Indian IT jobs grow despite market slowdown: WorkIndia
BENGALURU, INDIA — WorkIndia’s latest data revealed a nuanced picture of India’s IT job market in 2024.
While overall IT job postings in the country declined by 10% compared to 2023, Tier-1 (T1) cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune have bucked the trend, showcasing a 7% growth in hiring.
Pune stands out with a 23% increase in IT job postings, followed by Bengaluru (10%) and Mumbai (8%). This resilience highlights the growing role of T1 cities as innovation hubs, driven by the expansion of technology companies and startups.
Hybrid experience demand fuels job market shift
A notable trend in the report is the 325% surge in job postings seeking candidates with both fresh and experienced backgrounds. This shift reflects a growing preference for versatile talent capable of adapting to hybrid roles.
In contrast, postings exclusively targeting freshers or experienced professionals have declined.
WorkIndia Co-Founder and CEO Nilesh Dungarwal commented that this “reflects a broader shift in the industry towards a more flexible, adaptive workforce. Employers are increasingly seeking versatile talent, not just specialists, signalling a new era of hybrid roles that can drive innovation and growth in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.”
Specialized skills take priority over formal education
The report also highlights a decline in demand for candidates with traditional qualifications such as graduate degrees or high school diplomas.
WorkIndia said that employers are increasingly prioritizing specialized skills and practical experience over formal education credentials for certain roles, signaling an evolution in hiring practices within the tech sector.
Salary trends reflect demand for expertise
IT job postings offering salaries between ₹10,000 (US$118) and ₹50,000 (US$593) have decreased year-on-year. However, demand for higher-paying roles has surged.
Positions offering salaries between ₹60,000 (US$711) and ₹80,000 (US$949) — or even higher — have seen significant growth, reflecting increased demand for experienced professionals with niche skill sets.
Gender dynamics evolve in IT hiring
The report also noted a shift in gender preferences. Job postings seeking male candidates rose by 20%, while those preferring female candidates declined by 11%. Notably, demand for experienced male candidates surged by 32%, compared to a more modest 17% increase for experienced female professionals.
WorkIndia’s findings highlight the evolving dynamics of India’s IT sector. Despite an overall slowdown in hiring, T1 cities continue to thrive as key growth drivers, with employers increasingly valuing specialized skills and hybrid experience levels over traditional qualifications.
This shift signals new opportunities for skilled professionals in an increasingly competitive landscape.
