From Tier-2 Cities to International Attention: Nurses Continue to Power India’s Healthcare Rise

Delhi – In 2020, India’s nurses stepped up when the country needed them the most. Five years later, they aren’t just holding the line — they’re shaping the future of healthcare, both at home and abroad.  From the frontlines of the pandemic to the corridors of global opportunity, India’s nursing workforce has proven to be one of the most resilient and in-demand talent pools of the last five years. New data from Indeed, released on the account of World Health Day, traces a story of determination, rising ambition, and shifting healthcare dynamics. Indeed’s new data reveals a steady rise in nurse roles across India, particularly in tier-2 towns and smaller cities. At the same time, the data also reports an upward progression in interest among nursing professionals globally who are now considering India as a viable destination for their next job opportunity.

Nursing job postings in India have grown 44% since March 2020, with jobseeker interest surging 75% in the same period. The pandemic may have receded, but its imprint on the healthcare workforce and how we think about care continues to evolve.

“Nursing in India has long been a profession of quiet resilience. Now, it’s becoming a globally recognised career pathway,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India. “What the data tells us is clear: India has the potential to lead the world in supplying skilled, compassionate healthcare talent — but that future depends on how we invest in training, infrastructure, and opportunity today.”

Mobility of talent: From non-metro hubs to global stage

Smaller cities like Ulhasnagar (Maharashtra), Palwal (Haryana), Karimnagar (Telangana), and Angamali (Kerala) are emerging as unexpected hubs for nurse job openings. In Ulhasnagar alone, over 15% of all job postings are for nursing roles. These cities followed by others in Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh are now being seen as fertile ground for healthcare hiring, offering opportunities for candidates who may be looking to work closer to home or in less saturated markets, signaling a decentralisation of healthcare hiring. These towns may not feature on the usual healthcare maps, but they now post some of the highest shares of nursing job listings, suggesting an expansion of care infrastructure beyond the metros.

While domestic demand for nurses in India remains steady; reflected in a 15% year-on-year increase in job postings between March 2023 and March 2024, many jobseekers are actively exploring opportunities abroad. According to Indeed data, the share of outbound clicks from Indian users on nurse jobs abroad rose by 22.5% between February 2023 and February 2025, even as the overall click volume on such roles dipped slightly by 3%. The United States attracted the highest share of outbound interest, accounting for 39% of clicks on nurse jobs from Indian users searching abroad, followed by the UAE (16%), UK (13%), Canada (12%), and Australia (11%). Together, these five countries represent the most preferred international destinations for Indian nursing talent. Meanwhile, India continues to remain the primary focus, with 74% of total clicks on nurse roles still directed toward domestic opportunities. 

“For countries facing nursing shortages, India represents a ready and resilient talent pipeline.” added Mr. Kumar.

The platform’s data also reveals that job seekers with certain skillsets are more likely to land interviews. Proficiency in multilingual abilities and communication skills are among the top attributes listed in job descriptions. Additionally, global interest in the Indian nursing landscape is not without reason. Indian nurses are valued for their strong clinical experience, multilingual abilities, and familiarity with global healthcare protocols, particularly in critical care and post-operative recovery. These are some of the skills honed during the pandemic and in high-pressure public hospital systems. In terms of benefits, job listings commonly offer provident fund, health insurance, and even food and paid sick leave, underscoring the growing formalization of blue-collar healthcare roles.

The rise in demand also aligns with the broader emphasis on strengthening grassroots healthcare systems in India, especially in the wake of the pandemic. With public and private healthcare providers alike hiring more support staff, platforms like Indeed are becoming a key bridge between talent and opportunity.