Applicants per job double in India, intensifying job search pressure: LinkedIn

India’s job market is becoming markedly more competitive, with the number of applicants per open role more than doubling since early 2022, deepening pressure on professionals seeking new opportunities, according to new research released by LinkedIn.

The findings show that 84% of professionals in India feel unprepared to find a new job in 2026, even as 72% say they are actively looking for a new role in the coming year. At the same time, 76% report that job hunting has become tougher, citing intense competition, uncertainty over role fit and widening skills gaps.

The tightening market is being shaped by rapid changes in hiring practices. LinkedIn’s research indicates that while 87% of professionals are comfortable using AI at work, many remain unclear about how it is applied in recruitment. More than three-quarters said hiring processes now involve too many stages, while two-thirds described them as increasingly impersonal, compounding frustration caused by slow recruiter response times and limited feedback.

Despite these concerns, AI is emerging as a key support tool for job seekers. Ninety-four per cent of Indian professionals plan to use AI in their job search, and 66% say it boosts their confidence ahead of interviews, signalling a shift in how candidates prepare and position themselves.

The strain is evident across generations. LinkedIn’s data shows that 32% of Gen X professionals are considering moving into new functions, while an equal share of Gen Z job seekers are exploring roles outside their current industries. Entrepreneurship is also gaining traction, with “founder” among the fastest-growing titles on the platform.

Recruiters are facing parallel challenges. Nearly 74% of Indian recruiters say it has become harder over the past year to find qualified talent, underscoring a growing mismatch between available roles and job-ready skills.

“AI is now a foundational part of how careers are built and how talent is evaluated across India’s job market,” said Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn career expert and senior managing editor, LinkedIn India News. She added that professionals need greater clarity on how their skills translate into opportunities and how hiring decisions are made, noting that AI tools can help narrow that gap when used with intent.

To help professionals navigate the shifting landscape, LinkedIn’s India Jobs on the Rise report highlights the fastest-growing roles over the past three years. The list is led by Prompt Engineer, AI Engineer and Software Engineer, reflecting sustained demand for technology and AI capabilities. Growth is also visible across sales, brand strategy, cybersecurity and advisory roles, alongside emerging demand for roles such as Veterinarian, Solar Consultant and Behavioural Therapist.

As competition intensifies and hiring becomes more selective, the research suggests that adaptability, continuous skill development and informed use of AI tools will play a critical role in how Indian professionals position themselves in the run-up to 2026.