LinkedIn has released its inaugural ‘Cities on the Rise’ list for India, spotlighting ten emerging regions experiencing significant job market growth and economic expansion. This location-based ranking leverages exclusive LinkedIn data, capturing increases in hiring, job creation, and professional migration across the country. Tier 2 and 3 cities are experiencing rapid development, fueled by infrastructure improvements, enhanced connectivity, and increased company presence. From Agra to Madurai, these advancements are stimulating investments across industries and creating new job opportunities. The list identifies promising areas for professionals seeking new roles or considering relocation. Further details on the methodology and rationale behind this ranking are available. This year’s list of the 10 ‘Cities on the Rise’ in India encourages engagement using
Visakhapatnam is evolving into a key industrial and employment center, fostering a thriving technology ecosystem that attracts data and pharmaceutical giants. Government infrastructure initiatives further drive this transformation. Ranchi, Jharkhand’s capital, is becoming a preferred destination for professionals, boasting premium hospitality, retail outlets, smart city projects, and improved connectivity. Institutions like IIM Ranchi and Xavier Institute of Social Service contribute to a robust talent pipeline. Vijayawada is transitioning from its cultural heritage to an investment hub, attracting IT companies and planning metro and airport expansions. Nashik, Maharashtra’s wine capital, is broadening its economic base with data and IT firms, alongside a real-estate boom supported by automotive and defense manufacturing. Raipur is emerging as a potential technology hub, drawing companies in sectors like semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals, with the ‘Naya Raipur’ project fueling infrastructure investments. Rajkot blends entrepreneurial spirit with progressive urban planning, attracting talent through its growing MSME sector and enhanced road connectivity across Gujarat. Agra is undergoing a significant transformation with the New Agra project and planned manufacturing clusters, projected to unlock substantial job opportunities. Madurai is prioritizing modern facilities and infrastructure, attracting industry players, particularly in tech and agriculture. Vadodara is experiencing a construction boom driven by substantial investments in urban infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and transport. Jodhpur appeals to young professionals with affordable living and a strong community, with decentralized job markets, startups, and new corporate offices, like Genpact, contributing to its growth.
LinkedIn stated its ranking methodology is based on Identified cities with strong job market momentum and increasing professional migration. Job market momentum is assessed by year-over-year growth in hiring and jobs, reflecting changes in LinkedIn member profiles and job postings. Migration is measured by the year-over-year change in the inflow-outflow ratio. Cities ranked in the top 50th percentile for hiring, jobs, and migration growth rates were considered. Cities with over 1 million LinkedIn members were excluded. The analysis is based on anonymized and aggregated data from millions of Indian member profiles and job postings between March 1, 2023, and February 1, 2025. Top hiring industries and companies are determined by analyzing hiring patterns during this period.
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