AI hiring in India rises 16% as overall IT jobs dip 3%, says report

The demand for artificial intelligence (AI) professionals in India’s information technology (IT) sector continued to grow in June, even as overall recruitment in the industry declined, according to a report released on Friday.

The monthly JobSpeak report from job portal Naukri, which analysed listings from over 150,000 firms, showed that AI-related hiring rose 16% year-on-year in June. In contrast, total IT job postings fell 3% during the same period.

India’s USD 315 billion IT industry has been facing headwinds in recent months. Clients have held back on technology spending due to a weak macroeconomic environment, while the rise of AI itself is disrupting traditional business models, prompting companies to reorient their workforce.

The report highlighted a clear shift in employer priorities. Firms are actively seeking professionals with skills in machine learning, data science, and natural language processing, even as they reduce overall headcount in other areas.

Experts say this trend reflects a broader transformation within the sector. “Companies are investing in AI capabilities to remain competitive,” said a spokesperson for Naukri. “This is leading to a surge in demand for specialised talent, even as overall hiring remains cautious.”

The findings come amid ongoing global economic uncertainty and a slowdown in major markets like the United States and Europe. India’s IT services companies have reported muted revenue growth in recent quarters, with clients delaying non-essential projects.

However, the push for AI expertise is seen as a long-term strategic move. Analysts believe that firms that successfully integrate AI into their operations will be better positioned when the market recovers.

The data underscores a growing divide within the IT job market. While traditional roles in software development, maintenance, and support are seeing reduced demand, positions requiring advanced AI skills are becoming increasingly competitive.

For job seekers, the trend suggests a need to upskill. “The AI hiring boom is real, but it favours those with the right qualifications,” noted an industry expert. “Those without AI skills may find it harder to secure roles in the future.”

The report is based on actual job listings, not surveys, and is considered a reliable indicator of hiring trends in the formal sector.