Demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) talent skyrocketed in August 2025, with hiring for these roles increasing by 54%, according to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report. This jump highlights how companies are ramping up their hiring of technology professionals, even as overall IT and software services hires declined by 6%. Interestingly, IT unicorns defied the broader economic slowdown and posted a 10% increase in new hires.
In contrast, several industries reported subdued activity. Employment fell by 11% in the banking and financial services sector, by 13% in the communications and ISP sector, and by 3% in the automotive sector. Meanwhile, white-collar roles, which typically require higher education and specialized knowledge, recorded a modest 3% year-on-year increase.
On the positive side, non-IT sectors showed strong momentum. Insurance had the highest employment growth rate at 24%, followed by hospitality (22%) and real estate (18%). BPO/ITES (17%), education (16%), oil and gas power generation (7%), retail (3%) and FMCG (2%) also contributed to growth. Graduate hiring (0-3 years of experience) increased by 7%, primarily from non-IT industries such as hospitality, real estate, and education.
Among metropolitan cities, Hyderabad was a standout performer with a 10% increase in overall hiring and a 45% increase in unicorn-related hiring.
Commenting on the findings, Naukri Chief Business Officer Pawan Goyal told PTI, “Two clear patterns emerged in August. Non-IT industries continue to drive the expansion of the job market, and Hyderabad is quickly becoming a hub for startup jobs, outpacing other metropolitan cities in terms of overall growth.”
(With PTI input)
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