Employment in India’s white-collar job market remained strong in May, with the Naukri Jobspeak index rising marginally to 2,807 points, slightly higher than the 2,799 points recorded a year ago. While overall activity remained stable, the data revealed clear spikes in certain sectors and job types, particularly artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) and senior-level hiring.
The race to hire AI/ML is raging across major cities.
Building on last year’s momentum, AI/ML roles posted a sharp 25% year-over-year (YoY) growth in May. Demand in large cities expanded aggressively. Delhi-NCR led the growth with a 35% jump, followed closely by Chennai (34%) and Kolkata (33%).
Hiring demand expanded through the mid-to-senior professional experience demographic, with a 36% increase in the 13- to 16-year-old age group. Entry-level roles weren’t left behind either, with a solid 22% increase.
Non-tech sectors drive new hires
Overall new hiring was flat in May. However, the non-IT sector has emerged as an important growth pocket. Insurance had the largest increase in new hires at 26%, followed by real estate (12%). BPO/ITES (5%) and Hospitality (4%) also recorded modest increases, highlighting the shift in entry-level demand beyond traditional technology areas.
Demand for senior professionals remains high
Professionals with 16 years or more of experience remain in demand, with the sector seeing a 6% increase in hiring in May. This trend continued in both large cities and emerging cities. Among the top metros, Hyderabad (16%) and Kolkata (13%) led the growth, while Kochi (23%) and Ahmedabad (13%) had the highest demand outside the metros.
By industry, oil and gas (21%) and real estate (17%) were the top contributors.
Unicorns fuel urban employment momentum
India’s unicorns continue their hiring spree, posting 19% year-on-year growth in May. Metros drove this trend with Delhi-NCR registering a 29% spike, followed by Hyderabad (27%) and Bengaluru (12%). The majority of unicorn hiring was concentrated in banking and financial services (29%) and internet/e-commerce (18%).
Beyond AI/ML and unicorn-led growth, several traditional sectors have shown resilience. Insurance employment grew by 6%, real estate by 5%, and BPO/ITES and hospitality by 4% each. These gains indicate a broader recovery in customer-facing and service-oriented sectors.
“In an otherwise stable job market, what stood out in May was continued momentum in AI/ML hiring across metros with steady demand for senior professionals, a trend that has held steady over the past year,” said Pawan Goyal, ED and CBO, Naukri.com. “It is also interesting to see new hires in non-tech industries, which bodes well for young talent.”
