New Delhi: India’s white-collar job market recorded its strongest February performance in recent years, posting a 12 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase to 3,233 openings from 2,890 in February 2025, according to the latest report from the Naukri JobSpeak Index.

The month-on-month growth from January to February was 23 per cent, significantly higher than the usual 13–16 per cent rise typically observed between the two months.

Fresher hiring and high-paying roles on the rise

Fresher recruitment (0–3 years of experience) grew 17 per cent YoY. Demand for premium salary roles in the 20+ LPA band surged 23 per cent, indicating a strong appetite for high-value talent.

Within the IT sector, hiring in salary bands below 20 LPA remained largely flat, while roles in the 20+ LPA bracket increased 19 per cent YoY. Positions offering 50+ LPA jumped 45 per cent, highlighting growing demand for top-tier professionals.

Fresher hiring in IT rose 8 per cent, with Indian IT MNCs driving growth at 55 per cent YoY. AI and ML roles within IT also saw substantial gains, increasing 40 per cent year-on-year, while overall AI/ML hiring across sectors surged 49 per cent YoY.

Sector-wise growth

  • Insurance: 28% YoY growth
  • BPO/ITES: 22% YoY
  • Real Estate: 19% YoY
  • Hospitality/Travel: 15% YoY
  • Retail: 14% YoY

BPO/ITES hiring surged 48 per cent YoY, Insurance 42 per cent, Retail 39 per cent, and Hospitality 39 per cent. Fresher roles in the 20+ LPA band grew 30 per cent, while professionals with 13–16 years of experience saw a 50 per cent rise in opportunities.

Also read| As divorce headlines swirl, what is TVK Vijay’s latest post about?

Indian MNCs leading recovery

Indian multinational companies expanded hiring by 24 per cent YoY. In the AI/ML segment, Indian MNCs outpaced foreign MNCs, posting an 82 per cent growth compared to 43 per cent among foreign players, signalling robust domestic investment in emerging technologies.

Dr Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer at Naukri, said the 23 per cent month-on-month growth reflects a meaningful IT recovery and strong AI investments by Indian MNCs.

“The underlying momentum heading into the new fiscal year looks genuinely solid,” he added.

With the surge in high-paying and AI/ML roles, the Indian white-collar job market is showing strong resilience across sectors, offering opportunities for both freshers and experienced professionals.

IANS