India’s economic pulse is beating strongest in its mid-sized cities, where Tier-2 and Tier-3 areas now host 70 percent of jobs, according to a fresh Quess Corp report. Tier-3 cities spearhead with 40 percent, Tier-2 adds 29 percent, while metros lag at 31 percent.
In these vibrant locales, BFSI and manufacturing absorb over 45 percent of Tier-3 talent, with retail at 33 percent, painting a picture of diversified opportunity.
Standouts like Coimbatore, Indore, Surat, Vadodara, Noida, and Lucknow owe their rise to heightened consumption and industrial corridors, redefining labor dynamics.
‘Jobs are spilling over from metros due to retail growth, manufacturing initiatives, and service devolution,’ observed Quess Corp CEO Lohit Bhatia.
Retail, BFSI, manufacturing, telecom, FMCG, and logistics sectors fuel the bulk, offering roles in store ops, sales, factory management, and logistics—evidence of formal jobs proliferating.
The 483,000-employee study shows 64 percent under 30 and 55 percent with less than a year’s tenure, indicative of agile, demand-driven hiring.
Over 26,000 UANs in H1 FY2026 have onboarded informal workers to benefits like PF and ESI. With workforce shifting to non-metros, India’s social safety net is widening, fostering inclusive prosperity.