IT Sector Hiring Rises 5% YoY in June; AI & ML Roles Surge by 42%: Naukri JobSpeak Report

After months of sluggish activity, India’s IT sector is finally showing signs of recovery. According to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report, the sector recorded a 5% year-on-year (YoY) increase in hiring activity in June 2025, signaling a positive turnaround.

Tier-II Cities Lead the Comeback

The hiring revival was notably led by tier-II cities, where tech infrastructure and digital adoption have seen substantial growth. Cities such as Jaipur, Chandigarh, Kochi, and Indore showed impressive momentum, indicating a broader and more inclusive hiring recovery across the country.

High Demand for Senior Professionals

Interestingly, the report highlights a 16% increase in hiring of senior IT professionals with over 16 years of experience. This suggests that companies are prioritizing leadership and domain expertise to navigate evolving technologies and complex digital transformations.

AI and ML Roles Witness Explosive Growth

One of the most remarkable trends noted was the 42% spike in hiring for AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) roles. As businesses accelerate their adoption of automation, predictive analytics, and generative AI, the demand for skilled professionals in these domains has skyrocketed.

Other Key Findings from the Report

Cloud Computing, Data Science, and Cybersecurity are also witnessing renewed interest.

Startups and mid-sized IT companies are leading in hiring AI/ML talent.

Campus hiring and internship opportunities in AI/ML have also expanded compared to last year.

Industry Outlook

Experts suggest that while the overall IT hiring recovery is still in its early stages, the sharp growth in emerging tech domains like AI and ML indicates where the sector is heading.

“AI is not just a buzzword anymore. Companies are building real-world applications, and for that, they need skilled talent—right now,” said a senior recruiter at a leading IT services firm.