Indian HR leaders upbeat on job creation in second half of 2026

An overwhelming majority of Indian HR leaders anticipate continued hiring through the second half of 2026, with 97 per cent forecasting ongoing recruitment for both new and replacement positions. Among these, 79 per cent specifically predict new job creation, indicating robust labour market conditions across the economy.

Real estate emerges as the most optimistic sector, with 86 per cent of HR leaders in the industry expecting to create new positions. The FMCG sector follows closely at 85 per cent, while information technology has gained considerable momentum with 83 per cent of IT executives anticipating hiring growth, up from 79 per cent in the first half of the year.

Business Development roles are expected to see the highest hiring activity, with 45 per cent of HR leaders prioritising these positions, followed by Marketing at 37 per cent and IT roles at 31 per cent. The survey findings suggest strong demand for talent across core business functions as Indian organisations expand operations and navigate competitive market dynamics.

The Naukri H2 2026 Hiring Outlook surveyed more than 540 senior HR leaders and hiring decision-makers spanning multiple sectors, providing a comprehensive snapshot of recruitment intentions across the Indian corporate landscape.