India White-Collar Hiring Grows 5 Percent in July

Info Edge India reported a 5 percent year-on-year increase in India's white-collar hiring for July, according to the Naukri JobSpeak Index. The index rose to 3,227 from 3,074 in the previous year, signaling a recovery in the professional job market.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning roles led the growth with a 33 percent increase, extending a trend that has lasted over two years. The IT and software services sector recovered with 6 percent growth, which included a 30 percent surge in AI-specific positions. High-salary roles saw the most significant jump, with hiring for professionals earning over 50 lakh rupees annually increasing by 64 percent.

Insurance and real estate sectors were the top performers, growing 10 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Conversely, hiring declined in the banking, financial services, telecom, pharma, hospitality, and education sectors. Geographically, Kolkata led hiring growth at 17 percent, followed by Hyderabad and Chennai.