India’s white-collar landscape is witnessing major changes as 2026 begins, marked by a strong ‘V-shaped’ recovery in employment. According to the latest Naukri Jobspeak Index, the market registered 12% year-on-year growth in February, reaching 3,233 points, the highest performance for the month in recent years.
This increase also shows that February’s performance was one of the strongest in recent years. Hiring activity typically increases seasonally between January and February, but this year’s acceleration was unusually strong, with a 23% month-over-month increase, well above the 13% to 16% increase typically seen during this period.
The technology sector, which has faced a prolonged downturn due to global demand uncertainty and layoffs in recent quarters, appears to be gradually stabilizing.
Hiring for the IT sector rose more than 6% year-on-year in February, and graduate hires in the sector rose 8%, suggesting companies are starting to rebuild their talent pipelines.
The main driver of the recovery was India-based multinational IT companies, which saw a 55% increase in hiring, the report said.
Within this sector, there has been a sharp concentration of demand for emerging technology roles. Hiring for artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) roles increased by 40%, reflecting a shift toward higher-skilled, higher-value roles.
Demand for AI talent is rapidly increasing
Demand for AI talent is becoming a feature of the job market.
AI/ML roles grew by 49% year-on-year in February, with Indian multinationals leading the way. Hiring numbers in the AI/ML field jumped 82% compared to a 43% increase among foreign multinationals, indicating that domestic companies are increasing their investments in advanced technologies.
This trend highlights how AI adoption is starting to reshape recruitment strategies across Indian enterprises.
Strong demand across pay bands
The resurgence of employment was not limited to specialized technical jobs.
Demand for freshers grew by 17% year-on-year and opportunities for professionals in the Rs 2 million annual salary band grew by 23%, showing healthy demand in both the entry-level and senior talent segments.
Even as IT begins to recover, the non-tech sector remains a key pillar of job growth.
The report found strong demand across multiple industries.
Insurance drives 28% growth
BPO/ITES recorded 22% growth
Employment increases by 19% in real estate industry
15% increase in hospitality and travel
Retail industry recorded 14% growth
This broad expansion suggests hiring momentum is spreading across the industry as companies prepare for the new fiscal year. The report highlights the clear “premiumization” of the job market. Demand for jobs with an annual salary of Rs 2 million (LPA) or above increased by 23%. This highlights the intense competition for highly skilled and high-value talent who can drive digital transformation and manage complex AI-driven operations. Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer, Naukri, expressed optimism: “IT hiring has rebounded significantly and Indian multinationals are investing in AI talent at a healthy pace. The underlying momentum heading into the new financial year looks really solid.”
For professionals: The message is clear. Upskilling in AI and machine learning is the fastest route to high-value opportunities.
For corporations: Indian multinationals are now the main driver of growth, with overall employment numbers surging 55% year-on-year.
For economics: The 12% year-on-year growth and 23% month-on-month acceleration suggests that Indian companies are gearing up for an aggressive expansion phase in 2026-27.
Especially in technology-focused roles.
