AI/ML jobs in India grew 20% year-on-year in September 2026, while overall white-collar hiring rose only 2%, according to the Naukri JobSpeak report published on October 6, 2026. The Naukri JobSpeak Index stood at 3,053 against 3,002 a year earlier. Freshers saw a small 1% gain, but AI/ML roles for freshers inside IT grew 19%. For students choosing a stream or a skill, the message is plain: the market is steady, selective and rewarding specialised AI skills.
Key Facts Box
- Naukri JobSpeak (published October 6, 2026) says white-collar hiring grew 2% year-on-year in September 2026.
- The Naukri JobSpeak Index was 3,053, up from 3,002 in September 2025.
- AI/ML roles grew 20% year-on-year, the strongest of any sector tracked.
- Within IT, AI/ML hiring for freshers grew 19%, while IT/Software Services overall fell 4%.
- Hyderabad led cities at +9%, followed by Chennai (+6%), Bengaluru (+4%) and Kolkata (+4%).
- Delhi NCR and Mumbai both fell 6%; Pune was stable.
- Education hiring fell 18% and Hospitality/Travel fell 11%.
How Fast Are AI/ML Jobs in India Growing?
AI/ML jobs in India grew 20% year-on-year in September 2026, making it the fastest-growing area in the Naukri JobSpeak report. Auto followed at 11%, with BPO/ITES and global capability centres (GCCs) each up 4%. Everything else was either flat or falling.
The gap is the story. Overall hiring is up 2%, yet AI/ML is up ten times faster. Info Edge CEO Hitesh Oberoi said demand “continued to move towards specialised skills, particularly AI,” and described the market as “steady, but more selective.”
Are There AI/ML Jobs for Freshers?
Yes. Naukri’s data shows AI/ML hiring for freshers inside the IT sector rose 19% in September 2026. That is far above the 1% rise in fresher hiring across the whole market.
The wider picture is more modest. Experienced hiring is stronger: 13-16 years of experience grew 7%, while 4-7 years fell 2%. Within IT AI/ML, the 13-16 year band jumped 54% and 8-12 years rose 28%. Freshers are being hired in this field, but senior AI talent is in even shorter supply.
Where freshers are being hired in other sectors
Fresher hiring by sector was strongest in Oil and Gas (+21%), Banking and Financial Services (+14%), Pharma/Biotech (+10%) and Healthcare (+10%). If AI is not your path, these are worth a look.
Which Cities Are Hiring Most?
Hyderabad is the strongest city for hiring, up 9% year-on-year in September 2026. Chennai grew 6%, Bengaluru and Kolkata 4% each, and Pune held steady. Delhi NCR and Mumbai both slipped 6%.
GCCs, the India offices of global companies, are driving much of this. GCC hiring grew 23% in Hyderabad, 13% in Chennai and 11% in Pune, against 3% in Bengaluru. Students open to relocating have a real advantage here.
Which Sectors Are Shrinking?
IT/Software Services fell 4% in September 2026, and Pharma/Biotech and FMCG fell 4% each. Healthcare slipped 3%, Hospitality and Travel dropped 11%, and Education fell 18%. Insurance, Retail, Banking and Real Estate were largely stable.
Notice the contradiction inside IT: the sector shrank while its AI/ML roles grew. Traditional software service roles are under pressure, and employers are redirecting hiring to AI skills.
Which Functions Are Growing?
Research and Development and Hardware and Networks engineering each grew 19%. Merchandising, Retail and eCommerce rose 18%, and Construction and Site Engineering rose 17%. These give non-IT students clear targets too.
What Should Students Learn Now?
Pair one core field with one applied AI skill, and prove it with a project. Employers are selective, so a visible portfolio counts more than a list of courses.
- Learn Python and basic machine learning, then build two or three small projects on real datasets.
- Add a domain: finance, healthcare, manufacturing or retail analytics all use AI/ML.
- Look at hardware, networking and R&D roles if you are an electronics or electrical student.
- Consider Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune for GCC roles, not just your home city.
- Start internships early; they remain the most reliable route to a first job.
FAQs
Q. How much did AI/ML jobs grow in India in September 2026?
Ans. AI/ML jobs grew 20% year-on-year in September 2026, according to the Naukri JobSpeak report published on October 6, 2026. It was the fastest-growing sector, well ahead of overall white-collar hiring at 2%.
Q. Is fresher hiring growing in India in 2026?
Ans. Only slightly overall. Naukri JobSpeak shows fresher hiring up 1% year-on-year in September 2026, though AI/ML fresher roles within IT grew 19%.
Q. Which city has the most job growth in India right now?
Ans. Hyderabad, at 9% year-on-year in September 2026. Chennai (6%), Bengaluru (4%) and Kolkata (4%) followed, while Delhi NCR and Mumbai each fell 6%.
Q. Which sectors are hiring fewer people?
Ans. Education (-18%), Hospitality and Travel (-11%), IT/Software Services (-4%), Pharma/Biotech (-4%) and FMCG (-4%) all declined in September 2026, per Naukri JobSpeak.
Q. What does the Naukri JobSpeak Index measure?
Ans. It tracks white-collar job listings on Naukri.com and compares them year-on-year. In September 2026 it read 3,053 against 3,002 a year earlier, a 2% increase.
Conclusion / Next Steps
AI/ML jobs in India are growing far faster than the rest of the market, but a degree alone will not win them. Pick one applied AI skill, build proof of it and look beyond the usual metros. Check back for the next Naukri JobSpeak update.
Sources: Naukri JobSpeak, “White-collar hiring holds steady in September; AI/ML roles continue growth streak” (October 6, 2026); YourStory, “White-collar hiring grows 2% led by AI/ML sector in Sep: Report” (October 2026).