Archive · 25 Aug 2026
India's HR Leaders See Strong H2 Hiring, Fresh Job Creation
A survey asked more than 540 Indian HR leaders about hiring in the second half of 2026.
Most said companies will keep hiring between July and December.
Many also expect businesses to create brand-new jobs, not just replace workers who leave.
Real estate, FMCG, and technology companies were especially hopeful about new positions.
Business development, marketing, and IT are expected to have the most hiring.
People early in their careers may also find many opportunities.
Most HR leaders do not expect artificial intelligence to cause major job losses.
Some believe AI will create new jobs in technology, marketing, and analytics.
Finding people with the right skills remains a major challenge, while most salary increases are expected to stay below 10%.
Ninety-seven per cent of HR leaders expect hiring to continue from July through December 2026.
Seventy-nine per cent anticipate companies will create entirely new roles, rather than only replace departing employees.
Real estate, FMCG, and IT/Tech show the strongest expectations for fresh job creation.
Business development, marketing, and IT are expected to attract the most hiring, at 45%, 37%, and 31%.
Fifty-eight per cent expect salary increases below 10%, while 28% forecast increases of 10–15%.
- Who
- More than 540 senior Indian HR leaders and hiring decision-makers surveyed by Naukri.
- What
- A hiring outlook forecasting continued recruitment, fresh job creation, AI-related roles, and mostly moderate salary increases.
- When
- July through December 2026; the report was released on Tuesday.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Employers expect continued hiring and new roles while adapting to AI and addressing mismatches between worker skills and job requirements.
- Survey sample
- More than 540 senior HR leaders and hiring decision-makers responded to Naukri’s H2 2026 Hiring Outlook.
- Expected hiring continuation
- 97% expect hiring, including new and replacement positions, to continue from July through December.
- Fresh job creation
- 79% expect hiring for entirely new roles.
- Leading sectors
- Real estate leads expectations for new jobs at 86%, followed by FMCG at 85% and IT/Tech at 83%.
- AI impact
- 86% do not expect significant job losses due to AI; more than 20% of IT and BFSI HR leaders expect AI-created roles within six months.
- Top hiring functions
- Business development, marketing, and IT lead expected recruitment at 45%, 37%, and 31%, respectively.
- Salary outlook
- 58% expect average increments below 10%, while 28% foresee increases of 10–15%.
