Is Manual Testing Worth Learning in 2025 as a Fresher?
Manual Testing: Still Relevant in 2025?
If you're a fresher stepping into the world of software and wondering whether Manual Testing is still relevant in 2025 — the answer is a clear YES. Despite the growing popularity of automation testing, Manual Testing remains a foundational skill in software development and quality assurance.
What Is Manual Testing?
Manual Testing is when a person checks if a website, app, or software works as expected — without using automated tools or code.
Simple analogy: If you just bought a new phone and start pressing buttons to see if everything works — that's manual testing!
Why Is Manual Testing Still Important in 2025?
Manual Testing is crucial for several reasons that automation cannot fully replicate, ensuring a holistic approach to quality assurance.
- It detects bugs that automation might miss.
- It's best for usability testing and UI/UX feedback.
- It's cost-effective for short-term or smaller projects.
- It’s the first step in a tester’s career before transitioning into automation.
Manual Testing vs. Automation Testing
Understanding the differences between manual and automation testing is key to applying the right strategy for different project needs.
Types of Manual Testing
Manual testing encompasses various approaches, each designed to uncover specific types of issues within software.
1. Black Box Testing
Focuses on inputs and outputs without seeing the internal code.
Includes:
- Functional Testing
- Non-Functional Testing
- Regression Testing
2. White Box Testing
Based on code knowledge. Performed by developers or skilled testers.
Includes:
- Path Testing
- Loop Testing
- Security Testing
- Data Flow Testing
3. Gray Box Testing
A combination of both — limited knowledge of internal code with user-level interaction.
Steps Involved in Manual TestingSteps Involved in Manual Testing (Flowchart)
This flowchart illustrates the typical sequential process followed during manual testing.
Understand the app/software requirements.
Outline what and how you’ll test.
Document detailed test steps.
Run test cases manually on the application.
Report issues in tools like JIRA.
Ensure fixes work as intended.
What Does a Manual Tester Do?
Manual testers play a vital role in the quality assurance process, performing a range of critical activities.
- Understand project requirements
- Write test cases
- Execute tests manually
- Report bugs
- Retest after bug fixes
Tools Commonly Used by Manual Testers
While manual testing doesn't rely on automation tools for execution, several tools aid in test management, bug tracking, and documentation.
- JIRA – For bug tracking
- Excel / Google Sheets – For test cases
- TestRail / Zephyr – Test management
- Postman – Optional, for API testing (great for upskilling)
Why Freshers Should Learn Manual Testing
For those new to the IT industry, manual testing offers a practical and accessible entry point into quality assurance.
- No coding needed to start
- Builds fundamental QA skills
- Helps you understand how apps work
- Acts as a stepping stone to Automation Testing
- Faster entry into the IT industry
Career Growth Opportunities for Manual Testers
A strong foundation in manual testing can open doors to various career paths within the software development lifecycle.
- QA Analyst
- Test Lead
- Automation Tester (after upskilling)
- Business Analyst
Top Companies Hiring Manual Testers in India (2025)
Manual Testing jobs are available across industries and cities, with many prominent companies actively recruiting.
- Tech Mahindra – Locations: Ahmedabad, Pune, Bangalore
- India NIC Infotech – E-commerce QA roles
- FIS Global – Manual + Python testing roles
- SLK Software – Senior QA roles in Bangalore
- Maruti Suzuki – QA positions in Gurgaon
- Orange Siri – Remote QA jobs
- ACL Digital – VoIP domain testers
- QANIX – Remote startup job (Ahmedabad)