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White-collar hiring rose 13% in December, with fresher recruitment growing faster at 18%
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Non-IT sectors led growth, insurance up 34% and hospitality up 29% in hiring activity
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IT sector hiring grew by 8%, while telecom declined sharply by 8% in the same period
White-collar hiring witnessed a 13% growth in December, while fresher recruitment jumped at a higher pace, according to a Naukri JobSpeak monthly report. The hiring spree was led by non-IT sectors like insurance (34%) and hospitality (29%).
Job growth in BPO/ITES was 24% and in IT was 8%. On the lower-growth side, FMCG (7%), retail (4%), and healthcare (4%) saw modest upward movement in hiring, while the auto sector remained flat.
Banking and financial services experienced a 7% decline, though startup hiring within the sector grew by 11%. Telecom showed the sharpest fall at -8%.
Meanwhile, newer tech-driven segments displayed standout performance, with AI/ML hiring surging 53%, and GCCs (Global Capability Centers) posting 6% growth.
"The consistent strength in non-tech sectors through the year-culminating in the strongest quarter at 9% in OND-shows this shift is now well entrenched," said Naukri Chief Business Officer Pawan Goyal.
"Equally heartening is how these same sectors have steadily opened more entry-level opportunities, giving freshers a broader set of options as we step into 2026," he said.
The October-December period was the year’s strongest quarter at 9% employment growth in corporate India.
Hiring trends showed strong growth at both ends of the experience spectrum. Freshers (0–3 years of experience) saw an 18% rise in hiring, largely driven by demand from non-IT sectors such as Hospitality and Insurance.
On the other end, seasoned professionals with 16+ years of experience recorded 15% growth, supported by increased hiring in real estate and oil and gas sectors. Mid-level experience groups saw comparatively lower growth, with 11% (4–7 years), 12% (8–12 years), and a notable spike of 18% in the 13–15 year bracket.
Overall hiring in Kolkata surged by 13% with a notable 73% growth in GCC hiring. Non-metros like Kochi and Jaipur emerged as fresher hiring hotspots with a 27% and 21% growth, respectively.
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