Whalesbook
India Poised for Record Hiring
Driven by strong business confidence and steady domestic demand, Indian employers are forecasting record hiring intentions for the April-June 2026 quarter. The survey shows a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 68%, a big increase indicating strong plans for growth across the country. This optimism is boosted by GST reforms and positive economic growth forecasts for 2026, along with improving trade prospects that help exports.
The Challenge of Finding Skilled Workers
ManpowerGroup India surveyed over 3,000 employers between January 1 and February 3, 2026, highlighting a "dual reality." While hiring intent is very strong, showing growing employer confidence, the difficulty finding skilled workers is worsening, making hiring harder. Eighty-two percent of organizations report they struggle to find the specific skills needed for their roles.
Top Industries and Regions for Job Growth
The Finance & Insurance sector leads with a strong outlook of 71%, a significant rise from previous periods, making India a global leader in this sector. For total job numbers, the Automotive sector expects the biggest growth, followed closely by IT and IT services. However, the Hospitality sector shows the most caution, with a much lower hiring outlook.
AI's Growing Role in Recruitment
All four main regions across India expect to increase staff numbers. The North region is the most competitive, with a NEO of 70. Beyond hiring numbers, the survey highlights how widespread Artificial Intelligence (AI) use has become. Approximately 87% of organizations are already using AI in hiring, onboarding, or training, with learning and development noted as the area providing the best perceived results.
Future Hiring Strategies
While AI is widely used, expectations are limited; only 11% of employers feel AI fully meets their hiring and training needs. Looking ahead, Sandeep Gulati, Managing Director of ManpowerGroup India and Middle East, stated that hiring decisions will increasingly rely on AI adoption and digital transformation. He stressed that India is entering a phase where smart workforce strategy – including focused hiring, ongoing training, and AI-powered talent management – will be key to competitive advantage.