ArdorComm Media News Network
August 5, 2026
India’s white-collar job market recorded a 5% year-on-year increase in hiring in July, driven by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) talent and a rebound in information technology (IT) recruitment, according to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report.
The JobSpeak Index rose to 3,227 in July from 3,074 during the same month last year, signalling a positive beginning to the second quarter of the current financial year.
AI and machine learning (AI/ML) continued to be the fastest-growing hiring segment, registering a 33% annual rise in job opportunities. The report noted that AI-related hiring has maintained strong momentum for more than two years, making it the leading growth area in India’s white-collar employment landscape.
The IT and software services sector also witnessed a recovery, with hiring increasing 6% compared to last year. The growth was primarily driven by Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. Within the sector, recruitment for AI-focused roles climbed 30%, while demand for IT and cybersecurity professionals rose by 23%.
Among industries, the insurance sector recorded the highest hiring growth at 10%, followed by real estate with an 8% increase. Healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) also posted healthy recruitment activity. In contrast, hiring declined across telecom, banking and financial services (BFSI), pharmaceuticals, hospitality and education.
Commenting on the trends, Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of Info Edge (India) Ltd, said the July data reflects a job market that is steadily strengthening, with employers continuing to invest in future-ready skills while expanding their workforce.
Recruitment of fresh graduates remained strong, growing 6% year-on-year. Hiring also increased across most mid-level and senior-level experience categories, indicating broad-based demand across the employment market.
Among major cities, Kolkata led hiring growth with a 17% increase, followed by Hyderabad at 16%, Chennai at 11% and Bengaluru at 8%. Hiring activity in Mumbai and Delhi remained largely unchanged during the month.
The report also highlighted a 5% rise in recruitment by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), led by Chennai and Hyderabad, with continued strong demand for experienced AI professionals and premium AI roles.
Source: IANS