India is no longer just a story of metros.
As the country races forward into its next decade of economic transformation, a powerful shift is taking place—from traditional urban centers to a new generation of cities that are building the future. These emerging hubs are smaller in population, but not in ambition. They’re investing in infrastructure, attracting top talent, and rapidly becoming magnets for innovation and opportunity.
In 2025, India’s growth is increasingly state-led and city-powered. State governments are rolling out ambitious development projects, fostering regional industries, and creating a favourable climate for business. As a result, professionals are no longer tethered to Delhi, Bengaluru, or Mumbai. Instead, cities like Raipur, Nashik, Madurai, and Ranchi are stepping into the spotlight, with growing job markets, stronger connectivity, and a better quality of life.
LinkedIn’s 2025 Cities on the Rise
To capture this shift, LinkedIn has launched its first Cities on the Rise in India list—a ranking of 10 cities where jobs, hiring, and professional migration are rising fastest.
This isn’t about size—it’s about momentum. These cities have been selected based on exclusive LinkedIn data analyzing growth in hiring activity, job postings, and migration patterns between March 2023 and February 2025. Cities with over 1 million LinkedIn members were excluded to shine a light on smaller and mid-sized cities reshaping the country’s economic map.
Let’s explore the 10 cities fueling India’s next wave of growth:
The 10 Cities on the Rise in 2025
1. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Once a quiet coastal city, Vizag is now emerging as a national technology and manufacturing hub. Backed by government investments in infrastructure and a wave of IT and pharmaceutical companies, the city is becoming a strategic industrial base.
Top Employers: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Miracle Software Systems, Laurus Labs
2. Ranchi, Jharkhand
The capital of Jharkhand is undergoing a transformation. With smart city projects, new hospitality and retail investments, and premier B-schools like IIM Ranchi and XISS, Ranchi is cultivating both talent and opportunity.
Top Employers: Reliance Retail, Concentrix, Tata Steel
3. Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Known for its cultural heritage, Vijayawada is now making waves with infrastructure upgrades and increased IT investments. The upcoming metro and airport expansions are expected to supercharge its economic momentum.
Top Employers: HCLTech, TCS, Infosys
4. Nashik, Maharashtra
Often dubbed the wine capital of India, Nashik is now diversifying into data, IT, and advanced manufacturing. With a real-estate boom and strong industrial backbone, it’s becoming a preferred destination for professionals and investors alike.
Top Employers: WNS, Datamatics, ESDS Software
5. Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Raipur is one of India’s most ambitious cities in terms of future potential. It’s investing heavily in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and pharma. The upcoming ‘Naya Raipur’ project has attracted investment proposals worth over ₹4.5 lakh crore.
Top Employers: Jindal Steel & Power, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank
6. Rajkot, Gujarat
With a strong entrepreneurial culture, Rajkot is also embracing green urban development through sponge cities, eco-schools, and heat buffers. MSMEs, better road networks, and a culture of innovation make it a regional powerhouse.
Top Employers: Reliance Industries, Nayara Energy, Nirma Limited
7. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Far more than a historic city, Agra is being reimagined through the New Agra development—12,000 hectares of planned industrial clusters worth over ₹1,000 crore. The result? A booming job market in manufacturing and power.
Top Employers: Torrent Power, HDFC Bank, TP
8. Madurai, Tamil Nadu
The “Temple City” is embracing a high-tech future. With new infrastructure and an influx of IT and agritech companies, Madurai is becoming a strategic base for companies looking to expand across southern India.
Top Employers: HCLTech, Bull IT Services, Neeyamo
9. Vadodara, Gujarat
Vadodara is rising fast, powered by large-scale investments in urban development. Key sectors like healthcare, transport, and housing are seeing major expansion, reinforcing their reputation as Gujarat’s cultural and economic jewels.
Top Employers: Alembic Pharma, L&T Technology Services, Sun Pharma
10. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Affordable, vibrant, and increasingly well-connected, Jodhpur is drawing in startups, professionals, and remote workers. With companies like Genpact setting up shop, and decentralised employment gaining ground, it’s on the cusp of an economic leap.
Top Employers: ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Ultratech Cement
These rankings are powered by exclusive LinkedIn data, reflecting anonymized and aggregated insights from millions of Indian professionals. Cities were selected based on year-over-year growth in hiring, job postings, and professional migration between March 2023 and February 2025, with eligibility limited to those under 1 million LinkedIn members and ranking in the top 50% across all indicators. Together, this data paints a clear picture: India’s economic growth is no longer confined to major metros. Opportunity is decentralizing, and a new wave of dynamic, mid-sized cities is emerging as the next frontier for talent, investment, and innovation.
