Is India’s tech hiring set for a 12–15% surge this year?

India’s tech sector is set for strong growth in 2026, with 12–15% more jobs and around 1.25 lakh new opportunities emerging across AI, data, cybersecurity, and other tech roles, according to a report by Adecco India.

How big is the tech hiring surge in India?

The tech job market in India—including permanent, contractual, and temporary roles—is expected to grow 12–15% in 2026, adding around 1.25 lakh new positions. In 2025, a talent gap of 44% drove median salaries up by 18% from the previous year, signalling intense competition for skilled professionals.

Which tech skills are in highest demand?

Roles in AI, data, and cybersecurity saw a 51% growth in demand as these functions moved from experimental initiatives to core organisational requirements. ML engineers, data engineers, and full-stack developers with AI integration expertise are especially sought after, with specialist compensation rising by 15%.

How are enterprises scaling AI and tech adoption?

Around 40% of large enterprises operationalised generative AI pilots in 2025. As companies move from pilot projects to full deployment in 2026, hiring for niche tech roles is expected to accelerate. Start-ups in deep-tech, fintech, health-tech, and SaaS are also expanding engineering and data teams despite selective funding.

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Which sectors are leading the tech hiring boom?

Sectors like BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics account for nearly 38% of tech-driven recruitment. Non-tech industries are embedding AI and data capabilities into core operations, leading to around 30% hiring growth in GCC companies in government, aviation, energy, and retail sectors.

What does this mean for India’s tech workforce?

According to Sanketh Chengappa, Director and Business Head at Adecco India, the 2026 hiring uptick “indicates a sector shifting from restraint to renewal, setting the stage for a more decisive recovery as the talent gap widens.” Employees with advanced tech skills in AI, data, and cybersecurity are likely to be most in demand.

India’s tech sector is poised for a significant hiring surge in 2026. With 1.25 lakh new roles and rising salaries, skilled professionals in AI, data, ML, and cybersecurity are likely to find abundant opportunities as companies move from experimental tech adoption to full-scale implementation.