India’s tech talent isn’t just in the metros anymore. As companies look beyond Bengaluru and Hyderabad for cost-effective growth, Tier-2 cities are stepping into the spotlight. With solid infrastructure, skilled graduates, and improving digital ecosystems, these cities are now driving a quiet but powerful shift in how and where tech hiring happens.
If you’re looking to build or grow your tech career outside crowded metros, these 10 cities are fast becoming the places to watch.
1. Kochi, Kerala – A Coastal City with Growing IT Parks and Cloud Hiring
Kochi’s transformation from a port town to a tech hub is powered by Infopark, one of Kerala’s most successful IT campuses. With companies in cloud services, fintech, and customer support setting up here, Kochi is becoming a top destination for skilled professionals seeking better quality of life along with solid job opportunities.
Top Roles: Software development, cloud support, customer success
2. Indore, Madhya Pradesh – A Smart City Gaining Ground in App and Backend Development
Indore combines strong cleanliness rankings with a rising startup ecosystem. Crystal IT Park and government initiatives have made it a hub for app development and backend tech roles. With more companies looking to build remote and hybrid teams, Indore is becoming a logical choice in central India.
Top Roles: Backend developers, QA testers, app engineers
3. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu – An Engineering City Now Embracing IT Services and Automation
Coimbatore has long been known for manufacturing and textiles, but today it’s expanding into software services and SaaS. The city’s engineering colleges and growing number of automation-focused companies are making it a magnet for skilled tech workers.
Top Roles: IT services, embedded systems, automation support
4. Bhubaneswar, Odisha – A Government-Backed Hub for AI and Data Roles
With smart city infrastructure, tech parks, and institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar, this city is becoming a strong contender in AI and data hiring. State-backed innovation programs are also helping Bhubaneswar emerge as a center for civic tech and public data systems.
Top Roles: Data science, AI research, civic tech projects
5. Nagpur, Maharashtra – A Central Logistics and IT Hub with National Connectivity
Nagpur’s position at the heart of India makes it ideal for companies needing national reach. The Mihan SEZ is attracting IT and logistics tech firms looking for affordable, scalable locations. With improving infrastructure and fast train and flight links, it’s becoming a strategic hiring base.
Top Roles: Full-stack development, logistics platforms, tech support
6. Jaipur, Rajasthan – A Rising City for Web, SaaS, and Startup Growth
The Pink City is quietly becoming a tech city, with a growing number of edtech, health tech, and SaaS startups. Multiple IT parks and startup incubators are helping Jaipur draw fresh talent from across Rajasthan and beyond.
Top Roles: Web developers, UI/UX designers, SaaS engineers
7. Trivandrum, Kerala – One of India’s Largest IT Parks Powering Product Teams
Home to Technopark, Trivandrum has long supported IT services but is now expanding into product engineering and DevOps. With companies offering long-term roles and government contracts, the city is ideal for those seeking stability and technical depth.
Top Roles: DevOps, full-stack development, enterprise IT
8. Chandigarh (Tri-City) – A Northern Base for Cloud, Health Tech, and Hybrid Teams
The Chandigarh-Mohali-Panchkula region is seeing steady growth in cloud startups, health tech firms, and hybrid work models. Thanks to its well-planned layout and educated workforce, it offers a professional environment outside the chaos of Delhi.
Top Roles: Cloud support, mobile apps, platform integration
9. Surat, Gujarat – A Business-Friendly City Moving into Digital Services and ERP
Known for its textile and diamond industries, Surat is now pushing digital transformation for local businesses. ERP developers, digital marketers, and tech support teams are in demand as SMEs adopt more tech tools.
Top Roles: ERP integration, digital marketing tech, e-commerce backend
10. Mysuru, Karnataka – A Peaceful Alternative to Bengaluru for Regional Tech Hiring
Mysuru offers many of Bengaluru’s advantages access to tech talent, government IT projects, and startup interest, without the high costs and traffic. It’s especially attractive for public sector tech work and companies serving Karnataka’s regional needs.
Top Roles: Software testing, IT support, public sector digital projects
Summary: 10 Fast-Growing Tier-2 Cities Where Tech Hiring Is Quietly Surging
| City | Strengths | Common Tech Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi | Infopark, skilled talent, coastal living | Cloud services, backend dev |
| Indore | Smart city, clean and connected | QA, app dev, remote tech teams |
| Coimbatore | Strong engineering base | Automation, SaaS support |
| Bhubaneswar | IIT presence, civic tech growth | Data science, AI, public tech |
| Nagpur | Central location, Mihan SEZ | Full-stack, logistics systems |
| Jaipur | Growing startup culture | Web dev, UI/UX, SaaS |
| Trivandrum | Technopark, long-term roles | DevOps, product engineering |
| Chandigarh | Tri-city region, cloud focus | Mobile, cloud, health tech |
| Surat | SME digital push | ERP, backend, digital ops |
| Mysuru | Near Bengaluru, regional projects | Testing, IT support |
The shift is real, tech hiring is no longer dominated by just the metros. If you’re ready to move to a city that offers more space, better work-life balance, and rising job opportunities, these Tier-2 hotspots might be the right move. Whether you’re starting your career or building a team, keep an eye on these quiet but growing tech powerhouses.
