97% of employers still hiring, 79% creating new jobs despite AI boom: Naukri

India's white-collar employment market is poised for sustained growth in the second half of 2026, with an overwhelming majority of employers planning to continue recruitment despite rapid advances in artificial intelligence.

According to Naukri's H2 2026 Hiring Outlook, based on responses from more than 540 senior HR leaders and hiring decision-makers, 97% expect hiring activity to continue between July and December 2026, including both replacement and new positions. Meanwhile, 79% anticipate the creation of entirely new jobs, signalling continued confidence in workforce expansion.

The findings indicate that businesses are largely treating AI as an enabler of growth rather than a trigger for widespread workforce reductions.

New job creation gains momentum across industries

The survey shows strong hiring optimism across major sectors, with several industries expecting significant workforce expansion over the coming months.

Among sectors anticipating fresh job creation:

• Real estate: 86%
• FMCG: 85%
• IT and technology: 83%, up from 79% in the first half of 2026
• Manufacturing: 79%
• Healthcare: 79%
• BFSI: 72%

The outlook suggests companies continue to invest in talent despite economic uncertainties and technological disruption.

The rise in optimism within the technology sector is particularly notable as organisations accelerate digital transformation initiatives and AI adoption programmes.

Business development and technology roles lead demand

The report identifies several functions expected to account for the largest share of recruitment activity in the coming months.

Key hiring areas include:

• Business development: 45% of HR leaders expect maximum hiring
• Marketing: 37%
• IT and technology: 31%

Naukri's findings suggest business development roles are likely to witness broad-based demand across industries as companies focus on revenue growth and market expansion.

Within sector-specific hiring priorities, BFSI firms are expected to recruit core finance talent, while FMCG and manufacturing organisations are likely to focus more heavily on operations-related roles. Technology companies continue to prioritise digital and technology-driven positions.

Early and mid-career talent remain in focus

Employers are expected to maintain strong demand for professionals in the early and middle stages of their careers.

According to the survey:

• 62% of HR leaders expect maximum hiring in the 0-3 years' experience category
• 57% anticipate stronger demand for professionals with 4-7 years' experience

The trend indicates organisations are balancing entry-level talent acquisition with recruitment of experienced professionals capable of taking on specialised and growth-oriented roles.

AI seen as a growth driver rather than a job threat

While concerns about AI-led job displacement continue globally, the survey points to a more measured outlook among Indian employers.

According to the report:

• 86% of HR leaders do not expect significant job losses due to AI
• More than one in five HR leaders in IT and BFSI expect AI to generate new roles within the next six months
• Emerging opportunities are expected primarily in IT, marketing and analytics

The findings suggest businesses increasingly view AI as a force reshaping jobs and skills rather than eliminating positions outright.

Skills gap remains the biggest challenge

Despite positive hiring sentiment, employers continue to face challenges in finding talent with the right capabilities.

The survey found that 31% of HR leaders identified skill alignment as the biggest hiring hurdle, making it the most commonly cited recruitment challenge.

At the same time, workforce stability appears relatively strong:

• 83% of employers expect attrition rates to remain below 15%
• 58% foresee average salary increments staying below 10%

The data indicates companies remain cautious on compensation growth while continuing to invest in talent acquisition.

Continuous learning moves to the centre of workforce strategy

Commenting on the findings, Hitesh Oberoi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Info Edge, said the emergence of new roles would make continuous skill development increasingly important for both employers and professionals.

The outlook points to a labour market that continues to expand despite technological change. As AI adoption accelerates, organisations appear focused on creating new opportunities while investing in skills that align with evolving business needs. The challenge for employers in the months ahead may be less about finding jobs to fill and more about finding workers with the capabilities required for them.