Concerns about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on employment have dominated discussions for years. Many experts predicted that AI would eventually replace large numbers of jobs. However, the latest
employment data presents a far more encouraging picture. Rather than reducing opportunities, AI is emerging as a significant driver of hiring in India’s corporate sector.
According to the latest Naukri JobSpeak Index report, hiring in the Indian corporate sector increased by 5 per cent year-on-year in July. Released on Monday, the report shows that the JobSpeak Index rose to 3,227 in July, up from 3,074 during the same month last year. This strong performance marks a promising start to the second quarter of the current financial year and reflects renewed confidence in the country’s employment market.
AI and machine learning (ML) have emerged as the fastest-growing job segments. Hiring for AI and ML roles surged by an impressive 33 per cent compared to last year, extending a growth trend that has continued over the past two years. As a result, AI and ML have become among the strongest-performing segments of India’s white-collar job market. Technology companies continue to compete for experienced AI professionals, offering attractive compensation packages to secure top talent.
Software Services Stage a Strong Comeback
After experiencing prolonged fluctuations over the past year, the IT and software services sector has returned to a growth trajectory. Hiring in the sector recorded a healthy 6 percent year-on-year increase in July. Within IT, recruitment for AI-related positions climbed by 30 per cent, while demand for information security professionals rose by 23 per cent.
Among major cities, Kolkata recorded the strongest hiring growth with a 17 percent increase, followed by Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Hiring activity in Delhi and Mumbai, however, remained largely unchanged during the month.
The positive hiring momentum is not limited to the technology sector. The insurance industry registered the highest growth, with recruitment increasing by 10 per cent year-on-year, followed by the real estate sector at 8 per cent. The FMCG and healthcare industries also reported healthy demand for professionals.
However, the report highlights a modest decline in hiring across sectors such as telecommunications, banking and financial services, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and education, indicating that recovery remains uneven across industries.
Employers are not only seeking experienced professionals but are also actively recruiting fresh talent. Fresher hiring rose by 6 per cent year-on-year in July, reflecting sustained confidence in early-career recruitment. Hiring by Global Capability Centres (GCCs) also increased by 5 per cent, with Chennai and Hyderabad emerging as key hiring hubs.
Demand for mid-level and senior professionals has also strengthened, suggesting that the current job market offers opportunities across virtually every stage of a professional career.
Commenting on the latest trends, Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and CEO of Info Edge India Limited, the parent company of Naukri.com, said the July figures clearly indicate that hiring activity is gathering momentum and that the Indian job market continues to strengthen.
