India’s white-collar job market continued to show steady growth in August, with Hyderabad emerging as the nation’s most dynamic recruitment hub, according to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report. The city’s booming startup ecosystem, alongside a historic rise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) jobs, fuelled much of the momentum. Overall hiring activity climbed three percent year-on-year, signalling strong demand beyond traditional IT roles.

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Hyderabad Leads India’s Job Growth

Dr Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer at Naukri.com, highlighted two defining shifts in the report: the sustained hiring momentum in non-IT sectors and Hyderabad’s rapid ascent as the country’s top metro for startup recruitment. The city also recorded a striking 45% increase in unicorn hiring, setting itself apart as India’s most vibrant job destination.

AI, ML Roles Hit Record Growth

AI and ML positions witnessed a record-breaking 54 percent surge, cementing their place as the most in-demand advanced tech skills. While IT/software services saw a 6% dip and telecom dropped 13%, the country’s tech unicorns bucked the slowdown with a 10% jump in hiring. This reflects a shifting trend where specialised digital roles are thriving even as traditional IT shows signs of contraction.

Non-IT Sectors Drive Hiring Momentum

Non-IT industries outperformed, with insurance up 24 percent, hospitality and travel rising 22 percent, real estate growing 18 percent, BPO/ITES increasing 17 percent, and education climbing 16 percent. Hospitality in particular shone, maintaining its upward streak with a 22 percent year-on-year jump, while fresher hiring in the sector soared by an impressive 44 percent. Real estate recruitment also surged, with Chennai leading at 22 percent and Hyderabad close behind at 18 percent.

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Freshers & Senior Professionals in Demand

Hiring activity was not limited to mid-level professionals. Freshers saw a healthy 7 percent rise in opportunities, especially across hospitality, education, and real estate. On the other end of the spectrum, senior professionals with over 16 years of experience also witnessed an 8% increase in demand, largely driven by sectors like oil & gas and healthcare.

Emerging Cities Make Their Mark

While Hyderabad stole the spotlight, smaller cities also showed strong momentum in the fresher job segment. Jaipur recorded a 26% increase in hiring, while Kochi followed with a 16% jump, reflecting the growing spread of opportunities beyond major metros.