India’s white-collar job market ended the financial year strongly, with a notable 16% year-on-year increase in fresher hiring, as per a report by Naukri. The growth was observed in both metro and non-metro markets. Sectors like hospitality, BPO/ITES, oil & gas, education, and real estate drove the job market expansion, with hospitality leading at 21% year-on-year growth.
The JobSpeak Index mentioned in the report reached 2,858 in March, marking a 9% year-on-year rise. The annual growth for FY26 surpassed 8%, a significant rise from the 2% growth in FY25, showcasing a robust performance in the job market. Freshers in the salary bracket earning over Rs 20 lakh per annum saw a remarkable 23% year-on-year growth in hiring.
While IT hiring remained steady, roles in AI and ML experienced substantial growth, with over 37% surge in March and more than 45% for the full fiscal year. The demand for talent in the salary band above Rs 20 lakh per annum expanded by over 16%, indicating a positive trend in high-paying job opportunities.
Notably, AI/ML hiring surged by over 37% year-on-year in March, with a focus on high-paying roles. The growth was most significant in the highest salary brackets, with employees earning over Rs 50 lakh per annum leading at over 55% growth. Regions like Kolkata and Delhi NCR excelled in AI/ML hiring, surpassing traditional tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Service-oriented non-IT sectors such as hospitality, education, and BPO/ITES demonstrated resilience throughout FY26, contributing to the overall positive trend in the job market.
