TechREPORT NOTE
India tech hiring starts 2026 weaker: Xpheno sees active openings down 24% year-on-year
India’s tech hiring pipeline has started 2026 on a softer note, with active tech job openings reportedly falling 24% year-on-year to around 1.03 lakh roles, according to staffing firm Xpheno’s January outlook.
What happened
A January 2026 outlook by staffing firm Xpheno indicates India’s active tech job openings are around 1.03 lakh, down 24% compared with the same period last year.
The report suggests a prolonged slowdown since 2025, with uneven demand across seniority bands and continued pressure on IT services hiring.
Key numbers highlighted
- Active tech job openings: about 1,03,000 roles (January 2026).
- Year-on-year change: -24%.
Why it matters
The data adds to signals that India’s tech labour market remains cautious, especially for mid-to-senior roles, even as some areas like capability centres and specific skill clusters continue to hire.