The tech job market is undergoing a significant transformation, and at the heart of it is the meteoric rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) roles. According to the latest Naukri JobSpeak report, AI and ML jobs witnessed a robust 25% year-on-year growth in May 2025, even as the broader information technology (IT) sector saw a 5% decline in overall hiring.
This contrast underscores a pivotal shift: AI is no longer a niche specialization—it’s becoming the new core of IT.
AI/ML: The Growth Engine of Tech Hiring
"In an otherwise stable job market, what stood out in May was the continued momentum in AI/ML hiring across metros alongside steady demand for senior professionals, a trend that’s held firm over the past year,” said Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer at Naukri.com.
This growth is not just about quantity, but quality. Companies are actively recruiting professionals with expertise in areas like:
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Deep learning and neural networks
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Natural language processing (NLP)
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Computer vision
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AI model deployment and optimization
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Generative AI frameworks (such as OpenAI’s GPT models)
From BFSI to healthcare, e-commerce to manufacturing, AI talent is being snapped up across sectors. The key drivers? Automation, personalization, and data-driven decision-making, all of which hinge on the sophisticated capabilities AI brings to the table.
Why the Broader IT Sector Is Slowing Down
While AI/ML roles are flourishing, the overall IT sector’s 5% dip in hiring reflects shifting priorities and market realities. Many companies are focusing on cost optimization, consolidating traditional IT roles, and automating routine tasks. This means roles in legacy systems, traditional software testing, and basic application support are seeing reduced demand.
Furthermore, the economic caution triggered by global uncertainties has pushed companies to prioritize future-proof roles—and AI fits that bill better than most.
The Metro Advantage
One key insight from the report is the geographic concentration of AI hiring. Major metro cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurgaon continue to lead in terms of AI/ML job creation. These cities host tech giants, R&D hubs, and unicorn startups that are rapidly scaling their AI teams.
Interestingly, demand isn’t limited to junior roles. There's steady hiring at the senior and leadership level, indicating that organizations are investing not just in AI projects, but also in strategic oversight to guide them.
What This Means for Tech Professionals
For those in the tech space, this hiring trend carries a clear message: upskilling in AI/ML is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Whether you're a software engineer, data analyst, or IT consultant, adding AI competencies to your portfolio can dramatically increase your relevance and value in the job market. Courses, certifications, and hands-on projects in areas like TensorFlow, PyTorch, NLP, and generative models are excellent starting points.
Final Thoughts
The 25% growth in AI and ML hiring is not just a statistic—it’s a signal. A signal that the future of work in IT is intelligent, data-driven, and increasingly autonomous.
As businesses double down on AI innovation, the demand for skilled professionals will only intensify. For those willing to adapt and evolve, the opportunities in AI aren’t just rising—they’re exploding.
Are you ready to be part of the AI revolution? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates on the evolving tech job landscape.