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India's Gig Economy Shifts to High-Skill Roles, Tier-2 Cities Lead Growth

India's gig hiring is transforming from a volume-based model to a capability-led ecosystem focused on high-skill roles. Demand is accelerating for enterprise-led hiring, particularly in AI-driven and senior positions where agility is key. Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore, Vadodara, Kochi, and Indore are emerging as the strongest growth engines, with their share of gig hiring projected to rise sharply. The growth is driven by IT services, analytics, manufacturing, and remote tech gigs, with a broader acceptance of hybrid work models.

Key Points: India's Gig Hiring Shifts to High-Skill, Tier-2 Cities: Report

  • High-skill gig roles in AI & senior talent rising
  • Tier-2 cities are strongest growth engine
  • Project-based hiring becoming mainstream
  • Remote & hybrid models widely accepted
2 min read

India's gig hiring shifts to high-skill roles, tier-2 cities emerge as growth engines: Report

India's gig economy is evolving with high-skill remote roles and Tier-2 cities like Coimbatore and Indore becoming major talent hubs, says new report.

"Large organisations are increasingly using gig hiring to solve for specialised skill gaps, particularly in AI-driven and senior roles where agility is critical - Anupama Bhimrajka, foundit"

New Delhi, April 15

India's gig hiring landscape evolves from a volume‑led opportunity into a capability‑led ecosystem, with demand shifting toward enterprise‑led hiring, Tier‑2 talent hubs and high‑skill remote roles, a report said on Wednesday.

The report from foundit talent platform said the broader monthly hiring market moderated in March, with the overall index down 5 per cent month‑on‑month and largely stable on YoY basis up 1 per cent.

White‑collar gig jobs grew from 6.8 million in FY25 to 8.23 million in FY26 and are projected to cross approximately 10.2 million by FY27, while project-based hiring is steadily becoming a mainstream model.

"Large organisations are increasingly using gig hiring to solve for specialised skill gaps, particularly in AI-driven and senior roles where agility is critical," said Anupama Bhimrajka, VP - Marketing, foundit.

She highlighted the rise of Tier-2 talent markets and the growing acceptance of remote and hybrid models, fundamentally changing how companies think about workforce access.

The report added that enterprises other than startups, are increasingly using gig hiring to fill specialised skill gaps in AI‑driven and senior roles.

Growth is shifting toward AI-led roles, senior talent, and Tier-2 cities, with demand accelerating in high-skill, high-impact segments. India's gig ecosystem is also becoming more distributed, with emerging hubs outside metros contributing an increasing share of the talent pool.

Tier-2 cities are emerging as the strongest growth engine for gig hiring, with their share expected to rise sharply over the next two fiscal years.

The jobs platform forecasted Tier‑2 cities' share of gig hiring to reach 38.8 per cent in FY27 up from 30.7 per cent in FY26, with Coimbatore, Vadodara, Kochi and Indore emerging as talent centres.

The rising share stems from growth in IT services, analytics, manufacturing, GCC-linked roles, digital marketing, and remote tech gigs.

Other fast-emerging markets such as Jaipur, Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, and Lucknow are also gaining traction across creative, consulting, analytics, and support roles.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The focus on high-skill roles like AI is crucial. However, I hope this shift doesn't leave behind the millions in lower-skill gig work (delivery, driving). We need parallel policies for skilling and social security for all gig workers, not just the white-collar ones.
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Vikram M
Finally, recognition for cities like Vadodara and Indore! The cost of living is lower, quality of life is better, and the talent pool is dedicated. This will reduce pressure on metros and lead to more balanced regional development. Big thumbs up! 👍
P
Priya S
As a digital marketer working remotely from Jaipur, I can confirm this trend. I get projects from Mumbai and Delhi-based firms without having to leave my hometown. It's empowering and allows me to contribute to the local economy here.
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Rohit P
Project-based hiring for senior roles is a game-changer. Companies get expertise without long-term commitment, and experienced professionals get flexibility. But the report is silent on benefits like health insurance for these high-skill gig workers. That's the next frontier.
K
Kavya N
Great to see Kochi on the list! The IT ecosystem here has been growing steadily. This shift will help retain our engineering graduates who often move out for jobs. More power to tier-2 talent hubs!

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