TLDR: India’s IT sector experienced a 1% year-on-year decline in hiring activity in July, according to the Naukri JobSpeak report. Despite this overall dip, demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) roles remained robust, holding steady at 41%.
The latest Naukri JobSpeak report reveals a slight contraction in India’s IT sector hiring, with a 1% year-on-year decrease in July. This marks a shift from the 5% growth observed in June. However, a significant highlight of the report is the sustained demand for specialized skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Hiring in these advanced technology domains remained stable at 41%, mirroring the figures from the previous month. This indicates a continued surge in the adoption and integration of AI and ML technologies within the industry, even as overall recruitment slows.
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Beyond the broader IT sector, the global capability centre (GCC) job market also saw a 5% increase in July, though this was a decline from the 11% growth recorded earlier. This suggests a nuanced hiring landscape where specific, high-demand skill sets, particularly in AI and ML, are insulated from the general slowdown. Companies are increasingly focusing on building an AI-ready workforce, as evidenced by Capgemini India’s plans to hire between 40,000 and 45,000 employees in 2025, with a key focus on early training in AI for new recruits. This strategic shift underscores the industry’s commitment to leveraging AI for future growth and efficiency.
