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India's IT job market in 2026 isn't just about Bangalore and Hyderabad anymore. The sector has officially crossed $254 billion in 2025 and is racing toward $350 billion by year-end. Still, the real story is how tier-II cities are capturing 32% of planned hiring—with some posting growth rates that exceed those of traditional metros. Cities like Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Coimbatore are witnessing 25% hiring growth compared to just 10% in tier-I hubs, fundamentally changing where tech careers can be built.
What's driving this shift? Three major forces: first, AI and machine learning roles have exploded, with India now contributing 23% of global GitHub AI projects, and demand is expected to reach 1 million professionals by year-end. Second, hybrid work models have normalized to the point where you can work for a Bangalore-based company while living in Indore or Kochi, decoupling geography from opportunity. Third, government initiatives and improved digital infrastructure in smaller cities are attracting both startups and established firms looking to reduce operational costs while accessing untapped talent pools.
India is home to several cities that offer excellent opportunities for building a successful career in IT. Each city offers its own advantages in terms of job availability, emerging tech specializations, work culture, and quality of life. In this blog, we'll explore the top 10 cities for IT jobs in India, but we'll also show you how to think strategically about location choices based on your career stage, skill set, and lifestyle priorities.
Top 10 Cities for IT Jobs in India
India has many cities that are known for their strong IT presence, but the hierarchy is shifting. While Bangalore still dominates with 35.88% of all IT jobs, cities like Pune (13.64%) and Hyderabad (16.08%) are closing the gap, and entirely new players are entering the conversation. Here are the top 10 cities in India that offer the best opportunities for information technology jobs, ranked by a combination of job volume, salary potential, and growth trajectory:
1. Bangalore
Bangalore isn't just India's IT capital—it's the epicentre of the country's AI revolution. The city accounts for 35.88% of all IT jobs nationwide and hosts over 3,000 technology companies, from global giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft to virtually every major Indian IT firm, including Wipro, Infosys, and Accenture. But what sets Bangalore apart in 2026 is its dominance in emerging technologies: the city leads in AI/ML hiring, blockchain development, and cloud architecture roles that command premium salaries.
Major Companies:
Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Wipro, Infosys, Accenture, Oracle, IBM, SAP, Cisco, Adobe, Meta
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Bengaluru:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹12 LPA – ₹28 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹15 LPA – ₹35 LPA |
| AI/ML Engineer | ₹18 LPA – ₹45 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹14 LPA – ₹30 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹10 LPA – ₹22 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹11 LPA – ₹25 LPA |
2. Hyderabad
Hyderabad has quietly become India's second-largest IT hub, capturing 16.08% of all tech jobs and attracting some of the biggest names in technology. What makes Hyderabad particularly compelling in 2026 is the combination of tier-I opportunities with tier-II cost structures. Companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Apple, and Meta have established massive campuses here, not just satellite offices, which means strategic projects and leadership opportunities, not just support functions.
Major Companies:
Microsoft (largest R&D center outside the USA), Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta, TCS, Deloitte, Cognizant, Capgemini, Wipro, Infosys
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Hyderabad:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹10 LPA – ₹24 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹12 LPA – ₹28 LPA |
| Cloud Architect | ₹16 LPA – ₹35 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹11 LPA – ₹25 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹8 LPA – ₹18 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹9 LPA – ₹21 LPA |
3. Pune
Pune accounts for 13.64% of India's IT jobs and has carved out a unique identity as Western India's innovation hub, with particular strength in automotive technology, manufacturing IT, and enterprise software. The city hosts over 1,000 IT companies and benefits enormously from its proximity to Mumbai—you get access to financial services clients, venture capital networks, and business connections without Mumbai's crushing cost of living.
Major Companies:
Tech Mahindra, Microsoft, Cognizant, Persistent Systems, IBM, Accenture, Infosys, Wipro
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Pune:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹9 LPA – ₹22 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹11 LPA – ₹25 LPA |
| IoT Solutions Architect | ₹13 LPA – ₹28 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹10 LPA – ₹23 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹7 LPA – ₹16 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹8 LPA – ₹19 LPA |
4. Mumbai
Mumbai operates in a league of its own. As India's financial capital, the city has developed a specialized IT ecosystem focused on fintech, banking technology, payment systems, and regulatory technology. The job volumes aren't as high as Bangalore, but the salary ranges are consistently the highest in India, with software developers earning ₹14–32 LPA and data scientists commanding ₹16–38 LPA.
