India’s gig hiring landscape is transitioning from a volume-driven model to one focused on capabilities, according to a report. The report noted a 5% month-on-month decline in overall hiring activity in March, with a 1% increase year-on-year. White-collar gig jobs have seen growth, projected to exceed 10.2 million by FY27 from 8.23 million in FY26.
Large organizations are increasingly turning to gig hiring to address specialized skill shortages, especially in AI-driven and senior positions. Anupama Bhimrajka, VP of Marketing at foundit, emphasized the rise of Tier-2 talent markets and the growing acceptance of remote and hybrid work models. The report highlighted a shift towards AI-led roles, senior talent, and Tier-2 cities in the gig economy.
Enterprises beyond startups are utilizing gig hiring to bridge skill gaps in AI-driven and senior roles. The gig economy in India is diversifying, with emerging hubs outside major cities contributing significantly to the talent pool. Tier-2 cities are emerging as key growth drivers for gig hiring, with their share expected to increase notably in the coming years.
Tier-2 cities are projected to account for 38.8% of gig hiring by FY27, up from 30.7% in FY26, with cities like Coimbatore, Vadodara, Kochi, and Indore becoming talent hotspots. Growth in IT services, analytics, manufacturing, and digital marketing is fueling this trend. Additionally, cities like Jaipur, Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, and Lucknow are gaining traction in various roles such as creative, consulting, analytics, and support functions.
