New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The tech employment landscape in India is projected to witness a remarkable growth of 12–15 percent by 2026, leading to the creation of approximately 1.25 lakh new positions, according to a recent report.

Adecco India, a leading work solutions provider, noted that the talent gap rose to 44 percent in 2025, resulting in an 18 percent increase in median salaries compared to 2024 and sparking a competitive talent acquisition battle.

The report emphasized a 51 percent rise in demand for roles in AI, data, and cybersecurity, as these functions transitioned from experimental phases to essential components of business operations. Notably, around 40 percent of major enterprises have implemented generative AI pilots.

Furthermore, the demand for ML engineers, data engineers, and full-stack developers with AI integration capabilities surged by 45 percent, while specialist compensation saw a 15 percent increase, and hiring in Global Capability Centers (GCC) grew by 20 percent compared to the previous year.

Campus recruitment experienced a 12 percent increase from 2024, fueled by a surge in start-ups operating in deep-tech, fintech, health-tech, and SaaS. Although funding has been selective, companies with clear strategies in AI, platform development, or cybersecurity have expanded their engineering and data teams.

As we approach 2026, businesses across various sectors are anticipated to ramp up hiring for specialized roles, transitioning from pilot projects to full-scale deployment.

“This steady increase indicates a sector evolving from caution to rejuvenation, setting the groundwork for a more definitive recovery in 2026 as the talent gap continues to expand,” stated Sanketh Chengappa, Director and Business Head at Adecco India.

“Sectors such as BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics are at the forefront of this transition, representing nearly 38 percent of tech-driven hiring. We anticipate this trend to accelerate into 2026,” Chengappa elaborated.

Moreover, recruitment in non-tech sectors gained momentum as industries progressed beyond mere digitization and began integrating AI and data capabilities into their fundamental operations.

In the GCC, non-tech sectors including government, financial services, aviation, energy, and retail experienced a hiring increase of approximately 30 percent, reflecting rapid advancements in national digital and cybersecurity initiatives.