Major Companies:
Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, Accenture, plus hundreds of fintech startups and banking IT divisions
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Mumbai:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹14 LPA – ₹32 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹16 LPA – ₹38 LPA |
| Blockchain Developer | ₹18 LPA – ₹40 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹15 LPA – ₹34 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹12 LPA – ₹26 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹13 LPA – ₹29 LPA |
5. Delhi NCR (Gurugram & Noida)
The National Capital Region is North India's largest tech corridor, with notable concentrations in Gurugram's Cyber City and Noida's Sectors 62 and 135. The region hosts major operations from Google, Adobe, Microsoft, IBM, Accenture, Samsung, and American Express, offering particularly strong opportunities in enterprise software, e-commerce technology, and travel tech.
Major Companies:
Google, Adobe, Microsoft, IBM, Accenture, Samsung, HCL, Paytm, Zomato
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Delhi NCR:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹11 LPA – ₹26 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹13 LPA – ₹30 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹12 LPA – ₹28 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹9 LPA – ₹20 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹10 LPA – ₹23 LPA |
6. Chennai
Chennai has built a reputation as the best city for structured learning and career development, particularly for freshers. The IT corridor along Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) hosts companies such as Zoho, Mindtree, Cognizant, HCL Technologies, and IBM, many of which offer comprehensive training programs that can add 2-3 years of practical experience in your first year of work.
Major Companies:
Zoho (headquartered here), Mindtree, Cognizant, HCL Technologies, IBM, Accenture, TCS
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Chennai:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹8 LPA – ₹20 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹10 LPA – ₹22 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹9 LPA – ₹20 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹6 LPA – ₹14 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹7 LPA – ₹17 LPA |
7. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is one of 2026's surprise performers. The city is emerging as a serious IT hub, driven by GIFT City (India's first operational smart city), supportive state government policies, and companies looking for cost-effective alternatives to traditional metros. The city hosts growing operations from L&T Infotech, Persistent Systems, Infosys, TCS, and a thriving startup ecosystem.
Major Companies:
L&T Infotech, Persistent Systems, Infosys, TCS, Bacancy Technologies, plus a growing startup scene
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Ahmedabad:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹7 LPA – ₹18 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹8 LPA – ₹20 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹7 LPA – ₹19 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹6 LPA – ₹14 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹6 LPA – ₹16 LPA |
8. Kochi
Kochi represents Kerala's IT ambitions, with Infopark and SmartCity attracting companies like Ernst & Young, IBS Software (aviation software leader), UST Global, Wipro, Cognizant, and IBM. The city offers something increasingly rare: a genuine work-life balance without sacrificing career growth. The backwaters, beaches, and cultural richness provide a quality of life that metros struggle to match.
Major Companies:
Ernst & Young, IBS Software, UST Global, Wipro, Cognizant, IBM, Infosys
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Kochi:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹6 LPA – ₹16 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹7 LPA – ₹18 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹6 LPA – ₹17 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹5 LPA – ₹12 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹5 LPA – ₹14 LPA |
9. Chandigarh
Chandigarh is punching above its weight in 2026. This well-planned city shows strong demand for Java developers (16.7% of local tech jobs) and is among tier-II leaders in AI and machine learning roles, which is remarkable for a smaller market. The Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park and IT Park Mohali host operations from TCS, Dell, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, and Mindtree.
Major Companies:
TCS, Dell, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Mindtree, Infosys
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Chandigarh:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹7 LPA – ₹17 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹8 LPA – ₹19 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹7 LPA – ₹18 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹6 LPA – ₹13 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹6 LPA – ₹15 LPA |
10. Jaipur
Jaipur replaces Kolkata in our 2026 rankings because the data tells a compelling story: this Pink City is emerging as a genuine IT destination, particularly strong in AI/ML roles, and experiencing the kind of growth that Pune and Hyderabad saw a decade ago. The city benefits from the Rajasthan government's proactive IT policies, proximity to Delhi NCR, and significantly lower operational costs that attract both startups and established firms setting up secondary offices.
