India tech hiring hits 18-month high as global companies expand
India's tech job market reached 123,000 openings in October 2026, driven by AI demand and US companies expanding their local hubs.
Hiring · Source: BeInCareer
What happened
India's tech job market reached 123,000 active openings in October 2026. This marks the highest level of hiring demand in 18 months and a 17 percent increase from the previous year. Staffing firm Xpheno reported the data, signaling a strong rebound after a slow start to the year.
Most of this growth comes from IT services and Global Capability Centres, or GCCs. IT services posted about 66,000 openings, up 57 percent year-over-year. GCCs reached 18,000 openings, a 64 percent increase. Meanwhile, hiring at funded startups and software product companies declined compared to last year.
The demand heavily favors experienced workers over new graduates. Mid-level and senior roles make up 55 percent of all openings, totaling about 68,000 jobs. Geographically, Bengaluru remains the top hub with 31,000 openings, but Hyderabad saw a 27 percent monthly jump to reach 14,000 openings.
By the numbers
- 123,000 — Active tech job openings in India in October 2026, an 18-month high.
- 66,000 — Active openings in IT services, up 57 percent year-over-year.
- 18,000 — Active openings at Global Capability Centres, up 64 percent year-over-year.
- 15,000 — Entry-level openings, representing roughly 1 in 8 available tech jobs.
- 138 percent — Growth in software development roles mentioning AI between Q2 2024 and Q2 2026.
Why it matters
For US job seekers and those on work visas, this highlights a global shift in where companies build their teams. While the US tech market feels tight, global companies are actively expanding their footprints in India through GCCs. They are hiring specialized talent directly rather than waiting out US visa uncertainties.
The data also shows that artificial intelligence is shifting job requirements rather than just eliminating roles. Job postings mentioning AI in software development grew 138 percent between 2024 and 2026. However, the hiring bar has risen. Employers want project-ready professionals who can execute immediately, and they are increasingly requiring teams to work from the office.
Who this hits
New graduates
Entry-level roles make up only about 12 percent of the market with 15,000 openings. While this is up from last year, freshers face intense competition and must show practical project experience to get hired.
Experienced tech workers
This group sees the most opportunity right now. With about 68,000 active openings, experienced professionals in AI, cloud architecture, and cybersecurity are in high demand.
Remote workers
Fully remote and hybrid roles have significantly diminished across the sector. The vast majority of current active openings require working from the office.
What to do this week
- Build a portfolio of practical projects. Employers want proof of skills, so include working links to projects in artificial intelligence, Python, or data analytics on your resume.
- Target Global Capability Centres. If you are looking for roles with global tech companies, track openings at their GCCs in cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
- Prepare for in-office work. Adjust your job search expectations, as remote roles are shrinking and companies prioritize face-to-face collaboration.
See who's hiring right now on GiraffyReach
My take
The narrative that AI is simply destroying jobs misses the full picture. Companies are hiring aggressively, but they are doing it where talent meets execution, like in India's growing GCCs. If you want to stand out today, you need to prove you can deliver from day one.