India's Tech Hiring Hits Near Five-Year Low in 2026: Xpheno Report

• India's tech hiring outlook for January 2026 is at a near five-year low, with only 103,000 active job openings.
• Active tech hiring has plummeted nearly 60% from its early 2022 peak, marking the second-lowest demand in five years.
• IT services firms show stagnant demand, down 18% year-on-year, while Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are a bright spot with a 7% rise.
• Entry-level hiring saw an 8% increase, but mid-senior and senior roles continue to contract.
• Hiring in major metros fell 50% YoY, while Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities recorded a 30% rise in tech job openings.

Why It Matters: India's tech hiring faces a challenging 2026 with demand at a near five-year low, driven by global factors.