Tech Hiring Set to Rise 12-15% in 2026 with 1,25,000 New Jobs: Adecco India
Adecco India forecasts 12-15% growth in tech hiring for 2026, adding 1,25,000 jobs as organizations embed AI, data engineering, and cybersecurity into core business models. The IT sector shows stabilization after 2023-24 restraint, with demand rebuilding in AI engineering, cloud transformation, and platform modernization. AI and cybersecurity roles have seen 51% demand growth with 40% of large enterprises operationalizing AI pilots, creating a 44% talent gap that has pushed median packages 18% higher than 2024 levels.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Workforce solutions provider Adecco India has projected a robust recovery in technology hiring for 2026, forecasting overall growth of 12-15% across permanent, temporary, and contractual roles. This expansion is expected to generate nearly 1,25,000 new job opportunities as organizations continue scaling their digital capabilities across various industry segments.
The projection marks a significant shift from the restrained hiring patterns observed during 2023-24, with 2026 positioned as a clear inflection point for tech recruitment. According to Adecco India's analysis, organizations are fundamentally restructuring their approach to technology talent, moving beyond treating digital capabilities as supplementary functions to embedding AI, data engineering, and cybersecurity expertise at the center of their business operations.
IT Sector Shows Signs of Stabilization
Sanketh Chengappa, Director and Business Head of Professional Staffing at Adecco India, highlighted the gradual improvement in IT and IT Services sector hiring throughout 2025. Following the cautious period of 2023-24, demand has begun rebuilding in critical areas including AI engineering, cloud transformation, cybersecurity, data platforms, and platform modernization. Campus recruitment has also shown improvement as companies have restarted structured early-career programs.
| Key Recovery Indicators | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiring Growth Forecast | 12-15% in 2026 |
| New Job Additions | 1,25,000 positions |
| Talent Gap | 44% in 2025 |
| Package Increase | 18% higher than 2024 |
This gradual uptick indicates a sector transitioning from restraint to renewal, establishing the foundation for a more decisive recovery in 2026 as the talent gap continues to widen.
Surge in AI and Cybersecurity Demand
The demand landscape has fundamentally transformed, with AI, data, and cybersecurity roles shifting from experimental and discretionary positions to core organizational requirements. These specialized roles have experienced remarkable 51% demand growth, reflecting the strategic importance organizations now place on these capabilities.
A significant milestone in enterprise adoption shows that 40% of large enterprises have successfully operationalized generative AI pilots, moving beyond experimental phases to practical implementation. Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have elevated cybersecurity to board-level priority status, while non-tech sectors have accelerated automation initiatives and are building cross-functional tech teams at scale.
Market Dynamics and Talent Challenges
The current market conditions reveal a substantial talent shortage, with the talent gap soaring to 44% in 2025. This scarcity has created intense competition among employers, resulting in median compensation packages increasing by 18% compared to 2024 levels.
| Sector Contribution | Percentage |
|---|---|
| BFSI, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics | 38% of tech-driven hiring |
| AI Role Talent Deficit | 45% |
| Enterprises with AI Pilots | 40% |
As 2026 progresses, enterprises across categories are expected to scale hiring for niche roles as they transition from controlled pilots to full deployment phases. The challenge has shifted from demand creation to talent availability, with workforce readiness becoming the determining factor for the pace of digital transformation.
Industry Sector Leadership
Sectors including BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics are spearheading this transformation, collectively accounting for nearly 38% of tech-driven hiring initiatives. These industries are actively building comprehensive technology capabilities to support their digital transformation objectives.
The insights and projections are derived from comprehensive data collected from over 100 Adecco clients, supplemented with credible market research sources, providing a robust foundation for the hiring forecast. With a 45% talent deficit already visible in AI, cybersecurity, and data engineering roles, the market is entering a critical phase where talent availability will determine organizational success in digital transformation initiatives.
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