India’s 9 Lesser-Known Cities with the Fastest-Growing Job Markets in 2026
Synopsis: India’s job market is rapidly expanding beyond the metros to smaller or lesser-known cities due to investments, GCCs and various development projects. This article mentions nine smaller cities that are now the fastest growing job markets in India.
The reshaping of the job market in India is in the form of an increase in Global Capability Center (GCC) investments, manufacturing industries and expansion in the tier-2 and 3 cities. These areas promise to save costs, provide qualified talent and improve infrastructure and it has more than 170 GCCs added each week. Such decentralization leads to inclusive growth and high-value job opportunities.
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is promising 158 MoUs with a value of ₹43,844 crore at TN Rising 2025, aiming at GCCs, aerospace, and electronics involving 100,000+ jobs. The next GCC frontier according to the CBRE-CII report is Coimbatore, where there are between 60 and 75,000 professionals working in engineering R&D. The GCC Coimbatore Summit 2025 commended its two-engine development in technology and manufacturing through CII programs. Coimbatore has the advantage of being the manufacturing-tech hub of South India boasting of the strong engineering colleges and airport expansions.
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
In February 2025, Eisai Pharma announced plans to establish a Global Capability Center (GCC) in Visakhapatnam, aimed at strengthening its digital healthcare and technology innovation capabilities. ANSR has signed an MoU with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to build a GCC innovation campus in the Madhurawada IT Cluster, expected to create over 10,000 high-skill jobs over the next five years. The state’s supportive policies and expanding infrastructure are enhancing Visakhapatnam’s appeal as a seaside business and technology hub, with port-based logistics and ongoing urban development boosting commercial real estate and workforce growth.
Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, Gujarat
GIFT City aims to attract 200–250 Global Capability Centers (GCCs) by 2030 through incentives such as CAPEX/OPEX support and skill development programs. By the end of 2025, Technip Energies expanded its workforce to 400 employees and undertook advanced AI and platform infrastructure projects. According to Zinnov, Ahmedabad ranks among the top tier-2 cities for GCC readiness, particularly in fintech and technology-enabled services. GIFT City is positioning the corridor as India’s leading IFSC for finance, AI, and data analytics, leveraging strong university talent and policy support to attract global banks and increase commercial leasing
Also read: India’s 7 Fastest-Growing IT Corridors Emerging as the Next Tech Hotspots in 2026
Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Rajasthan Cabinet approved GCC Policy 2025, which aimed at setting up 200 GCCs across the state mostly in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur making the state a global innovation and investment hub by 2030. This will create 1.5 lakhs job opportunities in these regions. Jaipur offers diverse job opportunities, especially in IT/Software, Tourism/Hospitality, Banking/Finance, and Healthcare.
Kochi, Kerala
Kochi is a leading hub for IT/ITES, shipping, and tourism, bolstered by projects like Infopark and SmartCity. Infopark Phase 3 is an AI-managed city that opens in India as the first GCCs of the next generation. Infopark Phase 3 complements Kerala’s broader digital roadmap, alongside initiatives like the fourth phase of Infopark — which aims to attract ₹3,000 crore in investment and create 50,000 jobs.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
GCC Policy 2025 ratifies 5 hubs, ₹1,000 crores investment and 50,000 jobs in regions. Odisha was the GCC hot spot in the spotlight of TiECon Bhubaneswar 2025. Conforms to IT Policy 2025 of semiconductors/AI through IIT linkages. Bhubaneswar develops through electronic clusters and low cost of living. Balanced development focuses on digital and healthcare positions.
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Indore is set to become Madhya Pradesh’s leading IT hub, with the government planning five IT parks by 2026, including new complexes in Ujjain and Rewa, aiming to create over 25,000 tech jobs by attracting investment in IT, Electronics System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM), and chip manufacturing.
Chandigarh-Mohali-Panchkula (Tricity)
The Chandigarh–Mohali–Panchkula (Tricity) region is attracting biotech and IT Global Capability Centres by leveraging strong engineering talent from Punjab and Haryana. The Tricity has already attracted major players such as Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Teleperformance, EXO Edge, eClerx and Everise, alongside a thriving SaaS, fintech and health-tech startup ecosystem creating massive job opportunities.
Nagpur, Maharashtra
In 2026, Nagpur is moving towards becoming India’s Next Tech Capital, driven by the massive MIHAN (Multimodal International Hub Airport at Nagpur) project. The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) within MIHAN has become a magnet for the world’s most recognizable IT brands like TCS, Infosys, and HCL. The Samruddhi Mahamarg, 701-km expressway has slashed travel time to Mumbai to just 8 hours improving connectivity in the area.
Conclusion
The recent developments, expansion of industries and government-led initiatives are increasing job opportunities in smaller cities making them talent hotspots. Many industries like banking and finance, IT, pharmaceuticals and healthcare are expanding to tier-2 and 3 cities attracting professionals to seek career growth outside metros.
Written by Aditee Das
