India’s white-collar hiring grows 2% in September 2026, AI/ML leads sectoral surge

India’s white-collar job market saw a 2% year-on-year growth in September 2026, driven by a surge in AI/ML and automotive sector hiring. However, IT/Software Services and Pharma/Biotech experienced declines, reflecting shifting industry dynamics across the country.

Reported hiring trends in September 2026

India’s white-collar job market grew by 2% year-on-year in September 2026, according to Naukri.com’s JobSpeak Index. The index rose to 3,053 from 3,002 in the same month the previous year, reflecting modest overall growth in hiring activity.

AI and machine learning (AI/ML) roles drove the growth, with hiring in this sector rising by 20%. The automotive sector followed with an 11% increase, while sectors like BPO/ITES and global capability centers (GCC) each saw a 4% rise in hiring.

Other industries faced declines. IT/Software Services hiring dropped by 4%, Pharma/Biotech fell by 3%, and the education sector saw an 18% contraction. Healthcare, FMCG, and hospitality also recorded negative trends.

City-wise hiring trends

Hiring growth varied significantly across major Indian cities. Hyderabad led with a 9% year-on-year increase, followed by Chennai at 6% and Bengaluru and Kolkata at 4% each. Pune also recorded growth, though specifics were not detailed.

In contrast, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, two of India’s largest job markets, saw hiring decline by 6% each. Hiring in emerging cities remained largely flat during the same period.

Experience-level hiring trends

Hiring trends differed by experience level. Roles for professionals with 8-12 years of experience grew by 5%, while demand for those with over 12 years of experience rose by 2%. However, hiring for mid-level professionals (4-7 years of experience) declined by 2%.

Fresher hiring saw marginal growth, increasing by just 1% year-on-year.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

India’s white-collar job market is showing signs of a selective recovery, with growth concentrated in high-demand sectors like AI/ML and automotive. This suggests that companies are prioritizing roles tied to emerging technologies and structural industry shifts, such as electric vehicles and automation. Meanwhile, traditional tech and pharma sectors are pulling back, which could signal cost-cutting or a pivot in business models.

For founders and operators, the divergence in hiring trends is worth noting. The decline in IT/Software Services hiring, despite the rise in AI/ML roles, hints at a possible consolidation or skillset mismatch. Startups in high-growth sectors may find it easier to attract talent, but competition for experienced professionals could drive up compensation costs. Conversely, those in sectors like education or healthcare may face a softer job market, creating opportunities to hire talent at more favorable terms.

The geographic disparities are also telling. Hyderabad’s growth as a hiring hub could reflect its rising prominence as a tech and R&D center, while the struggles in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai may point to broader economic or policy challenges in those regions. Founders expanding their teams should weigh these local dynamics when deciding where to base operations.

Key takeaways

• India’s white-collar job market showed modest growth of 2% in September 2026, driven by demand in AI/ML and automotive sectors.
• IT/Software Services and Pharma/Biotech sectors experienced hiring declines, reflecting shifting industry priorities.
• Hiring trends varied by city, with Hyderabad and Chennai seeing growth, while Delhi-NCR and Mumbai faced declines.
• Experienced professionals (8+ years) saw increased hiring, but fresher roles grew only marginally.

FAQ

Why did AI/ML hiring grow so rapidly in September 2026?

AI/ML roles saw a 20% increase in hiring, likely due to rising investment in artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven decision-making across industries. Companies are prioritizing talent in these areas to stay competitive.

What sectors experienced declines in hiring?

IT/Software Services, Pharma/Biotech, Healthcare, FMCG, hospitality, and education all recorded declines in hiring activity during September 2026.

Which cities saw the highest hiring growth?

Hyderabad recorded the highest growth at 9%, followed by Chennai at 6% and Bengaluru and Kolkata at 4%.

How did hiring trends vary by experience level?

Hiring for professionals with 8-12 years of experience grew by 5%, while fresher hiring saw only marginal growth at 1%. Mid-level professionals (4-7 years of experience) experienced a 2% decline.

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