women accounting for a majority of those recruited. H L Mando selected 99 engineering graduates from electrical and electronics engineering, electronics and communication engineering, and mechanical engineering streams for employment opportunities in Chennai.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor shortlisted a chartered accountant candidate, while Exicom Tele-Systems Ltd selected 30 women candidates.
The recruitment figures reflected the opportunities available for candidates with qualifications ranging from technical and professional degrees to specialised engineering skills.
IT and ITES companies shortlist over 1,300 candidates
The IT and ITES sector also recorded significant participation, with 34 companies taking part in the job fair. These companies shortlisted 1,301 candidates, while 96 received job offers on the spot.
Prothak Solutions selected 39 candidates for employment in Chennai. In an international opportunity offered through the sector, Elogixa selected one candidate for a job in Congo, Africa.
The recruitment activity demonstrated the range of opportunities available to candidates in the technology and IT-enabled services sectors, both within India and overseas.
BFSI sector offers 211 on-the-spot jobs
In the banking, financial services and insurance sector, 913 candidates were shortlisted and 211 received on-the-spot job offers.
Multinational company EXL Services recruited 38 candidates for positions in human resources, accounts receivable and accounts payable.
The sector provided opportunities for candidates with diverse academic backgrounds and skills, particularly in finance, accounting and business-related roles.
Pharma and healthcare sectors also see major hiring
The pharmaceutical sector witnessed participation from several prominent companies, including Eurofins, R L Fine Chem, Solara Active Pharma Sciences, Medorganic India, Sami Nutraceuticals, Vasudha Life Sciences, Biocon and Group Pharmaceuticals.
Together, these companies shortlisted 159 candidates and selected 40.
The healthcare sector also recorded strong recruitment. Bethany Hospital, Mumbai, selected 103 candidates, making it one of the notable recruiters in the sector.
Scenic Summit Resort recruited graduates in naturopathy for wellness therapist positions, providing another specialised employment avenue for candidates from healthcare and wellness-related educational backgrounds.
Overseas opportunities for skilled candidates
The international employment segment offered opportunities for candidates with technical, diploma and degree qualifications.
GBMT Sectoral Steel Manufacturing Industries selected nine candidates holding ITI, diploma and degree qualifications for jobs in the UAE.
Expertise Contracting shortlisted 117 candidates and selected 13 for projects in Saudi Arabia and Adani Mundra in Gujarat.
The job fair also focused on inclusive employment opportunities, with GoPWD selecting two candidates with disabilities.
The participation of recruiters offering opportunities in India and abroad broadened the scope of employment options available to candidates attending the fair.
Plans for taluk-level candidate engagement
Vivek Alva said the Alva’s Education Foundation plans to establish taluk-level units to maintain continuous contact with candidates across districts and taluks.
These units will aim to understand the employment requirements of candidates and connect them with suitable job opportunities. Orientation programmes are already being conducted through Alva’s Pragathi to create awareness among candidates about available employment avenues.
He said similar orientation programmes would be organised at the taluk level in various districts four to five months before the next edition of the job fair. The programmes will be conducted with the support of Nudisiri coordinators.
The initiative is expected to help job seekers prepare in advance and gain a better understanding of employment opportunities across different sectors.
Results of 301 companies published
According to Vivek Alva, the results of 301 companies that participated in the job fair have already been published on the Alva’s Pragathi website.
Results from the remaining companies will be published as information is received from the respective recruitment agencies.
Candidates who registered directly at the venue, particularly those with SSLC, PUC and ITI qualifications, will be informed about their recruitment status through phone calls and SMS by the Alva’s team.
The large number of on-the-spot selections and shortlisted candidates underlines the role of organised job fairs in bringing employers and job seekers together on a common platform. With plans to strengthen candidate outreach at the taluk level, Alva’s Pragathi is expected to continue supporting employment awareness and recruitment opportunities across Karnataka in the coming editions.