Is White-Collar Hiring in India Growing by 3% in January? Non-IT Sectors at the Forefront
Synopsis
The job market in India is showcasing resilience as white-collar hiring grows by 3% in January 2026, driven by significant contributions from non-IT sectors. This growth highlights emerging trends in hiring and the dynamic landscape of the Indian job market.
Key Takeaways
3% increase in white-collar hiring in January.
Non-IT sectors lead the growth.
BPO/ITES hiring rose by over 21% .
Fresher hiring saw a 39% increase .
Major contributions from non-metro cities .
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) The start of 2026 has seen India's white-collar hiring maintain a solid pace, reflecting a 3% year-on-year increase in January, primarily fueled by non-IT sectors and an uptick in fresher hiring, according to a report released on Monday.
Leading this growth, non-IT sectors showcased impressive numbers: BPO/ITES surged by over 21%, hospitality/travel saw a rise of more than 15%, insurance increased by over 7%, and healthcare advanced by more than 5%, as per the Naukri JobSpeak Index.
However, the banking and financial services sector experienced a downturn, decreasing by 15% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the IT industry remained stable during this period. Notably, AI/ML roles maintained a robust trajectory with an impressive increase of over 34%.
For the past three months, BPO/ITES has consistently ranked among the top five sectors exhibiting double-digit year-on-year growth.
In January 2026, hiring within this sector rose by 21% year-on-year, supported by a diverse demand across various experience levels, including a notable 39% increase in fresher hiring and a 9% rise for professionals with 13-16 years of experience. Non-metro cities emerged as significant contributors, with Jaipur showing an increase of over 66% and Ahmedabad reporting over 43%.
Foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) played a crucial role in this surge, accounting for more than an 80% increase in hiring activity, according to the report.
“It’s uplifting to witness sustained year-on-year growth in vital sectors like BPO/ITES and Hospitality. These sectors have exhibited consistent progress in recent months and have kicked off 2026 on a strong, positive note. Equally encouraging is the robust performance from Indian IT MNCs, which bodes well for the overall job market,” stated Dr. Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer of Naukri.
Regionally, the surge was led by Pune (over 23%), Chennai (+18%), Bengaluru (+17%), and Ahmedabad (+16%), showcasing strong contributions from both established southern hubs and rapidly emerging western markets, as revealed by the findings.
Point of View
The steady growth in white-collar hiring, especially in non-IT sectors, signifies a recovery and resilience in the job market. It highlights the importance of diversification beyond IT, showcasing new opportunities in various industries. This trend could be pivotal for the Indian economy moving forward.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What sectors are driving white-collar hiring growth in India?
The primary sectors driving growth include BPO/ITES, hospitality/travel, insurance, and healthcare, with notable increases in hiring activity.
How much did BPO/ITES hiring grow in January?
BPO/ITES hiring surged by over 21% year-on-year in January 2026.
What regions in India showed significant hiring growth?
Regions such as Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad exhibited notable increases in hiring activity.
What role do MNCs play in the hiring surge?
Foreign multinational corporations contributed to over 80% of the increase in hiring activity.
Is the IT sector growing as well?
The IT sector remained flat in January, contrasting the growth seen in non-IT sectors.
