The Indian job market is witnessing a dynamic shift, with hiring trends varying significantly across sectors. While top IT firms are slowing down their hiring pace, global capability centers (GCCs) and industries like hospitality and real estate are driving strong job growth. According to Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer at Naukri.com, newer GCCs are expanding rapidly, while traditional IT giants are experiencing a slowdown in hiring momentum
GCCs Continue to Expand Amid IT Sector Slowdown
The IT sector is currently experiencing mixed hiring trends. Major IT firms are adding fewer employees, but GCCs, especially new entrants, are showing robust hiring activity. Goyal emphasized that while established GCCs are not expanding significantly, many new GCC operations are fueling job growth in the sector. This indicates a shift in hiring patterns within the technology space, where fresh investments and expansions are driving recruitment rather than the traditional IT heavyweights
Hospitality and Real Estate Lead Job Growth
The hospitality and real estate sectors have emerged as strong contributors to job creation. The Naukri Jobspeak Index, which tracks hiring trends, reached 2,890 in February—its highest level in several months. The index recorded a 4% year-on-year increase, with hospitality witnessing an impressive 20% jump in hiring activity.
Goyal pointed out that while hospitality experienced a temporary slowdown, it has been a consistently growing sector. Travel, tourism, and hospitality continue to be among the key drivers of employment, with fresh hiring hotspots emerging across India
Goyal pointed out that while hospitality experienced a temporary slowdown, it has been a consistently growing sector. Travel, tourism, and hospitality continue to be among the key drivers of employment, with fresh hiring hotspots emerging across India
Non-Metro Cities Becoming Employment Hubs
One of the most striking hiring trends is the rise of non-metro cities as key employment centers. Locations such as Udaipur, Raipur, and Bhubaneswar, along with states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, are leading the hiring momentum. These regions are seeing increased demand for talent, signaling a broader geographical diversification of job opportunities beyond traditional metro hubs like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi
Fresher Hiring Booms in Telecom and Hospitality
For fresh graduates entering the workforce, telecom and hospitality are proving to be lucrative sectors. The Naukri report indicates that these industries are actively hiring entry-level talent, providing ample opportunities for those looking to kickstart their careers. This trend suggests a growing demand for customer-facing roles and digital infrastructure-related jobs, particularly as these sectors continue to expand
Retail Faces Challenges, But Sub-Segments Thrive
While traditional retail businesses are facing challenges, certain sub-segments are thriving. Hiring activity remains strong in consumer durables, apparel, accessories, and beauty and wellness, indicating resilience in these niche markets. As consumer preferences evolve and e-commerce continues to influence retail trends, businesses in these areas are adapting and expanding their workforce
Conclusion: A Sector-Specific Job Market
India’s job market is evolving, with hiring trends varying across industries. While IT hiring slows, GCCs, hospitality, and non-metro cities are driving employment growth. Job seekers can benefit from these emerging opportunities by exploring high-growth sectors and new geographic job hubs.
