AI job recruitment in India’s IT sector surged by 16% year-on-year in June,contrasting sharply with overall decline of 3% in IT positions,according to a report released by job portal Naukri on Friday . This trend reflects significant shift as companies adapt to the rapid evolution of technology.
The monthly JobSpeak report analyzed job listings from over 150,000 firms, revealing that while traditional IT roles face challenges,demand for AI talent is on the rise. Hitesh Oberoi,CEO of Info Edge,which operates Naukri, emphasized the importance of this divergence,stating that it highlights where tech companies are still willing to invest. He noted that AI is becoming a core competency as the industry increasingly seeks specialized and senior talent.
Despite the growth in AI hiring,India’s $315 billion IT sector continues to grapple with a sluggish macroeconomic climate. Clients are reportedly cautious about technology spending, which has pressured companies to rethink their workforce strategies. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), country's largest software exporter,has indicated a slowdown in hiring,aiming for a balance between human employees and AI agents in its workforce. Last year,TCS cut over 12,000 jobs,with net reduction of more than 23,000 employees in the fiscal year ending March 2026.
The report also noted a broader increase in AI and machine learning roles across 14 sectors,with a remarkable 25% rise. insurance and consumer goods sectors experienced the most significant growth in hiring during this period, underscoring expanding influence of AI across various industries.
