AI-related positions grew 16 percent in June, according to Naukri’s JobSpeak report. Overall technology hiring in the same month declined by 3 percent, highlighting a divergence within the sector.
AI hiring increased in June 2024 across India’s information-technology (IT) industry, while total tech recruitment slipped, as reported by Naukri’s JobSpeak survey [1]. The data reflect hiring activity for the month of June 2024 and cover firms located throughout the country, from established technology parks in Bangalore and Hyderabad to emerging centers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities [4].
The rise in AI hiring is linked to Indian IT service providers, product companies, and multinational corporations that are expanding AI initiatives, according to the same Naukri report [1]. Recruitment platforms Naukri and foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME) supplied the data, noting that demand for roles such as machine-learning engineers, data scientists, and AI solution architects drove the increase [1][3].
Sector-specific hiring trends
Naukri’s JobSpeak analysis shows a 16 percent month-on-month increase in AI-related vacancies within the IT sector for June [1]. In contrast, overall technology job postings fell 3 percent during the same period, indicating that the growth is confined to AI specialties rather than the broader tech workforce [1].
Economic Times reporting projects that the Indian IT industry could add 35 to 45 percent more AI roles by fiscal year 2026 as companies scale AI deployments [2]. The projection is based on corporate hiring plans and the anticipated expansion of AI-driven services across sectors [2].
In contrast, overall technology job postings fell 3 percent during the same period, indicating that the growth is confined to AI specialties rather than the broader tech workforce [1].
Foundit’s 2025 hiring outlook forecasts a 32 percent year-on-year increase in AI hiring for 2026, reaching approximately 380,000 positions nationwide [3]. The forecast aligns with the June surge and suggests sustained momentum in AI talent acquisition despite a slowdown in other tech categories [3].
Geographic spread and employer participation
AI hiring rises 16% in India's IT sector in June as overall tech recruitment falls 3%
Firstpost reports a 60 percent jump in AI job postings across India, with opportunities extending beyond traditional technology hubs to smaller cities and regional centers [4]. The broadened geographic footprint reflects companies’ efforts to tap into a wider talent pool and to establish AI capabilities in diverse locations [4].
Recruitment platforms cited in the reports—Naukri and foundit—track job listings from a range of employers, including large enterprises, mid-size firms, and startups. Their data indicate that firms in sectors such as banking, healthcare, and e-commerce are contributing to the AI hiring surge, supplementing the core IT services segment [1][3].
India’s space startup ecosystem now hosts more than 450 active ventures, a growth attributed to recent government policy changes and increased private investment.
The increase in AI hiring coincides with a corporate push to integrate artificial-intelligence solutions into existing products and services. Companies have announced internal AI upskilling programs and external hiring drives to meet project timelines, according to statements gathered by the JobSpeak survey [1].
Impact on students, educators, and professionals
The rise in AI-focused vacancies creates immediate employment opportunities for graduates and professionals possessing machine-learning, data-analytics, and AI development skills [1][3]. Job seekers in engineering, computer science, and related disciplines can target the expanding AI segment despite the overall contraction in tech hiring [1].
Impact on students, educators, and professionals The rise in AI-focused vacancies creates immediate employment opportunities for graduates and professionals possessing machine-learning, data-analytics, and AI development skills [1][3].
Educational institutions offering AI curricula may experience heightened demand for specialized courses and certification programs, as employers seek candidates with applied AI expertise [2]. The geographic diversification of AI roles also encourages regional colleges to align programs with industry needs beyond metropolitan areas [4].
For current IT workers, the data suggest a potential shift in career pathways toward AI competencies. Companies are reportedly prioritizing internal mobility and reskilling to fill AI positions, indicating that existing staff may access new roles without changing employers [1][3].
Key Facts
What: AI hiring in India’s IT sector grew 16 percent in June 2024 while overall tech recruitment fell 3 percent.
When: June 2024, with projected growth through FY 2026.
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