Info Edge (India) Limited has released its Naukri JobSpeak Index Report for December 2025, revealing significant growth in white-collar hiring across India. The report shows a 13.00% increase in overall hiring, with fresher recruitment demonstrating even stronger momentum at 18.00% growth.

Sector-Wise Performance Analysis

The hiring surge was primarily driven by non-IT sectors, which demonstrated robust growth across multiple industries. Insurance sector led the growth with a remarkable 34.00% increase, followed by hospitality at 29.00%. The technology services sector also showed strong performance, with BPO/ITES recording 24.00% growth.

Experience-Based Hiring Trends

The report reveals strong hiring activity across different experience levels, with particular strength at both entry-level and senior positions. Freshers with 0-3 years of experience saw the highest growth at 18.00%, largely driven by demand from non-IT sectors such as hospitality and insurance.

Emerging Technology Segments

Newer tech-driven segments displayed exceptional performance, with AI/ML hiring surging by 53.00%. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) also posted positive growth at 6.00%, indicating continued expansion in this segment.

Geographic Performance

Regional hiring patterns showed varied growth across different cities. Kolkata emerged as a standout performer with 13.00% overall growth and a notable 73.00% increase in GCC hiring. Non-metro cities like Kochi and Jaipur became fresher hiring hotspots, recording 27.00% and 21.00% growth respectively.

Market Commentary

According to Pawan Goyal, Chief Business Officer at Naukri, the consistent strength in non-tech sectors represents a well-entrenched shift in the job market. "The consistent strength in non-tech sectors through the year-culminating in the strongest quarter at 9.00% in OND-shows this shift is now well entrenched," Goyal stated. He also highlighted the positive trend of these sectors opening more entry-level opportunities for freshers entering 2026.

The October-December period emerged as the year's strongest quarter with 9.00% employment growth in corporate India, demonstrating sustained momentum in the job market.

Info Edge announced that its Board of Directors has approved a strategic restructuring involving the transfer of its entire stake in Agstack Technologies Private Limited (Gramophone) to Akshamaala Solutions Private Limited (Unnati). The decision was taken at a board meeting held on January 3, 2026, following recommendations from the Audit Committee.

Transaction Structure and Financial Details

The comprehensive deal involves Startup Investments (Holding) Limited (SIHL), Info Edge's wholly-owned subsidiary, transferring its complete shareholding in Gramophone to Unnati through a share exchange mechanism combined with fresh investment.

Gramophone's Financial Performance

Gramophone has been contributing to Info Edge's portfolio in the agricultural technology sector. The company's financial metrics demonstrate its position within the investment ecosystem.

*Percentages calculated on standalone basis as of March 31, 2025

Unnati's Business Profile and Financial Overview

Unnati operates as a fintech-based agricultural platform focused on digital agri distribution, aggregation, and financing services. Incorporated on October 8, 2010, the company aims to minimize farming risks while ensuring transparency in agricultural business operations.

Strategic Implications and Timeline

The transaction represents Info Edge's continued focus on value creation through strategic portfolio management. SIHL's investment in Unnati aligns with the company's medium to long-term investment strategy in agricultural technology and fintech sectors.

Corporate Governance and Future Structure

The transaction has been structured as an arm's length deal, with Unnati not being a related party to Info Edge. The company's promoter group has no interest in the acquired entity, maintaining transparency in the investment decision.

Upon completion of the definitive agreements, Gramophone will cease to be a subsidiary of SIHL. However, Unnati will become SIHL's associate company until the merger completion, provided SIHL continues to hold more than 20% stake. The shareholding will subsequently dilute to 18.48% once all Gramophone shareholders become part of Unnati following the merger.