Major Companies:
Infosys, Genpact, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, Deutsche Bank, plus a growing startup ecosystem
Average Salary Range:
Here is the average salary range for some popular IT job roles in Jaipur:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (LPA) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | ₹6 LPA – ₹15 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹7 LPA – ₹18 LPA |
| DevOps Engineer | ₹6 LPA – ₹16 LPA |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | ₹5 LPA – ₹12 LPA |
| Full Stack Developer | ₹5 LPA – ₹14 LPA |
What's Different About IT Jobs in 2026
Three major shifts are reshaping where and how IT professionals work. First, AI and machine learning have moved from niche specializations to mainstream requirements, with India expected to need one million AI professionals by year-end. This isn't just data scientists—it's prompt engineers, AI ethics specialists, machine learning operations engineers, and roles that didn't exist 18 months ago. Cities investing in AI education and hosting AI-focused companies (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur) are seeing the strongest salary growth.
Second, cybersecurity has become mission-critical across all sectors. With cyber threats growing more sophisticated and regulatory requirements tightening, demand for security engineers, cloud security architects, and threat intelligence analysts is outpacing supply. Entry-level cybersecurity roles now start at ₹6-10 LPA, while experienced professionals command ₹25-40 LPA, making it one of the fastest paths to senior compensation.
Third, hybrid work has fundamentally changed the geography of opportunity. Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, and Tech Mahindra now offer permanent work-from-home options for eligible roles, and many product companies have adopted hybrid models where you're in the office 2-3 days per week. This means you can increasingly access tier-I salaries while living in tier-II cities, optimizing for both income and cost of living.
Emerging Tier-II Cities Worth Watching
Beyond the top 10, several tier-II cities are experiencing remarkable IT job growth that's actually outpacing metros. Coimbatore shows 18.7% of tech jobs focusing on Java development and strong manufacturing IT demand. Indore, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam are seeing 20-25% annual hiring growth as companies establish secondary development centres.
What makes these cities attractive? The cost arbitrage is substantial—housing costs are 60-70% lower than in Bangalore, commute times are manageable, and quality of life metrics around air quality, green spaces, and community connections tend to be better. For companies, the economics are compelling: lower real estate costs, reduced attrition rates, and access to local talent pools that don't want to relocate to metros.
For professionals, the calculus depends on career stage. If you're a fresher, spending 2-3 years in a tier-I city builds networks and accelerates learning. But mid-career professionals with established skills and remote work capabilities should seriously evaluate tier-II options, especially if wealth building and family quality of life are priorities. The salary discount is real but shrinking, while the cost-of-living advantage is significant and stable.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an IT City
Salary matters, but it's insufficient as a sole decision criterion. Here's what actually affects long-term satisfaction and success:
Career Growth Trajectory:
Look beyond current job openings to how many career paths exist in the city. Can you switch companies without switching cities? Are there mentorship communities, meetups, and learning opportunities? Cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune offer density that creates optionality; smaller cities may lock you into fewer companies.
Specialisation Match:
Some cities have genuine expertise clusters. Mumbai leads in fintech, Pune in automotive tech and manufacturing IT, Bangalore in AI/ML, and Hyderabad in cloud computing. If you're building deep expertise in a domain, being where the concentration exists accelerates your learning and creates more opportunities.
Total Economics, Not Just Salary:
A ₹15 LPA offer in Bangalore, where you spend ₹8,000/month on a small shared apartment versus ₹12 LPA in Ahmedabad, where ₹8,000/month gets you a spacious 2BHK—the purchasing power and savings potential are dramatically different. Factor in commute costs, food expenses, and whether you'll realistically save and invest.
Work-Life Balance and Health:
If you're spending 3 hours daily commuting in polluted air, that ₹5 LPA salary premium has a health cost that compounds over the years. Cities with better air quality (Chandigarh, Kochi, Pune, compared to Delhi NCR), manageable commutes (most tier-II cities), and recreational options affect both immediate happiness and long-term health outcomes.
Network Building Potential:
Being in cities with active tech communities creates compounding advantages. Regular meetups, hackathons, conferences, and informal gatherings create visibility, mentorship opportunities, and job options that don't hit job boards. Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune have the strongest communities; tier-II cities are building them, but aren't there yet.
