New Delhi: The overall hiring intent in India for 2026 is at 11 percent, an increase from 9.75 percent in 2025, indicating a noticeable improvement in employment sentiment, according to a report released on Tuesday. This rise signifies a shift from cautious replacement hiring to active workforce growth by Indian companies. The banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector leads the optimism with a hiring sentiment of 20 percent, followed by core industries such as metal and mining, power, utilities, steel, and cement at 12 percent, as reported by Taggd in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The current year is becoming recognized as one focused on experienced professionals, with companies placing greater emphasis on mid- and senior-level talent. Individuals with 6–15 years of experience are expected to represent 55 percent of total hires, up from 39 percent last year, reflecting India’s increasing focus on leadership depth and execution agility. The hiring intent for candidates with 6–10 years of experience is projected to rise to 28 percent (up from 26 percent), while those with 11–15 years and over 15 years are anticipated to increase to 15 percent and 12 percent, respectively, compared to 9 percent and 4 percent noted last year.
Meanwhile, early-career professionals (0–5 years) will continue to find opportunities, making up 45 percent of projected hires, indicating a consistent demand for young talent. Tier-2 cities are enhancing their presence in India’s employment market, accounting for 32 percent of projected jobs in 2026, as organizations, particularly GCCs, seek new regional talent hubs for cost efficiency and emerging skill sets, the report highlights. Tier-1 cities account for 53 percent, while tier-3 locations show early signs of inclusion at 15 percent, indicating a gradual democratization of India’s job market beyond major metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. “As India approaches 2026, the job market is displaying evident signs of revival.
Following a year of subdued single-digit growth, hiring intent has surged back to double digits at 11 percent, up from 9.75 percent last year. This rebound signifies a transition from recovery to reinvention, driven by digital acceleration, formalization, and regional expansion,” stated Devashish Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO of Taggd. Additionally, the report estimates India’s AI talent pool at 23.5 lakh professionals, growing at 55 percent year-on-year. Employers are seeking candidates proficient in technologies such as GenAI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, along with digital and data specialists, AI/ML engineers, solutions architects, and sustainability experts. Essential skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, cognitive abilities, collaboration, management, engagement, self-efficacy, and ethics continue to be crucial, the report notes.