AI, IT rebound lift hiring 12% in February: Report

metro india news  I mumbai

India’s white-collar job market expanded 12 per cent year-on-year in February, driven by accelerating adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and a steady recovery in the IT sector, according to the latest Naukri JobSpeak Index.

The index climbed to 3,233 points in February 2026, up from 2,890 points in the same month last year, marking the strongest February performance in recent years. On a month-on-month basis, hiring activity surged 23 per cent between January and February, significantly higher than the typical 13–16 per cent rise seen during this period.

The IT sector recorded over 6 per cent annual growth in hiring, with fresher recruitment rising 8 per cent. India-based multinational IT companies emerged as the key growth drivers, posting a sharp 55 per cent increase in hiring. Within IT, demand for AI and machine learning (AI/ML) roles remained robust, rising 40 per cent year-on-year, underscoring a clear focus on high-skill and high-value talent.

Overall fresher hiring across sectors grew 17 per cent annually, while demand for roles offering salaries in the Rs 20 lakh-per-annum bracket rose 23 per cent, indicating strength at both entry-level and premium talent bands.

Non-IT sectors continued to support overall hiring momentum. Insurance led with a 28 per cent growth, followed by BPO/ITES at 22 per cent, real estate at 19 per cent, hospitality and travel at 15 per cent, and retail at 14 per cent.

In February 2026, Indian multinational companies expanded overall hiring by 24 per cent. Within IT, AI/ML roles surged 49 per cent year-on-year. Notably, Indian MNCs recorded an 82 per cent rise in AI/ML hiring, compared with 43 per cent growth by foreign MNCs, reflecting strong domestic investment in emerging technologies.

Naukri Chief Business Officer Pawan Goyal said IT hiring is recovering meaningfully, with Indian MNCs investing steadily in AI talent as the new fiscal year approaches.