India’s job market is witnessing a powerful resurgence, driven by the explosive growth in Artificial Intelligence and machine learning roles. According to the Department of Economic Affairs’ Monthly Economic Review released on July 29, 2025, AI and ML job openings rose by a staggering 42 percent year-on-year in June. This surge reflects a broader revival in white-collar employment and signals India’s expanding role in global tech services delivery.
Key Highlights from the July 29 Report
- AI and machine learning roles grew 42 percent YoY in June 2025
- Hiring in Global Capability Centres (GCCs) rose 9 percent YoY
- Fresher hiring increased 11 percent YoY, indicating stronger entry-level opportunities
- EPFO added 20.06 lakh new members in May 2025, the highest monthly figure since April 2018
- Naukri JobSpeak hiring index climbed to 2,854, marking a 10.5 percent YoY rise
AI and ML: The New Employment Engine
The 42 percent growth in AI and ML roles underscores the sector’s transformation from niche to mainstream. Companies across industries are investing in intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and generative AI—creating demand for skilled professionals in data science, model training, and algorithm development.
- Tech firms are expanding AI teams to support product innovation and customer personalization
- BFSI and healthcare sectors are integrating ML for fraud detection and diagnostics
- Startups and GCCs are leading the hiring wave, offering hybrid and remote roles
This trend is expected to continue as India cements its position as a global hub for AI talent, supported by government initiatives and private sector investments.
Youth Employment and Fresh Talent Uptick
The report highlights a notable 11 percent rise in fresher hiring, signaling improved prospects for young professionals entering the workforce. EPFO data from May shows that:
- 59.5 percent of new subscribers were aged 18–25
- 22.8 percent were in the 26–35 age bracket
- 16.6 percent were over 35
This demographic breakdown reveals that India’s organized workforce is increasingly composed of first-time job seekers, many of whom are entering tech roles through campus placements, bootcamps, and certification programs.
Sector-Wise Hiring Momentum
The hiring rebound isn’t limited to tech. Multiple sectors showed double-digit growth in June:
- Insurance: 32 percent YoY increase
- Hospitality and Travel: 21 percent
- BPO and ITES: 19 percent
- Real Estate: 16 percent
- Oil, Gas, and Power: 15 percent
- Healthcare: 11 percent
- Education and FMCG: 10 percent
These figures suggest a broad-based recovery in white-collar employment, with AI and ML acting as catalysts across verticals.
Manufacturing and Services: Steady Contributors
India’s manufacturing and services sectors continued to support job creation. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) employment sub-index remained in the expansionary zone for the 16th consecutive month.
- Manufacturing employment saw steady growth, driven by automation and export demand
- Services hiring eased slightly from May’s record levels but remained robust
This balance between tech-driven and traditional sectors is helping stabilize the labor market and absorb new entrants.
Closing Insight
India’s 42 percent surge in AI and machine learning jobs is more than a statistic—it’s a signal of transformation. As companies embrace intelligent systems and automation, the demand for skilled talent is reshaping the employment landscape. With freshers entering the workforce in record numbers and formal job creation hitting all-time highs, the country is poised for a tech-led employment renaissance.
Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Tribune India, NewKerala
