AI and ML job opportunities surge by 37% in India: Report

Jobs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are surging in India, with a 37% year-on-year increase in May, according to a report by Naukri.com. This surge underscores the industry’s growing focus on specialised expertise and talent in AI technology, which is transforming various sectors and driving technological advancement. India’s white-collar hiring grew by 6% in May compared to April 2024, with significant growth in sectors such as banking, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), and oil and gas.

Non-metro cities like Surat and Raipur emerged as hiring hotspots, experiencing the highest job growth year-on-year, thanks to lower living costs and emerging business opportunities. Conversely, metro cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru saw a marginal decline in hiring, indicating a potential shift in employment dynamics toward non-metro areas.

The report also highlighted an increasing demand for experienced professionals, with jobs requiring 16-plus years of experience growing by 23%. While most sectors reported mid-single-digit growth, the overall index was affected by slower growth in the IT, BPO, and education sectors.

Nevertheless, the oil and gas sector saw a 14% growth, driven by strong demand and investments, while the banking sector grew by 12%, reflecting ongoing expansion and digital transformation initiatives.

The FMCG sector experienced a notable 17% growth, with Mumbai and Kolkata leading the way with 38% and 25% increases, respectively. This growth reflects rising consumer demand and the sector’s resilience.

The healthcare sector grew by 8%, primarily in metro cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad, where healthcare infrastructure is expanding. Similarly, the travel and hospitality sector also grew by 8%, indicating a rebound in travel activities and increased consumer spending.

Despite these positive trends, new job opportunities for entry-level professionals dipped by 2% compared to May 2023, suggesting limited opportunities for freshers and those at the beginning of their careers.