August saw a 54% increase in demand for AI and ML, with non-IT sectors driving growth

According to a recent Naukri JobSpeak survey, recruiting for positions using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) increased by 54% in August 2025. The increase highlights how companies are recruiting more people for specialized technology positions, despite a 6% decline in hiring for software and IT services overall. Interestingly, IT unicorns saw a 10% surge in new hires, defying the general slump.

However, a number of industries observed a slowdown in activity. Hiring in banking and financial services fell 11%, telecom/ISP down 13%, and the auto industry fell 3%. Meanwhile, white-collar roles that typically demand higher education and specialised expertise posted a modest 3% year-on-year rise.

Positively, industries outside of IT showed significant growth. Insurance saw the largest rise in hiring (24%), followed by real estate (18%) and hospitality (22%). The increase was also aided by BPO/ITES (17%), education (16%), oil and gas power (7%), retail (3%) and FMCG (2%) sectors. Recruitment of new hires with 0–3 years of experience increased by 7%, mostly due to non-IT sectors like real estate, hotels, and education.

With a 10% increase in total hiring and a 45% increase in unicorn-related hiring, Hyderabad stood out among metro areas.

Pawan Goyal, Naukri’s Chief Business Officer, commented on the results, telling PTI: “Two distinct trends surfaced in August. The rise of the job market is still being driven by non-IT companies, and Hyderabad has surpassed other metro areas in terms of overall growth, rapidly emerging as a startup hiring hotspot.

(With assistance from PTI)