India's Job Market Gains Momentum: White-Collar Hiring Up 12% in February on Strong IT and AI Demand

India's white-collar job market witnessed a 12% year-on-year increase in February, primarily due to advancements in AI and a resurgence in the IT sector.  

The Naukri JobSpeak Index, a key indicator of hiring trends, reached 3,233 points, marking a significant rise from 2,890 points in February 2025. 

Significant Growth in AI and IT Sector 

The IT sector experienced over 6% growth in hiring compared to the previous year, with freshers' hiring rising by 8%. India-based multinational IT companies were at the forefront, recording a 55% surge in hiring.  

Within the IT domain, AI and ML roles saw a remarkable 40% increase, underscoring the demand for high-skill talent. 

The Naukri JobSpeak Index, which tracks job market trends, highlighted a 23% month-on-month acceleration from January to February, surpassing the typical 13-16% range observed between these months. 

Broader Hiring Trends Across Sectors 

Beyond IT, non-IT sectors contributed to the hiring momentum. The insurance sector led with a 28% increase, followed by BPO/ITES at 22%, real estate at 19%, hospitality/travel at 15%, and retail at 14%.  

Freshers' hiring grew by 17% annually, while demand for roles in the ₹20 lakh-per-annum salary band rose by 23%. 

Read More: Indian Railways, Indian Army Launch Hiring Framework for Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Agniveers! 

Domestic Enterprises Leading AI Adoption 

In February 2026, Indian multinational corporations expanded hiring by 24%. AI and ML roles continued their upward trajectory, with Indian MNCs increasing AI/ML hiring by 82%, compared to 43% for foreign MNCs.  

This highlights domestic enterprises' strong focus on adopting new technologies. 

Conclusion 

The 12% rise in India's white-collar hiring in February reflects a robust recovery in the IT sector and significant advancements in AI adoption. The Naukri JobSpeak Index's growth to 3,233 points underscores the positive hiring trends across various sectors, with domestic companies leading in AI adoption. 

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