Family Considerations:
If you have or plan to have kids, factor in school quality, healthcare infrastructure, and community safety. Metros offer more international school options but at premium costs; tier-II cities often have strong local schools at reasonable prices. Healthcare access for serious conditions still favours metros with AIIMS, Apollo, Fortis, and specialized hospitals.
Hybrid Work Policies:
Understand whether the companies you're targeting actually support remote and hybrid work. Some firms talk about flexibility but expect you in the office 4-5 days weekly; others genuinely support remote arrangements that let you live anywhere. This single factor can completely change your city's decision.
Conclusion
India's IT sector in 2026 offers unprecedented choice in where to build your career. The sector's trajectory toward $350 billion this year and $500 billion by 2030 means growth is happening across multiple geographies, not just one or two hubs. Traditional powerhouses like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune continue to dominate job volumes and salary ranges, but tier-II cities are capturing 32% of new hiring and posting growth rates that often exceed metros.
The most successful professionals in 2026 think strategically about location across their career arc. Consider spending early years in density (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune) to build networks and accelerate learning. Once you've established expertise and connections, you have optionality—stay in tier-I for continued velocity, or shift to tier-II to optimize cost of living while maintaining remote access to premium projects.
Focus your upskilling on domains seeing explosive demand: AI/ML, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and DevOps. These specializations command premium salaries across all cities and are most likely to offer remote work flexibility. Build a professional network before you need it, contribute to technical communities, and maintain visibility through blogging, open source, or speaking.
Before deciding where to build your career, audit your priorities honestly. Are you optimizing for maximum career velocity, highest current salary, long-term wealth building, family quality of life, or work-life balance? There isn't one "best" city—there's the best city for your specific career stage, skill set, family situation, and values. Use the data in this guide, but make a decision that aligns with what actually matters to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Should I prioritize tier-I cities even if tier-II offers a better cost of living?
Answer: For freshers and early-career professionals, tier-I cities (Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune) offer accelerated learning, stronger networks, and more diverse opportunities that compound over your career. Once you've built 5-7 years of experience and established skills, tier-II cities become viable—especially with hybrid work options letting you access tier-I salaries remotely. The tier-II cost advantage is real (40-60% lower living costs), but early career network building is difficult to replicate.
Q2. Which cities are leading in AI and machine learning jobs in 2026?
Answer: Bangalore dominates AI/ML hiring, contributing heavily to India's 23% share of global GitHub AI projects. Hyderabad is strong in AI applications for cloud and enterprise software. Surprisingly, tier-II cities like Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Indore are emerging as AI hiring leaders outside metros, with AI/ML roles commanding ₹18-45 LPA depending on experience.
Q3. How much salary difference should I accept to relocate from a tier-II to a tier-I city?
Answer: The economic breakeven point depends on the role and city combination. Generally, you need a 25-30% higher salary in Bangalore versus Ahmedabad or Jaipur to maintain equivalent purchasing power after accounting for housing (2.5x higher), transportation, and daily expenses. However, if the tier-I role accelerates your career trajectory or builds specialized skills worth ₹5-10 LPA more in 2-3 years, the short-term economic hit may be worth it.
Q4. Which cities offer the best opportunities for cybersecurity professionals?
Answer: All major metros have strong cybersecurity demand, but Mumbai leads in financial services security and regulatory compliance roles (₹12-26 LPA for analysts). Bangalore and Hyderabad offer the broadest range of security roles across product companies, cloud providers, and enterprise clients. Delhi NCR is strong in government and policy-related security work. Entry-level security analysts now start at ₹6-10 LPA nationwide.
Q5. Is remote work really viable for IT jobs in India in 2026?
Answer: Yes, but its role and company are dependent. Several major firms, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Tech, and Tech Mahindra, now offer permanent work-from-home options for eligible roles. Many product companies support hybrid arrangements (2-3 days in the office). However, some firms still expect 4-5 days in the office, so verify specific policies during interviews. Remote work is most viable for senior engineers, specialisedspecialized roles, and product-focused positions—less common for freshers who benefit from in-person mentorship.
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