Tech25 January 2026
India’s tech hiring intent drops; active openings seen at ~1.03 lakh in January 2026: Xpheno
A new outlook from staffing firm Xpheno suggests India’s tech job market has started 2026 on a weaker note, with active tech openings down year-on-year and demand concentrated in large hubs, while GCC hiring remains relatively resilient.
What the report says
India’s technology sector entered 2026 with reduced hiring appetite, with active tech job openings estimated at around 1,03,000 roles, reflecting a year-on-year decline, according to Xpheno’s January 2026 outlook.
Where demand is holding up (and where it isn’t)
- Demand remains heavily concentrated in major hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR.
- IT services firms continue to see pressure, with lower year-on-year demand.
- Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are cited as a relative bright spot in month-on-month demand.
The broader picture indicates a cautious start to the year for tech recruitment, especially for mid-to-senior roles.