India’s IT Hiring Surprise: Growth Amid Automation And AI Integration

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Defying fears of massive job cuts, Indian IT firms continue to hire amid the rise of AI-driven automation. A Naukri report reveals that 72% of employers plan to expand their workforce in late 2025, showcasing confidence in human potential as firms pivot towards hybrid skill roles combining technology and creativity.

Indian IT’s Human Revival Amid AI Automation

Despite global apprehensions over artificial intelligence replacing jobs, India’s IT sector is charting a different path — one of expansion and adaptation. According to Naukri’s latest Hiring Outlook report, nearly 72% of employers in India plan to create new positions in the second half of 2025 rather than merely replacing existing roles.

The trend stands in contrast to global markets where AI-related job disruptions dominate the narrative. Indian employers are betting big on digital transformation, seeing AI as a complementary catalyst rather than a competitor to human talent. The report notes that 87% of surveyed firms do not expect any large-scale job losses due to AI, underlining the industry's evolving nature.

Redefining Roles, Not Reducing Workforces

Indian IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro are investing heavily in hybrid talent — professionals skilled in both tech and strategic problem-solving. While automation handles repetitive tasks, demand for roles in machine learning, analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity is surging.

Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer at Naukri, emphasized that these findings reflect the resilience and innovation of India’s white-collar ecosystem. Instead of shrinking teams, most employers are expanding headcount to meet the growing demand for tech-integrated roles.

Notable Updates

Hiring Sentiment: 94% of employers plan recruitment in FY25 H2; 72% aim for expansion through new job creation.

AI Impact: 87% of firms see AI as a productivity booster, not a job eliminator.

Top Hiring Sectors: IT (42%), Analytics (17%), and Business Development (11%) lead recruitment.

Preferred Talent Pool: Mid-level professionals with 4–7 years of experience are most sought-after (47% of hiring intent).

Skill Focus: Companies seek candidates proficient in AI tools, data modeling, and cybersecurity — areas viewed as AI-proof.

Major Takeaways

While automation continues reshaping workflows, Indian IT’s demand for upskilled human capital signals optimism in the workforce’s creative and adaptive edge. The country’s strategic blend of AI and human skills may serve as a blueprint for other emerging markets navigating the automation era.

Sources: The Economic Times; Times of India; Naukri Hiring Outlook Report