Reflecting better labour market conditions, hiring activities picked up in March primarily led by IT and retail sectors, according to Monster.com.

Online job portal Monster.com's employment index rose to 118 last March from 116 in February.

The index provides a broad indication of demand for jobs online.

"The index has continued to be strong, recording double digit year-over-year growth at 16 per cent, as economic recovery progresses at a steady pace," Monster.com's Managing Director (India/Middle East/Southeast Asia) Sanjay Modi said.

Private sector hiring, particularly in IT and Retail has been fueling growth, he added.

Apart from IT and BPO/ITES areas, other sectors with good hiring trends, include engineering, cement, construction, iron/steel and BFSI (Banking Financial Services Insurance).

Among the cities, Coimbatore, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai and Baroda.

"Coimbatore (up 38 per cent), Mumbai (up 31 per cent), Kochi (up 30 per cent) continued to remain among top annual growth markets in March," Monster.com said.