- The job market has witnessed a double-digit growth for the second time in this financial year, after +11% growth in June
- Key non-IT sectors like Insurance, Real Estate & BPO/ITES were the frontrunners in September
India's white-collar job market ended the second quarter of FY'26 on a high, with the Naukri JobSpeak Index climbing to 3002 points in September 2025, marking a +10% YoY increase (highest in the quarter) from 2727 points in September 2024. This performance lifted the quarter's overall growth to +7%.
The growth drew strength from a range of non-IT sectors like Insurance (+28%), Real Estate (+26%), BPO/ITES (+24%), Education (+22%), and Hospitality (+19%). The IT sector remained stable with a +1% growth in September.
Also Read: The Naukri JobSpeak Index for August 2025
Fresher hiring grew +15% YoY, while demand for professionals with over 16 years of experience rose +13% YoY. Among metros, hiring growth was mainly led by Hyderabad which posted +15% YoY growth, followed by Pune, which witnessed a +13% growth.
Creative and design-led sectors witness double-digit surge
Having witnessed positive growth throughout Q2, the Design (+59%), Advertising & Marketing (+22%) and Media & Entertainment (+20%) sectors posted sharp gains in September too, ending the quarter on a strong note. Entry-level traction was impressive: fresher hiring in the Advertising & Marketing sector rose by +54% YoY and by +45% in Media & Entertainment.
Unicorns power hiring growth in Chennai and Pune
Hiring by unicorns remained a bright spot, recording a substantial +30% YoY growth. This momentum was particularly pronounced in Chennai, which witnessed an exceptional 72% surge in unicorn recruitment. Pune also stood out with a strong +35% growth in hiring by unicorns. The growth in unicorn hiring was visible across key sectors, driven by IT & Software (+38%) & Banking & Financial Services (+32%).
Demand for high-paying roles spans across experience levels
Professionals at every stage of their careers are being considered for higher compensation roles. In September, hiring for positions in the 20+ LPA band grew by 23% YoY overall. This growth was broad-based: freshers saw the sharpest increase at +41%, mid-level professionals recorded +27%, and even senior talent (16+ years of experience) posted a healthy +19% growth.
Emerging tech and AI/ML roles witnessed double digit hiring growth
Emerging Technologies (+85%) and AI-ML roles (+61%) witnessed impressive double digit growths. The demand for AI/ML roles spanned experience bands, with 55% YoY growth in the 0-3 years cohort and 86% YoY in the 13-16 years segment. Metros like Pune at +91% YoY and Chennai at +71% YoY anchored this activity.
BPO/ITES continues to drive hiring growth in non-metros
The BPO/ITES sector witnessed an exceptional double-digit hiring growth in emerging cities, a trend consistent over the past quarter. Ahmedabad led the growth with a +82% uptick followed by Jaipur (+50%) and Baroda (+19%).
Dr. Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer, Naukri, said, “The 10% growth in September rounds out a solid Q2 FY'26, with a 7% overall increase in white-collar hiring during the quarter. It's particularly notable how sectors like Insurance and Hospitality have sustained their momentum over the last 3 quarters, while fresher hiring continues to witness positive growth alongside.”
