Overview

• AI and machine learning roles saw 25% year-on-year hiring growth in May 2025, according to the Naukri JobSpeak report.
• Overall IT sector recruitment fell 5% over the same period, reflecting reduced demand for conventional technology positions.
• Unicorns in banking and financial services led sector gains with a 29% increase in hiring activity.
• Senior-level recruitment for professionals with 15-plus years of experience rose 6%, while demand for mid-career talent dipped 3%.
• Emerging hubs Hyderabad and Kochi recorded 7% and 8% hiring growth respectively, and Pune’s startups drove a 26% surge that lifted the city’s overall recruitment by 4%.